Tires are crucial to the safety of vehicles. They provide traction, shock absorption, and control on the road. But defective tires, either through poor design, inferior materials, or faulty manufacturing, can turn into a fatal liability. A tire blowout at high speeds or at a critical moment can result in horrible accidents, with serious injuries or loss of life.
If you or your loved one was hurt in a tire failure-caused accident, you can file a defective tire lawsuit and seek compensation. The article discusses what causes defective tires to fail, the product liability legal basis, what to do after an accident, and how the lawsuit works.
What Is a Defective Tire?
A defective tire is one that fails due to a flaw in its design, manufacturing, or labeling, rather than from ordinary wear and tear or lack of maintenance. Unlike a worn tire, a defective tire may appear to be in good condition but can fail unexpectedly, often with devastating consequences.
Common Types of Tire Defects
- Tread Separation
One of the most dangerous types of tire failure, tread separation occurs when the tire’s outer layer detaches from the body. This can lead to rapid loss of control, especially at high speeds. - Sidewall Blowouts
Weaknesses in the sidewall may cause the tire to rupture, particularly when the tire is under stress. Blowouts can cause immediate steering loss and are particularly hazardous on highways. - Bead Failures
The bead is the part of the tire that secures it to the wheel rim. A failure here can result in the tire detaching from the rim, leading to a sudden crash. - Design Defects
Some tires may be inherently unsafe due to poor engineering, such as inadequate tread patterns or faulty construction materials. - Manufacturing Defects
Mistakes during the production process—like improper curing, contamination, or poor adhesion—can result in structural weakness. - Old Tires Sold as New
Aged tires may deteriorate even when unused. Unscrupulous sellers may attempt to sell these as new, increasing the risk of tire failure.
How Defective Tires Cause Accidents
When a tire fails, the consequences can be immediate and catastrophic. Common scenarios include:
- Loss of steering control
- Vehicle rollover
- Multi-vehicle collisions
- Single-vehicle accidents involving barriers, medians, or rollovers
These accidents are often sudden and violent, providing little time for drivers to respond. The risk is especially high at freeway speeds or in vehicles with high centers of gravity, like SUVs and trucks.
Who Is Liable for a Defective Tire?
Defective tire lawsuits often fall under the category of product liability law. This legal principle holds that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be held responsible for placing a defective product into the hands of consumers.
Potentially Liable Parties
- Tire Manufacturer: If a defect originates during design or production, the tire manufacturer is the primary target in a lawsuit.
- Vehicle Manufacturer: If the carmaker knowingly used subpar or mismatched tires, they may share liability.
- Tire Retailer or Installer: Retailers may be liable for selling defective, used, or recalled tires or for improper installation.
- Distributors and Wholesalers: If they fail to remove defective or recalled products from the supply chain, they could also be held accountable.
Maintenance Providers: A mechanic who installs the wrong type of tire or fails to notice a dangerous defect might also face liability.
Legal Theories in Defective Tire Lawsuits
Several legal claims may be made in a defective tire lawsuit:
1. Strict Liability
Under strict liability, you don’t need to prove negligence. You only need to show that the tire was defective, the defect caused an accident, and you were injured as a result.
2. Negligence
You may also claim that the manufacturer or another party failed to exercise reasonable care in designing, making, selling, or installing the tire.
3. Breach of Warranty
If the tire came with an express or implied warranty and failed to perform as promised, this may constitute a breach of warranty.
4. Failure to Warn
If a company failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions about a known defect or limitation, they might be liable under this legal theory.
Evidence Needed in a Defective Tire Lawsuit
Building a successful case requires solid evidence. Key elements may include:
- The defective tire itself (preserved in its post-accident condition)
- Photos of the accident scene, tire condition, and vehicle damage
- Accident reports filed by law enforcement
- Maintenance and repair records
- Tire purchase receipts
- Expert testimony from tire engineers or safety specialists
It’s important to preserve the tire and vehicle as-is following the accident to allow for expert evaluation. Do not discard the tire or authorize repairs before consulting with an attorney.
How Much Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of defective tire accidents may recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation)
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage (e.g., vehicle repair or replacement)
- Wrongful death damages (for surviving family members in fatal accidents)
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the court finds the responsible party acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for safety.
Steps to Take After a Defective Tire Accident
If you suspect that a tire defect caused your accident, take the following actions:
1. Seek Medical Attention
Get prompt treatment, even if you feel fine. Some injuries are not immediately obvious.
2. Preserve the Tire and Vehicle
Do not allow anyone to discard or alter the tire or vehicle until it has been inspected by an expert. This is crucial evidence in your case.
3. Take Photos and Gather Evidence
Photograph the tire, vehicle damage, skid marks, injuries, and surrounding area. Keep any relevant documents, such as receipts or warranty information.
4. File a Police Report
Ensure the accident is documented by authorities. Their report can support your legal claim.
5. Contact a Product Liability Lawyer
Tire defect cases are complex and require technical expertise. An experienced attorney can help you build a strong case, secure expert testimony, and handle negotiations with manufacturers or insurers.
Notable Tire Defect Cases
One of the most prominent defective tire cases in U.S. history involved Firestone and Ford. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, certain Firestone tires on Ford Explorers were linked to hundreds of rollover accidents and dozens of fatalities. The investigation and lawsuits that followed led to the recall of millions of tires and significant settlements.
Other manufacturers like Goodyear, Michelin, and Bridgestone have also faced legal challenges for allegedly defective tires.
Statute of Limitations
Each state has a statute of limitations that sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. This period typically ranges from one to four years, depending on the jurisdiction. For personal injury claims, the clock usually starts ticking from the date of the accident. For wrongful death claims, it starts from the date of death.
Delaying your claim could jeopardize your right to compensation. Consult an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing key deadlines.
How an Attorney Can Help
Defective tire lawsuits require deep legal knowledge and access to technical experts. A skilled product liability attorney can:
- Evaluate the strength of your case
- Preserve and analyze physical evidence
- Work with accident reconstruction specialists
- Handle negotiations with insurers and manufacturers
- Represent you in court if necessary
Most attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win.
About the Author
Neil Bhartia
Neil Bhartia isn’t your typical, stuffy attorney that you see on TV. While some have their sights exclusively on money and treat their clients like a number, Neil takes a personal interest in every single client he has. As an empath, Neil understands that people that seek legal help are typically in an involuntary, and stressful situation, and he goes out of his way to diffuse the stress and educate clients on each every detail of the legal process.
