Tire Defects

Tire defects can result in car crashes that leave a victim with traumatic injuries and escalating medical bills. Knoxville car accident lawyer Mark C. Hartsoe can provide the legal representation you need if you were hurt in a car accident caused by a tire defect. Mr. Hartsoe has over 25 years of experience, and is committed to helping car accident victims recover for their injuries. Call us today to see how we can help you.

A tire defect can be the singular or contributing cause of a car accident. Many tires have been recalled in recent years due to defects, malfunctions, and other imperfections. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 11,000 crashes are caused by tire failure each year. Among the most common causes of tire failures are tread separation and tire blowouts. Tire failures are also typically associated with rollovers, which can cause some of the more traumatic and life-threatening car accident injuries.

To prevent tires from failing, the NHTSA recommends that car owners:

• Regularly inspect and monitor tread on all tires, and replace them at the first sign of wear
• Check the tire pressure monthly to ensure proper inflation
• Follow the vehicle’s recommended tire pressure in pounds
• Review the manufacturer’s recommended service life of the tire

Despite taking measures to ensure tires are safe, a tire defect can still exist and result in a devastating crash.

A tire defect can be caused by poor manufacturing, lack of quality control, improper design, or other design or manufacturing defects. If a tire defect causes a car wreck, a victim can hold a tire manufacturer or seller responsible for any injuries they sustained in the accident. In Tennessee, a victim can file a products liability claim against the manufacturer or seller for injuries that resulted from the faulty manufacture, design, or assembly of a product. To succeed in their claim, the victim must show that the tire was defective or unreasonably dangerous at the time it left the manufacturer or seller’s control, and that the condition caused the victim’s injuries.

Tennessee affords some additional protection to a seller who is not also the manufacturer. It prohibits a products liability action against the seller unless:

• The seller exercised substantial control over some aspect of the product’s design, manufacture, or packaging;
• The seller altered or modified the product, and the change was a substantial factor in causing the victim’s harm;
• The seller gave an express warranty;
• The product’s manufacturer or distributor is not subject to service of process in Tennessee (such as a manufacturer or distributor that is located abroad); or
• The manufacturer was declared bankrupt.

Tennessee law can be complex when it comes to products liability claims in car accidents. Speaking with an attorney experienced in this area can make a significant difference in the outcome of a case.

If you were hurt in a car accident caused by a tire defect, you can seek to hold the parties responsible for the defect accountable for your injuries. You can pursue compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. If a defective tire caused an accident that killed your loved one, you can file a wrongful death suit against the parties responsible for your loss. You can seek recovery for your relative’s medical bills, burial costs, and loss of consortium.

Knoxville personal injury attorney Mark C. Hartsoe can provide you with the dedicated legal representation you need in your car accident case. Mr. Hartsoe has years of experience helping car accident victims recover compensation for their injuries. He will evaluate your case, work with experts and witnesses, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. He is prepared to vigorously represent you in court if your case goes to trial. Call us today at 865-804-1011 or contact us online or a free consultation.