When Bridgestone tires fail because of sidewall failure, detreading, tread separations, ply/belt losses, blowouts, sudden deflation, or some other form of tire failure, occupants may suffer from serious injuries or death because of roof crushes, rollovers, or wrecks – especially if they’ve been traveling at highway speeds. Over the past three decades, the Steven J. Sharp Award-winning Willis Law Firm has investigated and represented hundreds of rollover accident cases involving damaged or defective Bridgestone tires. If you suspect that a Bridgestone tire may have been responsible for your serious injury accident, schedule a consultation with us. Give us a toll-free call at 1-800-883-9858, or send us an email. Our services are nationally recognized by Martindale-Hubble.

What factors cause a damaged or defective Bridgestone tire? Read more.

About Bridgestone Corporation

Bridgestone Corporation began as a rubber conglomerate founded in 1931 by Shojiro Ishibashi in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. The name “Bridgestone” is rooted in a literal translation and transposition of the Japanese word ishibashi, or “stone bridge.” It is currently the largest tire manufacturer in the world, with over $28.6 billion in revenue in 2013, beating out Michelin and Goodyear, respectively.

Bridgestone has over 180 production facilities in 25 countries located around the world. Its headquarters are located in Tokyo.

Brief History of Bridgestone

Technically, the first Bridgestone tire rolled off the factory floor on April 9, 1930, at the Tabi Socks Tyre Division. However, on March 1 of the following year, Shojiro Ishibashi turned the tire department into Bridgestone Tire Co., Ltd. He hoped to continue manufacturing tires based entirely on available Japanese technology.

As a celebration of its 50th anniversary, the company expanded into producing tires in the United States, China, Thailand, Poland and India – among other countries. Three years later, in 1984, it changed its name from Bridgestone Tire Co., Ltd. to Bridgestone Corporation. One of the major events in Bridgestone’s history came in 1988 with its purchase of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, which eventually became Bridgestone Firestone North American Holdings Ltd. in the United States.

In February 2014, the United States Department of Justice issued a $425 million fine against Bridgestone for its role in both bad rigging and price fixing the automobile parts industry.

Bridgestone’s History in North America

In 1983, prior to its acquisition of Firestone Tire & Rubber Company, Bridgestone purchased a plant based out of Tennessee for its first American manufacturing facility. Its primary focus at the time was radial tires meant for buses and trucks. Also in Tennessee is its Bridgestone Metalpha plant, which produces world-class steel cords.

Following the May 1988 takeover of Firestone, then the second-largest tire manufacturer in the United States, Bridgestone expanded its operations in New Zealand, Central and South America, Europe, Turkey and – of course – North America. Firestone was kept on as a subsidiary. Bridgestone merged with Iowa-based Bandag, Inc. in December 2006. Its 900 dealers at the time provided the company with valuable truck tire retreading services, technology and resources. Operations remained in-state until moving to Nashville in 2011.

Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., located in Nashville, oversees production of the Bridgestone, Dayton and Firestone branded tires, synthetic rubber, air springs, industrial fibers, textiles and roofing materials. It addresses the concerns of customers from numerous industries, including agriculture, forestry, consumer automotive, commercial vehicles OEM, and mining, among others.

Legal Help for Serious Bridgestone Tire Defect Injuries

Willis Law Firm has earned Martindale-Hubble recognition and a Steven J. Sharp Award for its 30 years of service. We provide inspection and legal services for individuals and families who have experienced serious injury or death in an automobile accident caused by dangerous and defective Bridgestone tires. You may have a product liability lawsuit on your hands. For a consultation, please call us toll-free at 1-800-883-9858 or send us an email.