Vehicle Rollovers & Tire Defects
Defective tires that often lead to blowouts are often a contributing factor in rollover crashes and other accidents. The most common cause of tire blowouts, also called rapid air loss, is tread separation.
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Vehicle rollovers and other accidents caused by defective tires result in numerous injuries and deaths every year. According to a report issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) on April 28, 2004, there were 43,220 deaths overall on the nation’s highways in 2003, up slightly from 42,815 in 2002 – which, at the time, was “the highest number of motor vehicle fatalities in over a decade,” according to a previous DOT report. Part of the 2003 increase, the report stated, can be attributed to a rise in the number of SUV-related fatalities, 55 percent of which were the result of rollover crashes.
While any vehicle may be susceptible to rollover crashes, SUV rollovers are the most common, primarily due to the fact that such vehicles have a higher center of gravity and narrower track-width than a regular passenger vehicle.
Defective tires that often lead to blowouts are often a contributing factor in rollover crashes and other accidents. The most common cause of tire blowouts, also called rapid air loss, is tread separation. Problems that contribute to the risk of catastrophic tread separation can be found throughout the tire industry. These problems include inadequate quality control, poor tire design and the use of outdated technology and equipment.
One glaring example of such problems, according to the DOT, surfaced during congressional hearings on the deadly rollover occurrence of Ford Explorers equipped with Firestone tires, where it was revealed that neither the federal tire standard nor the roof crush standard had been updated since the early 1970s. In addition, warning signs of the potential problem were missed because of inadequate data collection and analysis.
The law firm of Hensley Walker, P.A., has the experience and successful record of accomplishment to make sure you receive fair compensation for injuries suffered as the result of a defective tire or vehicle. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to such defective products, contact us today to learn more about your rights and how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.
In 2003, 58% of those killed in passenger vehicles were not wearing safety belts. Don’t take chances. Buckle up.
To find answers to Frequently Asked Questions regarding vehicle rollovers and tire defects, and to learn what your case might be worth, click below to fill out our free case evaluator.
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