Tire Failures as a Cause of Serious Car and Truck Accidents: A Product Liability Perspective

Illinois Defective Product Attorneys

Tire failures are a significant cause of car accidents, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire-related crashes result in over 500 deaths each year in the U.S. While tire maintenance and hazardous road conditions are sometimes contributing factors, tire defects can lead to serious accidents and form the basis for product liability cases. If you’ve been involved in an accident caused by a defective tire, understanding how these defects occur—and how they can be proven in court—is essential.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we represent clients throughout Illinois in personal injury and product liability cases. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we help victims of defective tire accidents recover compensation and hold negligent manufacturers accountable.

The Importance of Vulcanization in Tire Safety

Vulcanization is a chemical process that strengthens rubber by adding sulfur, making it more durable and elastic. This transformation is crucial for tire safety, as vulcanized rubber can withstand high pressure and extreme temperatures. When done properly, vulcanization ensures that tires maintain their integrity under harsh road conditions. However, errors in the vulcanization process can weaken tires and make them prone to failure.

How Vulcanization Errors Lead to Tire Failures

A report from the Rubber Chemistry and Technology Journal emphasizes that improper vulcanization is a leading cause of tire defects. When the process isn’t properly controlled, it can result in structural issues such as tread separation or belt detachment. These failures are often invisible to the naked eye, making it difficult for drivers to detect problems before an accident occurs.

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand the technical complexities involved in tire failure cases. By working with experts in tire manufacturing, we identify the exact point where the vulcanization process may have gone wrong, strengthening our clients’ product liability claims.

Common Tire Defects and Their Consequences

Tire defects can occur at various stages of production, from manufacturing to distribution. Here are some of the most common defects that lead to serious accidents:

1. Tread Separation

Tread separation occurs when the tread detaches from the rest of the tire due to improper bonding. This is a major cause of blowouts, particularly dangerous at high speeds, leading to loss of control and rollovers. According to the NHTSA, tread separation is responsible for 26% of all tire-related crashes.

2. Sidewall Blowouts

If the sidewall of a tire is weakened by poor materials or errors during vulcanization, it can burst under pressure. This often results in rapid deflation, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

3. Aging Tires

Even tires that appear to be in good condition may degrade over time, especially if they’ve been stored for long periods. Aging tires are at greater risk of failure, particularly when exposed to high temperatures or long road trips.

4. Manufacturing Defects

Errors in the tire’s assembly, such as incorrect placement of steel belts, can weaken the tire and lead to premature failure. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) highlights that steel-belt placement errors significantly reduce a tire’s lifespan and increase the likelihood of blowouts.

Establishing Liability in Tire Failure Cases

When a defective tire causes an accident, the injured party may be entitled to file a product liability lawsuit. There are three primary types of defects that may form the basis of these claims:

1. Design Defect

A flaw in the tire’s design makes it inherently unsafe, even if properly manufactured. In this case, the defect would apply to an entire line of tires, not just one unit.

2. Manufacturing Defect

A mistake made during the production process, such as improper vulcanization or incorrect assembly, leads to a defective tire that can fail prematurely.

3. Failure to Warn

Manufacturers or retailers may be held liable if they fail to provide adequate warnings or instructions about potential risks, such as the dangers of using under-inflated or aged tires.

At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of experienced Illinois product liability attorneys works diligently to prove liability in tire defect cases. We gather critical evidence and consult with top experts to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

The Role of Experts in Product Liability Cases

Expert testimony is crucial in proving that a tire failure was due to a defect and not a result of poor maintenance or driver error. Tire engineers and industry specialists play a key role in product liability cases, providing the technical knowledge needed to establish liability. Their analysis involves several steps:

1. Microscopic Examination

Experts examine the tire’s surface and internal structure to identify any abnormalities, such as incomplete vulcanization or bonding issues.

2. Chemical Testing

Studies show that chemical testing of the rubber used in tires can reveal whether the correct materials were employed during production. These tests are often crucial in proving manufacturing defects.

3. Failure Analysis

Experts conduct failure analysis by studying wear patterns and identifying the exact points of failure. For instance, if a tire blowout occurred due to tread separation, they will determine whether improper bonding or manufacturing played a role.

Why Early Legal Action in Tire Failure Cases is Critical

In product liability cases involving defective tires, time is of the essence. Evidence must be preserved, and the tire must be carefully analyzed before it is altered or discarded. At John J. Malm & Associates, we work swiftly to issue preservation letters to ensure that all relevant evidence is secured. This includes retaining the defective tire and accessing crucial data from the Event Data Recorder (EDR) or black box, which provides vital information about the vehicle’s speed, braking, and steering prior to the accident.

Trust Our Illinois Product Liability Attorneys with Your Case

Tire failures are a devastating cause of car accidents, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. In many cases, these failures are the result of defects in the tire’s design, manufacturing, or materials. At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of Illinois product liability lawyers has extensive experience handling tire failure product liability cases in Illinois. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, our team is prepared to act quickly, secure the necessary evidence, and work with top experts to prove liability.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a defective tire, contact John J. Malm & Associates today. We will fight for your right to compensation and hold negligent manufacturers accountable for their actions.