Tire defects can render an otherwise safe vehicle too dangerous to drive. Unfortunately, it’s not always immediately clear when a tire is defective. Tire failures often strike without advanced warning.
Have you been hurt in a tire blowout or other tire-related accident? Compensation for your medical bills and related losses may be available.
Speak with an experienced tire defect lawyer for more information about your case. At Munley Law, serving the area for decades, we can offer the representation you need when facing off against large insurers and tire makers. Learn more by contacting our product liability attorneys today for a free consultation.
Understanding Tire Defects and Their Dangers
Tire defects come in several forms, including:
- Tread separation
- Punctures
- Damaged sidewall
- Cracks
Defective tires can cause accidents by causing loss of vehicle control. This may not be uncommon. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire failure results in approximately 11,000 accidents annually.
You shouldn’t cover the cost of your own losses resulting from tire failure injuries. Contact Munley Law for a free tire defect case evaluation.
Common Causes of Tire Defects
Defective tires have several potential causes. The cause of a tire defect could be:
- Manufacturing errors: Tire manufacturers could overlook mistakes that render a tire unsafe.
- Design errors: A tire manufacturer could produce a tire exactly as intended, but the tire could nevertheless be dangerous because of an inherent design flaw.
- Improper materials: Tire failure could result from manufacturing a tire without quality materials.
- Inadequate quality control: Those responsible for confirming a tire is roadworthy might allow a defective tire to reach the market if they’re negligent.
Determining liability in a case involving defective tires is a complex task. It’s also one a tire defect lawyer can handle on your behalf. Speak with our experienced tire defect attorneys to determine liability in your case.
Injuries Commonly Associated with Tire Defect Accidents
A defective tire can increase the odds of an accident happening in several ways. For example, tire blowouts can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
The injuries someone may sustain in an accident caused by a defective tire can depend on many factors. Common examples include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries, which can cause everything from memory issues to long-term mood disorders
- Spinal cord injuries, potentially resulting in paralysis or similar sensory/mobility issues
- Burns
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Crushed organs
- Internal bleeding
- Cuts and lacerations
You deserve compensation if you were injured in an auto accident resulting from a faulty tire. Munley Law’s experienced attorneys will help recover your medical costs and lost wages
Your Legal Rights in Tire Defect Cases
Tire defect claims differ from other types of personal injury claims and lawsuits in a critical way: you don’t have to prove negligence when filing a tire defect claim or lawsuit. In other types of personal injury cases, you need to prove that someone else’s actions or negligence caused your injuries. In product liability cases, strict liability applies, meaning proving negligence isn’t a requirement.
However, you will need to prove that a tire was defective. You will also need to prove that a tire defect caused your injuries. Tire defect attorneys can gather the evidence needed to prove your case.
Don’t wait to take legal action. The statute of limitations requires you to file a lawsuit by a deadline to avoid losing your right to compensation. For instance, in Pennsylvania, you have two years from the date you were injured to file a product liability lawsuit.
Potential defendants in such a lawsuit can include:
- Major tire manufacturers
- Tire designers
- Quality control teams
Other potential defendants can depend on specific details of a case. For example, trucking companies may be held liable when they fail to properly maintain their vehicles, resulting in a tire blowout accident.
Just remember that you don’t have to handle the challenges of a case yourself. Schedule a consultation with Munley Law to understand your legal options.
The Tire Defect Lawsuit Process
The process of filing a lawsuit against a tire manufacturer or other liable parties in a defective tire case may include several steps. The following is a general overview of what the process may involve:
- Investigation: An investigation may be necessary to establish liability and gather evidence to support a lawsuit.
- Documentation: It’s important to document the losses for which you’re seeking to recover compensation. For example, you may save medical bills and documentation of lost wages to include with your lawsuit as evidence of damages.
- Filing the claim or lawsuit: Tire defect attorneys may file an insurance claim, a lawsuit against the liable party, or both when a defective tire causes injury. Our team will submit your claim or lawsuit documents with thorough supporting evidence, ensuring we meet all applicable deadlines.
- Negotiation and settlement: Neither the insurance company nor any defendants may prioritize offering a fair settlement. Their priority may be to convince you to accept the smallest payout they can justify. Your tire defect lawyers can negotiate on your behalf if initial settlement offers are too low.
- Trial preparation and representation: Going to trial may be necessary if the insurance company or liable parties refuse to offer a fair settlement. We have experience with tire defect litigation and can provide the representation you need if going to court is the only way to recover the full financial compensation available.
Don’t let the process intimidate or overwhelm you. Trust Munley Law to guide you through every step of your tire defect case.
Compensation in Tire Defect Cases
Factors ranging from the severity of your injuries to the way the injuries affect your ability to work can all influence financial recovery in a tire defect case. Common losses/damages for which compensation may be available after a tire failure accident include:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
You may be eligible to receive compensation for both past and future losses caused by defective tire injuries. For example, maybe a tire defect resulted in a major car accident that leaves you with injuries requiring lifelong medical treatment. Your injuries may also permanently limit your ability to work. Our law firm can fight for compensation for these future struggles in this circumstance.
Punitive damages may also be available if your case goes to court. Most types of financial compensation in a case serve to compensate a victim for specific losses. Punitive damages are different. Juries can sometimes award punitive damages when it appears a liable party has engaged in serious wrongdoing or carelessness. Awarding punitive damages is a means of punishing the liable parties and ensuring they’re held accountable for their negligence.
A defendant or insurance company adjuster isn’t going to hold your hand and help you secure the maximum compensation available. For that, you need help from tire defect lawyers with experience handling cases like yours. Maximize your compensation with Munley Law’s expert representation.
Tire Safety Tips and Maintenance
There are steps you can take to guard against tire failure. They include:
- Performing monthly tire inspections
- Ensuring your tires are properly inflated
- Rotating tires on a regular basis
- Replacing tires when the tread is 2/32 of an inch or less
- Driving to avoid potholes and other hazards that could damage tires
Taking these steps could help you avoid tire blowouts and other such potential causes of accidents. However, defective tire accidents can occur even when motorists are responsible.
Call the Tire Defect Attorneys at Munley Law
If a defective tire caused your car accident and injuries, our auto product liability attorneys at Munley Law can help you seek fair compensation through legal action.
