Tire manufacturers and dealers usually sell their products with a warranty describing the lifetime and strength of their products, and consumers have the right to expect the tires to fulfill that warranty. When a tire is defective, it may not meet its warranty or federal safety standards. If a defective tire causes an accident resulting in property damages or injuries and fatalities, a consumer has the right to take legal action against the tire's manufacturer and/or distributor.
When Manufacturers Are Responsible
More than 8,000 collisions resulting in injuries and deaths are due to tire failures, according to the federal National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some of these accidents are due to the vehicle owner's failure to maintain the tires correctly, but in many cases design or manufacturing flaws in the tires are to blame.
For example, more than 270 traffic deaths were traced to tread separation in the Bridgestone/Firestone tires mounted on Ford Explorers. Victims of tire defects such as tread separation and tire aging have the legal right to recover damages for their losses and suffering. Recoverable damages often include:
When and How to File a Legal Claim as a Tire Consumer
If you've been in a traffic accident and there is any suspicion on your part that tire failure may have been involved, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturer of distributor of the tire.
It takes a significant level of knowledge about motor vehicle accidents and tire defects to determine the cause of an accident. Rich Newsome and the other attorneys of the Newsome Law Firm have decades of combined experience representing consumers' legal claims following motor vehicle accidents.
Consult The Newsome Law Firm First
Talk to one of our attorneys as soon as possible after your accident. Contact us online today.