Only a few car owners can distinguish between a healthy tire and a defective one. The reason is simple. You don’t have to be an expert on automobiles to drive one. But defective tires have been the reason for many vehicle crashes on Hartford roads.
These crashes have caused deaths, severe injuries, and irreparable damage to valuable property. While a well-trained and experienced Connecticut car accident lawyer can help you get adequate compensation, it’s best to learn how to avoid such mishaps.
Generally, manufacturers and tire sellers are supposed to do their jobs properly and only produce or sell healthy, durable, and safe tires for use. What about when you go to the service station? You also expect the repair technician to pump the right air volume into your tires.
Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. Both manufacturers and tire servicemen have been guilty of poor service, which has led to dreadful and fatal crashes. But how often does an accident result from a defective tire?
How Often do Defective Tires Cause Accidents?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, tires and wheels contribute to 35% of car crashes caused by faulty vehicle parts. From this statistic, we can better appreciate the need for tire manufacturers, sellers, and repair technicians to be more meticulous in discharging their duties.
The functionality of the tire, to a large extent, determines the car’s safety. The slightest difference in the quality of products and service related to tires can be responsible for a life-altering or life-ending crash. But how can a tire be defective?
Common Tire Defects
When a tire is defective, it simply means that it is no longer safe for use. Tire defects can result from the manufacturer, the repair technician, or a tire seller. There are several examples of tire defects; let us examine the most common ones.
Weak Rubber
Strength is a crucial factor in the safety of car tires. The rubber of a car tire has to possess a certain level of strength to be considered healthy for use. When the rubber material of a car tire is too weak, the tire becomes susceptible to blowouts while in motion and at high speed. Even when a tire is new, it could be weak because it has passed its expiration date. You need to confirm the expiration dates of tires when we are at the dealership.
Overinflated Tires
Friction helps cars to move and stops them from skidding. Over-inflated tires do not make enough contact with the ground to provide the required friction. Additionally, when your tires contain more than enough air, they are susceptible to damage. This damage is dangerous because it may occur on the road while the car is in motion. When this happens, a terrible accident is most likely to occur depending on the car’s speed.
Under-Inflated Tires
When your tires do not contain sufficient pressure, it can cause the tires to wear out easily due to overheating and possibly cause an accident. Underfilled tires are less bouncy and occupy more road surface area, absorbing more heat. This situation becomes more severe in hot weather.
Tires can be underfilled by their manufacturers or a technician at the service station. Manufacturers must ensure that their tires contain the necessary amount of pressure. Underfilled tires have resulted in terrible mishaps, injury, and loss of life.
Tread Separation
Tread separation usually occurs as a result of manufacturer error. The tread of the tire detaches from it. Manufacturers have to attach the tire treads to the belts properly. This way, it will remain attached for a long time. When treads separate from the tires, especially during motion, the driver finds it difficult to maintain control of the car, and accidents are very likely.
Let Our Personal Injury Attorneys Help You Get Compensated
If you or your loved one has suffered injury or died from a car accident involving defective tires in Hartford, our attorneys at Injured CT will show you what your options are. Tire-induced car accidents can result in serious injury and loss of life. The manufacturer, seller, or repair technician at fault owes you compensation.
Unfortunately, in many cases, getting them to be accountable for their actions and inactions by paying adequate compensation is where the hard work is. However, with Injured CT, you have a great chance of winning. Our experience and expertise in personal injury law will give you an upper hand in getting justice. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis.