Car Accidents Caused by Defective Tires

Tire defects are one of the most common – and most dangerous – situations a driver can find themselves facing. Defective tires put everyone on the road in danger. More than 650 people die each year in tire-related crashes.

A defective tire can burst without any warning, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle and cause a deadly accident, resulting in personal injuries and even death. In many defective tire accidents, the vehicle has been moving at higher speeds and often involves multiple vehicles.

Although in most vehicle accidents there is usually one driver who is at fault, in a defective tire accident, it is another party – such as the tire manufacturer – who is the liable party. If you have been injured in a crash caused by a defective tire, a Virginia personal injury attorney can help you get the financial compensation you deserve.

Types of Defects

Some of the most common reasons why a tire blows out or falls off without any warning include the following:

  • Missing components – Tires are made up of a variety of components – tread, belts, and a steel center. If one or more parts are missing, either due to a design or manufacturing defect, this can cause the tire to eventually fail.
  • Separating tread – There are belts under the tire treads that keep the tire together. When these belts fail, the tread can separate from the tire, leaving the vehicle unable to grip the road.
  • Incorrect tire size – Every vehicle requires a specific size tire. Most people depend on the auto shop where they purchase the tire to install the correct ones. However, if the shop sells the owner the wrong tires for their vehicle, this can result in uneven wear and blowouts or even the tire falling off.
  • Incorrect repair – It is not uncommon for a tire to get a hole or some other issue that can be repaired instead of having to purchase a new tire. But if the repair shop fails to repair it correctly, this can eventually lead to the tire having a blowout.

What Type of Evidence Is Used to Prove a Defective Tire?

It is essential in any personal injury case that the victim is able to prove the liability of the alleged at-fault party. This is where a skilled Virginia personal injury attorney can help. Your attorney will know what type of evidence is needed and where that evidence can be found for a successful outcome for your case.

Some of the evidence that may be used include:

  • Witness testimony – If there were any witnesses to the crash that saw or heard the tire explode, your attorney can use their testimony for your case.
  • Tire pieces – If there are any tire fragments at the scene, they should be collected right away. These pieces could be crucial pieces of evidence for showing the defect that caused the tire to blow.
  • Cameras – Many locations – both businesses and residences – have security cameras these days. Footage from these cameras may have captured the actual crash and can be used in your case.
  • Photos of the accident scene – It is always a good idea to take photos of the crash site, including tire skid marks, pieces of the exploded tire, and other key evidence.
  • Expert testimony – Your attorney may also use the testimony of car accident experts to explain to the court what occurred that caused the crash.

Call Our Personal Injury Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries as a result of another party’s negligent or reckless actions while behind the wheel, contact a Virginia car accident attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp. Our personal injury law firm has been fighting to get accident victims the compensation they deserve for more than three decades, including one client who was awarded $650,000 for disabling leg injuries she suffered when a truck with bald tires slammed into her vehicle.

Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help you.

 

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