When we get behind the wheel, we trust that our tires will keep us safe on the road. However, defective tires can cause severe car accidents, resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. Tire-related accidents are among the leading causes of motor vehicle crashes. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, over 33,000 accidents happen every year due to tire problems. When a tire fails due to design, manufacturing, or marketing flaws, the consequences can be catastrophic. In these cases, tire manufacturers, distributors, and retailers may be held accountable under product liability laws.
Although these laws exist to protect consumers, there are challenges victims may face when dealing with defective tire product liability claims. It’s important to understand what defective tire product liability means, how it may apply to your case, and what you should do if you've been injured as a result of a tire defect.
What Does Defective Tire Product Liability Mean?
Product liability refers to a manufacturer’s or seller’s responsibility when they allow a defective product into the market that causes harm to a consumer. In the case of defective tires, there are several issues that could make a tire unsafe for use, including:
- Design Defects – These occur when the tire is flawed because of poor design. A design defect makes the tire unsafe even when it’s properly manufactured and used under normal conditions. This type of flaw usually impacts a large number of consumers, as it is a mistake in the overall design of the product.
- Manufacturing Defects – These happen during an individual tire’s production, or possibly a batch of tires, when a mistake or error leads to a defect in the final product. Even if the design is safe, a manufacturing defect can cause a tire to fail unexpectedly.
- Marketing Defects – A marketing defect refers to a situation where the tire has been improperly labeled or lacks sufficient warnings. For example, if a tire is marketed as being appropriate for certain conditions like ice and snow but is actually unsafe in those conditions, it may be considered defective due to poor marketing or lack of proper warnings.
Common Issues Caused by Defective Tires
Several factors can cause a tire to fail while you’re on the road. The cause of the defect can help determine who is liable for the damages caused by a tire failure. Some of the most common causes of defective tire failures include:
- Tread Separation – This happens when the tread of the tire separates from the rest of the tire, often causing sudden loss of control over the vehicle. Tread separation can be caused by design flaws, manufacturing errors, or defects in the materials used.
- Blowouts – A tire blowout can occur due to a variety of reasons, including defects in the tire’s construction or damage to the tire’s sidewalls. A blowout can happen at high speeds, leading to severe accidents.
- Uneven Wear – Tires should wear evenly across their surface, but some defective tires may wear unevenly, leading to poor handling and increased risk of accidents. Uneven wear of a tire can be a result of manufacturing defects or problems in the design of the tire.
- Underinflation – While tires that have not been inflated enough is commonly a driver’s error, certain tires may have design defects that make them more prone to losing air pressure. In these cases, a tire manufacturer could be held responsible if the defect led to a motor vehicle accident.
Proving Defective Tire Liability
Tires do face wear and tear over time and will eventually reach a point where they should be replaced. There are other extenuating factors as well, such as terrible road conditions like potholes, or picking up a nail or other sharp debris that can reduce the capabilities of your tires. Because of this, it can be difficult to prove that the tire failed due to a defect. To prove that a defective tire caused your accident or injury, it must be established that the tire had a problem with the design, the manufacturing, or how it was marketed that made it unsafe for use. This can be challenging, and may require the need of expert witnesses or engineers to testify regarding the defect.
It must also be shown that the defect was the reason the accident happened. For example, if a blowout occurred, we need to establish that it was caused by a manufacturing flaw and not by another something else, like road conditions or driver negligence. And the accident caused by the tire failure must have led to significant injury or property damage. This could include serious bodily injury, wrongful death, or damage to your vehicle.
If these elements can be proven, you may have a strong product liability case against the tire manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. However, even if the defect is clear, the case can still be complex due to the technical nature of tire failures.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Injured by a Defective Tire
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a defective tire, there are steps you should take, which include:
- Seek Medical Attention – The first priority after an accident is your health. Make sure that you receive proper medical treatment for your injuries, even if they seem minor initially.
- Document the Accident – If possible, document the accident scene, especially the tire in question, and any visible damage to your vehicle. Take photographs and gather any other evidence that may be useful in proving your case.
- Keep the Tire – Try to keep the tire in your possession after the accident, and make sure to keep it in its original condition. It’s critical that the tire is not altered in any way, as it will be the key piece of evidence.
- Contact a Car Accident Attorney Near You – An experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in product liability cases can help you navigate the complexities of a defective tire claim. They can gather expert testimony, work with engineers, and build a strong case on your behalf.
- File a Claim – Your attorney will then assist you in filing a defective tire injury claim with the appropriate parties, whether that’s the tire manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. They’ll also work to negotiate a fair settlement or represent you in court if necessary.
Defective Tire Product Liability Cases Need Expert Assistance
Defective tire product liability is a serious issue that can have life-altering consequences. When tires fail due to design, manufacturing, or marketing defects, those responsible for putting them on the market should be held accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a defective tire, it’s important to seek legal advice from an experienced personal injury attorney as they have the knowledge with how best to move forward with these cases to make sure the responsible parties are held accountable.
