Tire Defects, Failures, Recalls and Lawsuits

The recall of defective Firestone tires and Ford Explorer rollovers have been center stage in all product liability news stories. Bridgestone and Firestone were forced to recall millions of their ATX, ATX II and Firestone Wilderness radial tires due to tire tread separation, which was causing sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to lose control and roll over. Besides Firestone, many other tire manufacturers have also had similar tire tread or belt adhesion problems. These tire manufacturers include: Continental General Tire Company, Cooper Tire Company, Kelly Springfield Tire, Dunlop Tire, Goodyear Tire, Kumho Tire, and others. When a tire tread separation occurs at highway speed, a rollover is too often the result.

"A consumer shouldn't be sentenced to death or be given a life sentence with catastrophic injuries because tire and vehicle manufacturers stress profits over product safety. Tire companies must stop making low quality tires. It is time to force them to be accountable to those they have injured or killed and clean up their act." — David P. Willis, Attorney at Law

Tire Tread Separation, Failure and Tire Defects A tire defect during manufacturing can result in a tire tread separation. Tire tread separation at highway speeds may cause a rollover and resulting roof crush. A tire tread failure or blowout can cause a SUV to lose control and potentially roll over. Many rollover accidents cause serious injury, even death. Tire Failures, Blowouts and Rollover Accidents Weak vehicle roofs, roof pillars, roof headers and supports of SUVs, trucks and vans often fail and collapse during rollovers. Rollovers in vehicles with weak roofs often crush the occupants causing spinal cord injury, closed head injuries, paralysis, paraplegia, quadriplegia, anoxic brain damage, and death. Tire Recall Information Many tires have been recalled over the last few years due to tire manufacturer defects, tire failures and flaws which result in sudden tire failures, tire de-treading or delamination, and tire blowouts. Recalls include the: Firestone tire recall, Cooper tire recall, Continental General tire recall and others. Tire / Rim Explosions While trying to fix a flat, many tire workers can be blinded, maimed, or even decapitated when a tire explodes. Most of these exploding tires have been previously filled with a can of tire sealant to fix an air leak. Propellant in the tire sealant may contain butane or propane. When an ignition source is present, an explosion may result. Tire Markings, Tire Manufacturers, and Tire Models All tires have particular tire markings that indicate the tire size, weight limits (load limits) and speed ratings of the tire. Click here to see a list of standard tire sizes and to learn more about the other information tire manufacturers are required to mark on tires produced in the United States.

News as of May 13, 2008

 Defective Goodyear Dunlop Tire Causes Severe Wreck
 DOT Tire Code Numbers, Ratings and ID Markings
 Cooper Dominator Sport A/T Tire Failures and Recall News
 Being Notified of Tire Recalls and Vehicle Recalls
 Tire, Product and Vehicle Safety Defects

Tire Defects and Tire Defect Lawsuits

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an auto accident due to a defective tire (tread separation, blowout or tire failure) resulting in a rollover, then you may have the right to file a legal action. Frequently the vehicle manufacture, tire maker, and distributors are joined in a products liability lawsuit when a rollover occurs from a tire defect.

The Willis Law Firm has represented dozens of seriously injured victims and families of tire defect accidents and SUV rollovers. Mr. Willis is a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Mr. Willis has practiced personal injury law and products liability law for over twenty three years.

If you would like to have you case reviewed for free, please use our confidential injury evaluation form by following the link below, or if you prefer, call us toll free at 1-800-883-9858 to speak with a products liability lawyer.

Click Here for a Free Tire Defect Case Evaluation