Atlanta Tire Tread Separation Lawyers
Atlanta Lawyers Help Victims of Tire Tread Separation Truck Accidents
Many accidents are the result of tire manufacturing defects that cause tires to separate. Tire manufacturers may be liable for injuries and fatalities that result when their tires fail to stay together during normal use.
Tire tread separation accidents are more likely to occur in large vehicles such as light trucks, SUVs, and semi-trucks. However, this is a situation no driver should face because it's not the inevitable result of wear and tear. There are crucial steps that manufacturers can take to prevent tire tread separation.
If you have been injured or a family member has died in an accident caused by tire problems, please contact the Atlanta tire defect attorneys at Butler Prather LLP at (800) 242-2962. We'll file a claim or a lawsuit and work to help you get 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 (800) 242-2962 to schedule a free case evaluation today.
What Is Tire Tread Separation?
Tires are critical to the safe operation of a vehicle, especially big rig trucks. The tread is the outside component of the truck's tire that meets the roadway. It covers the steel belts and the inflated inner liner. In high-performing tires, there may be a cushioning gum between the tread and belt. Maintenance is important for continued tire safety, but maintenance cannot overcome the existence of underlying tire defects.
Tire tread separation is a condition where the layers of a tire peel away from each other. When tire tread separation occurs, the outer tread peels off, exposing the bare, inflated tire. Sometimes, the tread comes off a tire through no fault of the driver. This type of tread separation can be the result of defects in materials or tire manufacturing. If the tread separates at highway speeds, the driver will feel a sudden lurch to the side. Without tread gripping the road, it's almost impossible for a driver to keep the vehicle on the roadway.
Causes of tire separation accidents include:
- Manufacturing defects
- Poor quality materials
- Faulty construction processes
- Design flaws
- Inadequate tread bonding
- Improper tire inflation instructions
- Poor maintenance
- Underinflation
- Overloading vehicles
- Inadequate rotation
How Does Tire Tread Separation Cause Truck Accidents in Atlanta?
When tire separation occurs on a semi-truck, the consequences can be devastating. The driver may lose control, leading to rollovers or collisions with other vehicles. Such accidents result in significant property damage and serious injuries or fatalities. The aftermath involves complex investigations to determine the cause of tire failure. If tire separation is found responsible, it can influence the direction of legal claims and settlements.
For Butler Prather LLP, establishing the link between tire separation and the accident is a key component in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Tire tread separation caused by manufacturing defects dramatically increases the chances that a semi-truck or other large vehicle will experience adverse outcomes such as:
- Loss of traction
- Loss of control
- Blowouts
- Rollovers
What Should Manufacturers Do To Prevent Tire Tread Separation Accidents?
Manufacturers play a critical role in ensuring tire safety. They are responsible for designing, producing, and testing tires to meet rigorous safety standards. This includes the selection of quality materials, adherence to proper manufacturing processes, and comprehensive quality control measures. Manufacturers must also provide clear maintenance guidelines and warnings about potential risks.
When tire manufacturers fail to meet these obligations, they can be held liable for any accidents caused by tire failures. A key part of their role is to stay updated with advancements in technology and regulatory changes to continuously improve tire safety standards. It's essential for manufacturers to actively recall any batches that show signs of defects. However, this duty is sometimes overlooked by companies trying to save money.
How Can Manufacturers Be Liable in Tire Tread Separation Accidents?
When manufacturers cut corners to reduce costs, the tire's integrity is compromised, resulting in dangerous driving conditions. Ensuring only high-quality materials are used in tire construction is fundamental to preventing tread separation and maintaining road safety. If Butler Prather LLP's investigation demonstrates that tire failure was due to a design flaw, manufacturing error, or lack of proper instructions for use, the manufacturer may be held liable.
The quality of materials used in tire manufacturing is critical to the safety and reliability of the tire. Low-grade rubber compounds, for example, might not withstand the stress and heat generated during normal truck operation. This may lead to faster wear and, ultimately, tread separation. Also, the use of substandard adhesives or bonding agents in the layering process of a tire can lead to weak spots that are prone to failure.
How Do Our Lawyers Investigate Atlanta Manufacturer Tire Tread Defects?
The lawyers at Butler Prather LLP will begin by gathering evidence to establish liability —which will involve an investigation of the tire and accident scene — and then reviewing maintenance records and manufacturing processes. Our attorneys will work with experts in the automotive industry to understand the specifics of tire failure and build a strong case for you. We will also call upon forensic experts to translate technical findings into evidence that will support a legal claim by establishing a clear link between tire separation and the accident.
Experts in tire forensics might look for signs of defects or wear that could have contributed to the separation. The history of the tire, including purchase date, maintenance records, and recall notices, is reviewed to establish a timeline of events leading up to the incident. Witness statements and accident reports provide additional context to the circumstances of the failure. If the tire is suspected of having a manufacturing defect, the investigation may extend to the manufacturing facility to inspect quality control processes.
Because our Atlanta auto defect attorneys have played key roles in auto products litigation against tire manufacturers such as Firestone, Michelin, Goodyear, Cooper, Dunlop, BF Goodrich, and Hankook, we understand how to investigate and litigate these cases. We have the resources to get results for our clients, even when we're up against some of the largest manufacturers in the country.
What Should You Know About Liability in Tire Tread Separation Cases?
Determining liability in tire tread separation cases is a complex process that involves investigating the roles of various parties. If a tire fails and causes an accident, liability may lie with the manufacturer of a defective product. If the tire was improperly installed or maintained, a mechanic might be at fault. Sometimes, the retailer could be liable for selling a damaged or inappropriate tire.
When it comes to vehicle accident injuries, Georgia is an at-fault state. It's possible for liability to be shared among multiple parties. After our investigation, Butler Prather LLP will file a claim or lawsuit against one negligent party or more. This may include:
- Tire manufacturers
- Tire distributors
- Tire retailers
- Tire designers
- Maintenance providers
- Trucking companies
- Unsafe drivers
What Common Injuries Are Caused by Tire Tread Separation Accidents?
In the unfortunate event of tire separation, the injuries sustained can be severe and varied. Occupants may suffer from whiplash due to the sudden jerking of the vehicle or traumatic brain injury (TBI) if a rollover results in impacts to the head. Spinal injuries can result in long-term disabilities, and in the worst cases, tire separation accidents can result in wrongful death claims.
Broken bones and lacerations are also common, especially in high-speed accidents where the chances of a vehicle flipping or colliding with other objects are high. Internal injuries are a risk as well, as the force of the crash may cause internal organ damage injuries.
Our Atlanta Firm Has Won Over $1 Billion for Our Clients
Butler Prather LLP handles all aspects of the legal process, from filing the lawsuit to representing you in court or negotiating settlements to hold responsible parties liable. We've handled many big cases, but we never lose sight of the most important thing — pursuing justice for our clients and helping you get the resources you need to care for yourself and your family.
We understand that your case is important, and that's why we always have time to speak with our clients about how the case is progressing.
If you were injured or a loved one was killed in an Atlanta fatal tire tread separation accident, contact Butler Prather LLP by calling (800) 242-2962 to learn more today.