Tread Separation

The hazards of tire tread separation on the cars, light trucks, SUVs, vans and buses that Americans use every day are a serious problem. At the Newsome Melton Law Offices, our experienced personal injury attorneys have obtained many settlements and verdicts to compensate the innocent victims of accidents caused by tread separation, and we stand ready to help others who have suffered similarly.

Tread Separation in Steel-Belted Radial Tires

Tread separation can be thought of as a by-product of the technology that created steel-belted radial tires. These tires have a much longer life than the older bias-ply tires, and they handle better, but they do present a hazard of tread separation. The belt that runs below the tread is made of steel fibers; this belt helps to reduce the wear on the treads. However, the adhesion between the belt and the rubber tread can fail — and when it does, the rubber tread and steel belt separate.

Consequences of Tread Separation

The hazards of tread separation occur include:

• tire blowout
• loss of control of the vehicle
• possible overcorrection by the driver
• collision with another vehicle, stationary object, or pedestrian
• rollover, especially in high-center-of-gravity vehicles such as some SUVS and trucks
• severe injuries (including spinal cord and brain damage) and fatalities

Tire Industry Knew of Hazards

Records kept by the tire industry have shown that tread belt separation is the most common type of failure in steel-belted radial tires. Essentially all of the tire manufacturers have noted tread separation problems in their products, including the major tire companies:

• Firestone
• General
• Cooper
• Goodyear
• Uniroyal-Goodrich
• Michelin
• Continental

The reason for a tread separation may be traced to the design of the tire, or to poor manufacturing practices. Tire manufacturers may be held accountable for injuries suffered as a result of tire defects like tread separation.

Contact The Newsome Melton Law Firm in Orlando

If you've been in an accident caused by tread separation, contact our offices to arrange a consultation. We look forward to helping you.