Connecticut Defective Tires Attorneys
Car Accidents Caused by Tire Defects
When an auto part fails, it might not be much of a problem, or it can be an immediate crisis, such as when a tire fails. Your car depends entirely on its tires to stay safely on the ground and keep you in control of your vehicle. If a defect caused your tire to burst and you to crash, then you might be owed significant compensation from the tire manufacturer.
Carter Mario Law Firm in Connecticut can help you explore your legal options after a tire-related accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that about one-third of all vehicle-caused accidents are due to tire defects, which means there are thousands of such accidents each year. But your case will not be viewed as “just another” tire defect lawsuit. We will treat it with individuality and give you our full attention because you and your case deserve it.
Discover the Carter Mario Difference for yourself. Dial (203) 529-7654 and ask about our 8-Point Guarantee!
Tire Blowouts & Tread Separation
Tire defects usually occur in one of two ways:
- Tire blowouts: If a tire is made with imperfections or becomes damaged, then it might suffer a tire blowout. This occurs when the air pressure inside the tire is suddenly lost, such as due to a puncture or tear. The instant change in tire pressure causes an explosion, sending bits of the tire in all directions. If a tire blowout occurs while the vehicle is in motion, then the driver might be at a high risk of getting into a car accident, including a single-vehicle accident.
- Tread separation: In a steel-belted tire, the rubber treads are connected to the tire’s casing. Tread separation or de-treading occurs when a defect in the tire’s manufacturing causes the tread to come loose from this casing, which will cause the tire to fall apart or become dramatically wobbly. Just as in a tire blowout, tread separation that happens while the vehicle is in motion has a high chance of causing the driver to crash.
Were Your Tires Recalled?
One issue that makes tire defects even more dangerous is how tire companies, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and the Department of Transportation handle defective tire recalls. There is no reliable system in place to announce, track, and handle recalls of tires. Even when individual tires have manufacturer serial numbers, it can be next to impossible to find that serial number in a convenient manner and know if your tire should be brought back to the dealership.
Additionally, recall notifications are not sent to vehicle owners in a reliable manner, either. Tire companies and automakers are not obligated to use the most efficient forms of mail or even an email list to tell consumers that there might be an issue with their tires. As such, many people drive on defective tires for miles and miles but do not know something is wrong until the tires cause a wreck.
How can you know if your tire needs replacement?
- During your annual or bi-annual vehicle inspection, ask your trusted mechanic to check the condition of your tires.
- Replace a tire as soon as possible after damage to it has been identified. Do not drive for long on a tire that has been patched.
- Plan on replacing your tires once every five years, regardless of what condition they appear to be in.
- Immediately replace a tire that appears “bald” because the treads are so shallow. The deeper the tread, the better the traction the tire provides.
What to Do After a Tire Blowout or De-Tread
If you have been in a crash caused by a defective tire, then you should arrange to have that tire saved and brought into your possession again. If your car is towed from the scene of a crash, be sure to instruct the towing company to not discard the tire because you will need it for a future product liability lawsuit. Furthermore, if you notify the tire manufacturer or automaker about the crash and its cause, then you should hold onto the tire until an attorney can inspect it. The tire company might ask you to send it to them for a replacement, but you should not until your lawyer is certain you will not need the tire as evidence for your claim.
Get Serious About Your Case – Call Our Firm
Carter Mario Law Firm is a recognized name in Connecticut for many reasons. Clients and potential clients know about us because we provide compassionate legal support that gets real results. Insurance companies know our name because they know a real fight is coming their way when a claim is filed by our attorneys on behalf of someone who has been injured in a crash. Lastly, other law firms know about our firm because they often refer to us for complex cases that they do not have the experience or resources needed to handle effectively. With such a strong reputation in front of us, we are confident that we are the right team to help with your defective tire claim or lawsuit!
Want to know more? Ask for a free case consultationtoday.
