3 Types of Serious Tire Defects That Can Cause an Accident

Having high quality, well made tires on your car is critical for safety. However, many tires are defective, causing devastating and sometimes even fatal car accidents. Only 1 in 5 dangerous tires are being removed from the market via the recall process, meaning that consumers continue to be exposed to defective tires. Most consumers aren't aware that the tires they are purchasing are defective and an accident can come as quite the shock. Here are 3 types of serious tire defects that can cause a collision and what to do if you or a loved one were hurt in a crash caused by a dangerous tire.

1. Tire Blowout

A tire blowout is caused by the rapid deflation of a tire, effectively causing the tire to explode suddenly. This can cause a major accident, especially if the driver is on the highway at the time. Most of the time, a blowout is caused by a tire coming into contact with an object that tears or cuts all the way through the tire.

2. Tread Separation

Tread separation occurs when the tread, or outside of the tire, separates from the body of the tire or the casing. This is the most common tire defect seen in belted radial tires and is caused by a defect in the chemical process where the tire's tread and steel belt did not properly adhere or bond to the casing of the tire. If a car shakes when it reaches a certain speed, this can be an indicator that the tread is starting to separate from the tire casing.

3. Sidewall Bubbles

A sidewall bubble is usually easy to spot and simply looks like the inside of the tire is "blowing a bubble" towards the outside of the tire. This means that the inner liner has been damaged or has a leak and it is allowing air to escape to the outer layer of the tire, or the sidewall. If a sidewall bubble is detected early enough, the tire can be replaced without incident. However, if a sidewall bubble goes unchecked, it can cause a blowout.

Causes of Defective Tires

While sidewall bubbles, blowouts, and tread separation can be caused by normal wear and tear or impact, they are sometimes caused by a structural defect in the tire itself. A flaw in the design of the tire, a problem in the manufacturing process, poor quality construction of the tire, or the use of substandard tire materials can all result in a defective tire that becomes dangerous on the road.

What to Do if You Get in a Defective Tire Accident

If you or a loved one have been in an accident caused by a blowout, tread separation, or some other tire defect, you may have the option to file a personal injury claim. Accidents are costly and can result in astronomical medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and further expenses. This is particularly true if you've lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a defective tire.

If the accident can be traced back to the defect and the defect can be traced back to the tire manufacturing process, the manufacturer may be able to be held legally responsible for the damages that occurred as a result of the collision. An experienced car accident attorney or personal injury attorney can evaluate the facts surrounding your case to determine who might be at fault for the accident. Your lawyer will assist you in bringing a claim forward and will petition the court for the maximum damage award possible. For more information, contact local firms like Stapleton Law Offices.