Tire failure, or defective tires due to blow outs, tread separation, or other failure, can lead to tragedy. In this case, a tragic crash was caused by a tire blowout resulting in an SUV rolling over. Sadly, the driver was injured and the passenger was killed. The vehicle was traveling at highway speeds when suddenly, and without warning, the right rear tire catastrophically came apart, causing the vehicle to spin out of control and rollover.
Following the crash, the tire was tested and studied, highlighting numerous manufacturing defects. This case was settled with the tire manufacturer at mediation. Settlement gave the family closure to this horrendous chapter of their lives.
Leading causes of tire failure
Tire failures often cause devastating crashes. And, the unfortunate reality is that many cars on America’s roadways today have at least one unsafe tire. Tread separation, a leading cause of tire failures, is often a result of defective design or defective manufacture of the tread. In addition, degradation due to age, even if the tire’s tread is sufficient, is also a common reason why tires fail. Often, a tire failure can also expose other defects within a vehicle’s design or performance. This is why, if a tire failure played a part in causing a crash, a thorough review of all liability issues must be conducted. Such issues include: stability; roof crush; and, occupant restraint. All of these can help determine whether vehicle product defects or crashworthiness claims also exist.
Rollovers expose vehicle defects
A rollover is always serious and will test a vehicle’s design and safety, potentially exposing any number of defects. At Jaime Jackson Law, we review why the rollover happened in the first place, and then the vehicle’s crashworthiness. In other words, we ask questions such as; did the vehicle and its safety systems adequately protect the occupant? Was there a mechanical failure of a tire? Or, was the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) engaged and did it perform as intended? If the occupant was not adequately protected, the types of injuries themselves are likely to point to defects such as the roof, seat back, or seatbelt. Urgent and detailed investigation is vital in identifying whether an auto product defect, crashworthiness, or other claims exist.
Jaime Jackson Law was able to settle this case against the vehicle manufacturer, achieving justice and closure for the family of the driver.