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Atlanta Tire Failure Lawyers

Attorneys Fight to Win Atlanta Tire Failure Accident Cases

Tire explosions, tread separations, and blowouts can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in serious and potentially fatal wrecks. When tire manufacturers cut corners in the design and manufacture of their tires or fail to warn about known dangers like aging or old tires, they can be held legally accountable.

At Butler Prather LLP, our Atlanta tire failure attorneys have the experience to fight for clients who have been seriously injured or have lost loved ones as a result of tire defects. We have a track record of results in auto defect cases, and the tire manufacturers know it.

If you have been injured or a family member has been harmed or killed in an accident caused by defective tires, please contact the Atlanta tire defect lawyers at Butler Prather LLP. We’ll file a claim or a lawsuit seeking the money you need to pay your medical bills and cover additional expenses, such as lost income and occupational therapy.

For over 35 years, the experienced litigators at Butler Prather LLP have been improving the lives of accident victims and their families. Our firm has won over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, nine verdicts exceeding $100 million, and over 60 verdicts and settlements surpassing $10 million.

Call (706) 322-1990 to schedule a free case evaluation today.

Holding Tire Manufacturers in Atlanta Accountable

Tires need to be able to withstand intense external and internal forces. When manufacturers use bad rubber, inadequate skim stock, and other cheap and defective materials, their tires can get contaminated by oxygen and moisture, resulting in explosive blowouts at high speeds.

If you have been seriously injured in an Atlanta rollover or other wreck caused by a tire blowout or tread belt separation, you may have a claim against the manufacturer.

For over 20 years, our attorneys have played a key role in nationwide auto product litigation. We have the experience and reputation for taking on major tire manufacturers for our clients—in fact, we’ve won against Firestone, Michelin, Goodyear, Cooper, Dunlop, BF Goodrich, and Hankook.

What Typically Causes Defective Tires?

Tread separation is one of the most common causes of tire failure, often leading to severe injuries. This defect occurs when the tread, the outermost layer of the tire, detaches from the casing or body of the tire. Several factors contribute to this issue, including manufacturing defects, improper repair, and inadequate bonding of the tire layers.

Tread separation can have devastating consequences, especially at high speeds. It can result in a sudden loss of vehicle control, leading to rollovers or collisions. Drivers and passengers may suffer serious injuries due to the abruptness and severity of these events.

Bead and sidewall issues significantly contribute to tire defects and can lead to hazardous driving conditions. The bead is the part of the tire that ensures an airtight fit with the rim, while the sidewall provides structural integrity and absorbs impacts. Defects in these areas, such as weak or improperly constructed beads, can cause air leaks or complete tire failure.

Sidewall problems, including cracks, bulges, or separations, may compromise the tire’s strength and durability. Bead and sidewall defects are often the result of poor manufacturing practices, the use of substandard materials, or inadequate quality control.

The use of substandard materials is a major cause of tire failure. Common issues include the use of bad rubber, expired adhesives, and inadequate skim stock, which is the layer of rubber that bonds the tire’s components. These defects can compromise the tire’s structural integrity, leading to premature wear, blowouts, or total failure. Manufacturing defects can also result from lapses in quality control, such as improper curing times or incorrect assembly procedures.

Common Accidents Caused by Defective Tires

A blowout occurs when a tire suddenly loses air pressure, often causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Blowouts are particularly dangerous at high speeds, where maintaining control becomes exceedingly difficult. Rollovers often follow a blowout, especially in taller vehicles like SUVs and trucks with a higher center of gravity. These incidents can lead to severe injuries or fatalities, especially in vehicles that have defective roofs.

Loss of vehicle control is another frequent consequence of defective tires. A sudden loss of control can lead to collisions with other vehicles, barriers, or pedestrians, resulting in significant injuries and fatalities. The unpredictable nature of these events often leaves drivers and passengers with little time to react, increasing the risk of serious harm.

Understanding Product Liability Laws in Atlanta

Product liability law holds manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for placing defective products into the hands of consumers. Georgia’s strict liability rules can make it easier for consumers to win product liability cases. Strict liability means a manufacturer or seller may be liable for a defective product, even if their behavior wasn’t negligent. A plaintiff only needs to show that the product was defective and the defect caused their injury.

Victims of tire failure accidents may be entitled to collect damages. This typically includes economic damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to the patient’s inability to work. Victims can also claim non-economic damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. In Georgia, punitive damages might also be awarded in cases where it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that the defendant’s actions showed willful misconduct, malice, fraud, wantonness, oppression, or that entire want of care. These damages are designed to deter similar behavior in the future.

Steps to Take After an Accident Caused by Tire Failure

Taking the right steps after a tire failure accident is essential for building a strong legal case. First, check yourself and your passengers for injuries and apply first aid if necessary. Dial 911 right away. When law enforcement officials arrive, they will create an accident report that serves as the official record of how the accident occurred. Answer the police officer’s questions clearly, but try not to offer unnecessary information and don’t admit guilt for causing the accident.

Seek immediate medical attention and tell your doctor about all of your symptoms. Documenting the scene is crucial. You can use your cell phone to take photographs of the accident site. Include pictures of damaged vehicles, skid marks, the defective tire, and the accident scene from various angles. Obtain contact information from witnesses and ask drivers involved in the accident for their insurance information.

Preserve the defective tire and avoid making any repairs until you meet with your attorney. Notify your insurance company about the accident, but don’t sign any agreements or make any comments about the accident because this could be used to limit the compensation you receive.

Role of an Experienced Lawyer in Tire Failure Claims

By leveraging their experience, Atlanta lawyers can help victims build a compelling case, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure the compensation necessary for recovery. Their specialized knowledge and skills make them invaluable allies in pursuing justice for defective tire accident victims.

But keep in mind that many lawyers say they are prepared to handle tread separation and other tire defect cases in Atlanta. Still, very few of them actually have the experience to do so. Our attorneys at Butler Prather LLP get referrals from throughout the country because other lawyers know we have the experience to properly handle these cases.

Our Atlanta Tire Failure Accident Attorneys Can Help

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by tire failure, we can help. For over 30 years, Butler Prather LLP has been helping clients nationwide pursue full and fair compensation. We will begin a thorough investigation of your case immediately, and if you have a claim against a tire manufacturer, we will aggressively pursue the maximum available compensation.

For a FREE case evaluation with one of our Atlanta tire failure accident lawyers, call our firm at (706) 322-1990.

Additional Information

I was in a complex premises liability case involving a multinational corporations. Mr. Butler & his associates were always three steps ahead of these defendants. When they say they are "exceptional trial lawyers," this is not just a slogan but it is a way of life.”
- Zack Hendon