Tire Failures and Rollover Accidents

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a study revealing the primary ways in which tire failures can cause rollover accidents. Defective tires can create the loss of ability to control a car and may result in single vehicle crashes. As a driver, you expect tires to perform properly and help keep you safe in your car. However, serious tire defects can result in vehicle rollovers and catastrophic damage to your health.

Understanding Tire Failures in Rollover Accidents

A rollover occurs when a vehicle rolls onto its side or roof. NHTSA’s Safer Car site states that “more than 10,000 people a year are killed in rollover crashes.” They account for 33 percent of all passenger vehicle fatalities. Tire failures can lead to dangerous rollover accidents and devastating personal injuries.

Tire blowout and loss of tire tread are two of the most common causes of tire failure.

Tire Blowout

Your vehicle depends on four tires to evenly support its weight and your passengers along with your luggage, groceries and personal possessions. When a blowout occurs, the air often escapes rapidly, making the tire lose its inflation and its ability to support a car.

Loss of Tire Tread

Tire industry professionals regard manufacturing defects as a common cause of tread separation. When steel belting fails to bond properly with the tread, it can create a defect that results in separation and blowout.

Understanding Why Tires Fail

Some causes of failure may occur in the manufacturing process, and others may result from conditions that you can help control or avoid.

• Structural defects in the manufacturing process can produce poor adhesion of tread and belts that may result in blowouts. Inspecting your tires periodically may show signs of damage or defects. Any cracks, missing pieces of rubber or bulges may indicate a condition that makes a tire unsafe.
• Faulty mounting procedures can damage tires, including failure to use a bead lubricant on a rim. Positioning the tire correctly prevents bead damage and leaks that may occur from improper seating. Tires must perfectly match the rim in size to ensure efficient installation. Tire changing machines that are in poor condition can damage tires, and improper use of the equipment can create potential problems on the road.
• Driving at speeds that exceed tire ratings can cause tires to fail, especially in hot weather conditions.
• Overloading your vehicle can have a damaging effect on tires. The load rating on tires indicates the amount of weight that they can safely support.
• Proper inflation is essential for your tires, and too much is as bad as too little. Underinflating can make the sidewalls flex excessively, causing potential tread separation or blowout. Overinflating your tires can make them susceptible to damage from hitting road hazards, curbs or potholes.

Choosing Legal Representation

Victims of blowout and rollover accidents are often eligible to receive compensation for their injuries and other damages. An accident can change the quality of your life forever. The Florida roll-over accident attorneys at David & Philpot, P.L. dedicate our knowledge and experience every day to helping victims obtain the compensation they deserve.

Negligence by others in producing poor quality products can result in accidents that require expensive medical treatment, hospital stays and extended therapy. Our attorneys offer a free initial consultation to help you choose a course of action that protects your interests and your rights.