How Can Tire Failure Cause Car Accidents?
Tires are arguably one of the most important parts of a vehicle. These are the devices that come into direct contact with the ground and are responsible for ensuring the vehicle remains stable at all times. When a single tire fails, it can lead to a significant accident that causes major injuries. Here, we want to discuss how tire failure can cause vehicle accidents in Georgia.
Types of Tire Defects That Can Cause Accidents
There are a variety of ways that tire defects can lead to accidents. Some of the main types of tire defects that can lead to crashes on Georgia roadways include:
Tread separation
Tread separation on a tire is a dangerous condition that results from the tread detaching from the body of the tire. This type of issue is most often caused by a manufacturer defect where the steel belting and the tread were not bonded together properly. In general, this type of defect becomes apparent soon after driving the car, as it will cause extreme balance and vibration issues.
Other common causes of tread separation can include regularly driving over defective roadways or potholes at higher speeds, overinflation of the tire, and excessive use of tires beyond their expected lifetime.
Mechanical problems
It is crucial for individuals to take care of their vehicles, as vehicle maintenance can directly impact the tire. If individuals have bad suspension parts or misalignment, this can lead to the tires wearing down unevenly.
Defective design and materials
Defects in the tires are a common cause of tire failure. For instance, if a tire is made with lower quality material or defective materials at the manufacturing plant, this will likely lead to failure during the life of the tire.
Overfilled or underfilled tires
Tires must be inflated properly to the specifications listed on the side of the tire or in the manufacturer’s instructions. Underinflation of the tire can lead to a flexing of the sidewall, which could cause overheating inside of the tire itself. Overinflation will also lead to the tire wearing out in certain areas before other areas, leading to an imbalance and a weakening of the tire.
Old or weak rubber
Tires expire, though most people do not realize this because they have to get new tires long before the expiration date. However, if a vehicle has been sitting at the dealership or if the tire has been sitting in a shop for months or even years, this could result in weaker rubber that is dangerous on the roadways.
Who is Responsible for Defective Tires and Compensation?
There may be various parties responsible for tire defects. This includes a vehicle owner if they do not properly maintain their vehicle or their tires. Additionally, other parties who could be liable for defective tires include the tire company or manufacturer, any company that installs the tire, companies that have maintained the tires for the vehicle owner, or any other party aside from the vehicle owner that is responsible for tire maintenance.
If you have been involved in a vehicle accident caused by a tire defect, we encourage you to speak to an Atlanta car accident attorney about your best options moving forward.