Tire troubles can lead to serious accidents, especially in commercial trucking. If an 18-wheeler’s tire pops or experiences a blowout, the truck could lose control. All motor vehicle drivers have a responsibility to inspect their tires regularly for defects and signs of issues, including dangerous tread separation. Proper tire maintenance can help prevent automobile accidents. If you were injured in an accident, it’s crucial to contact a San Antonio car accident lawyer.
Common Types of Tire Defects
A tire defect refers to something amiss with the way that the tire was designed, constructed or marketed. An error during manufacturing could lead to a tire that is dangerous and unfit for the road.
Common types of tire defects include:
- Tread separation
- Belt separation
- Sidewall defects
- Tire bubbles or bulges
- Worn or missing tread
- Tire cracks or dry rot
- Flat or bald spots
Tire defects can be the fault of the manufacturing company or distribution facility in charge of the product. If a defective tire causes a car or truck accident, injured victims may have the right to bring a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
What Is Tread Separation?
Tire tread separation is one of the most common types of tire defects. Tread separation refers to the belts that make up the surface of the tire coming apart from each other or from the rest of the tire. Tread separation can occur due to product defects as well as poor tire maintenance and the failure to replace an old or worn-out tire.
Signs of Tire Problems
Motor vehicle owners should regularly conduct visual inspections of their tires for signs of potential problems. It is always better to catch tire tread separation early, before the tire blows out or explodes on a drive – a dangerous event that can cause a violent car accident.
Be aware of the following signs of tire problems:
- Bubbles on the surface of the tire
- Rubber tread separating from the wheel
- Exposed belt or ply material (visible through the sidewall)
- Tire punctures or flats
- Audible leaks
- Wavy tread pattern
- The vehicle shakes or vibrates in use
- Poor vehicle handling
Premature or uneven wear and tear of a tire points to a probable product defect. If a tire was neglected for a long period of time, however, a blowout and related traffic accident could point to the liability of the vehicle owner or operator.
How to Prevent Tread Separation
Tire tread separation and other dangerous tire problems can be prevented with regular tire inspections. Motor vehicle operators should know the warning signs of tread separation so that they can get professional repairs or a tire replacement before it’s too late.
Certain vehicle operators, such as trucking companies, have a legal obligation to uphold federal requirements for tire condition, performance and maintenance. If a company operates trucks with tires that exhibit signs of wear or tread separation, the entity can be held responsible for a subsequent tire blowout accident.
A Lawyer Can Help You With a Tire-Related Crash in Texas
Catastrophic tire failures can result in life-changing car and truck accidents in Texas. If you or someone you love was affected by a tire-related accident, contact Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Attorneys. Our San Antonio personal injury lawyers can help you understand your rights and legal options for making a financial recovery during a free case evaluation.