Any type of defect present in a motor vehicle can be hazardous, but tire defects are especially dangerous. A tire defect may cause a tire to blow without warning, leading to a deadly accident.
Types of Tire Defects
Bead Wire Issues
Bead wire is usually made of steel and assists in shifting the weight of the vehicle from the rim of the tire to the tire itself. The bead wire is actually the weakest component of the entire tire. In some instances, tires have exploded when overfilled if the bead wire was weakened.
Sidewall Problems
The sidewall of a tire helps provide stability to the tire. If the sidewall is weak, the tire may burst. Though this often happens as the tire is being inflated, it may happen at other times, such as while the vehicle is traveling. If the vehicle is not in motion, the tire explosion could injure those nearby.
Multi-Piece Wheel Malfunctions
Multi-piece wheels contain several components. The pieces of the tire lock together as the tire is being inflated. If the components of the wheel separate for any reason, the force with which they do so may cause serious injuries. In addition, a serious accident may occur if a wheel comes apart during travel.
Tread Problems
Many lawsuits have stemmed from tread issues on tires. While traveling, the treads would separate, causing the tire to come apart. Several fatalities have been linked to tread problems.
Poor Installation
If the tires are not secured properly to the rest of the vehicle, they may become loose during travel, causing the driver to lose control of the car.
With the help of an experienced Dallas automobile products liability attorney, all responsible parties will be held accountable for your injuries.
What Should I Do After a Crash?
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are several steps you should take to protect your legal rights.
The first is to document your perception of the accident—make notes about the weather, traffic conditions, and the status of any traffic signals. Was the road wet? Was there any debris in the road? Take photos of your car, as well as photos of the other vehicles involved in the accident.
Additionally, do not be afraid to speak with witnesses and write down their contact information.
Always accept medical treatment. Insurance companies love to argue that accident victims were not truly injured if they do not seek medical attention shortly after an accident. To avoid such an argument, it is best to get checked out right away. Additionally, you may not even realize that you are injured—adrenaline masks many injuries.
Speak with an experienced Dallas automotive products liability attorney as soon as possible. The earlier an attorney is able to work on your claim, the better your chances are of obtaining a favorable result. Consult an attorney before you speak to any insurance agents or adjusters.
On a similar note, tell any insurance agents or adjusters that call you that you have hired an attorney. Your attorney will be able to take over the conversations with these individuals. Remember, they work for the insurance company, not for you—so their goal is to settle a claim for as little money as possible.
Proving an Automobile Defect Caused Your Accident
With the assistance of an attorney, you will be able to show that a defect in your vehicle (or in another vehicle) was the cause of your accident and your injuries. Your attorney will carefully study accident reports and other types of documents to understand how the accident happened.
In addition, your attorney will consult with experts, such as accident reconstruction experts or automobile engineering experts, to discuss how possible defects in the car led to the accident.
With this information, it will be possible to build a strong case against the automobile manufacturer or other entities.
Contact Brooker Law, PLLC Today to Discuss Your Claim
At Brooker Law, PLLC, our Texas automotive products liability attorneys have represented numerous clients injured by motor vehicle defects.
The attorneys at Brooker Law, PLLC are experienced in all types of accident claims, including those that involve product defects. To schedule a free consultation with our legal team, contact or call (214) 217-0277 today.