Tire Separation Accidents Prove Fatal

Many people may see car tires as a standard item used by their vehicles. However, what many people fail to realize is that car tires can be extremely dangerous. A defective tire can lead to a devastating, life-threatening car accident. This is especially true for Alabama drivers who have suffered from injuries caused by tread separation accidents. Montgomery tire defect lawyer Rick Morrison explains more about tire separation, its causes, and the injuries it can cause during a crash.

What Causes Tire Separation?

Tread separation occurs when the tire’s tread separates from the tire’s body. When this happens, the structure of the tire’s casing is compromised, increasing the likelihood of a crash. Montgomery car accident attorney Rick Morrison discusses some of the leading causes of tire separation below.

Manufacturing Defects

Tires are made out of a combination of materials, such as chemicals, rubber, steel, and bonding agents. The manufacturing process requires a precise blend of all the elements to form a tire. An error during the manufacturing process can cause tread separation on the tire. For instance, the tread and steel belt surrounding the tire is supposed to bond correctly. An error during this process can make tread separation more likely to occur.

Additionally, a defect in the design process can also cause tire separation. For instance, properly-designed tires are supposed to have durable, stable treading. When appropriately designed, tires can avoid tread separation, even when running on low air pressure. However, a poorly designed casing is more vulnerable. If you were injured in an accident due to a defective tire, you may be able to file a product liability lawsuit against the manufacturer with help from a personal injury lawyer.

Poor Road Conditions

Tires face wear-and-tear constantly. While manufacturers provide customers with information regarding the approximate number of miles a tire can withstand, certain elements can accelerate damage. For instance, debris on the road and potholes are common causes of tire wear-and-tear. Excessive wearing of the tire can lead to tread separation.

Over-Inflation

Tires are designed differently, and they all have different air pressure specifications. The pounds of air pressure per square inch (PSI) is a measurement meant to provide a tire with the specific amount of air to avoid overheating and provide adequate shock absorption. Over-inflated tires can sustain extra damage if a driver runs over debris on the road or falls into a pothole. Often, over-inflation occurs during the mounting and de-mounting process in tire shops.

Injuries from Tread Separation Accidents

Tire tread separation can be extremely dangerous for the driver, the passenger, and other motorists on the road. If the tread separates while the vehicle is in motion, it can lead to a devastating accident. During a tread separation accident, the driver can lose control of the car which can lead to severe injuries. Some of the injuries that drivers can sustain during a tire separation accident are listed below.

Head Injuries

Head injuries are some of the most dangerous and life-threatening injuries drivers can sustain during a car accident. The forces and momentum present during a car crash can cause the driver to hit their head against the steering wheel, dashboard or other parts inside their vehicle. A massive hit to the head can lead to debilitating injuries such as traumatic brain injuries. Depending on the extent of your head injury, you may need costly surgeries and continuing medical care.

Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)

The spinal cord is a long bundle of nerves serving as a bridge between many body parts and the brain. Trauma to the back can cause damage to the spinal cord. If you suffer a cut to the spine, you can lose function below the site of the injury. For instance, if you sever your spine near your waistline, you may be paralyzed from the waist down. Often, spinal cord injuries may require surgery and continuing medical treatment, including rehabilitation.

Wrongful Death

Unfortunately, many vehicular accidents such as car, motorcycle and truck accidents lead to the wrongful death of a loved one. Sadly, defective tires continue to cause crashes and fatalities around the country every year. The Bridgestone/Firestone 2000 tire recall is perhaps one of the most notorious cases of how dangerous and deadly defective tires can be. This year, the same company has issued a recall of more than 6 million tires, due to a defect that caused the deaths of almost 50 people.

Montgomery Personal Injury Attorney for Tire Defect Accident Claims

Dealing with a devastating injury, or losing a loved one due to the negligent actions of another party, can be painful and difficult. However, you can hold the liable parties accountable for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Rick Morrison may be able to help. To talk more about your accident in a free, confidential consultation, call The Morrison Law Firm today at (334) 625-6128, or contact us online.