TIRE FAILURE

Failed tires are not an uncommon thing at all. In recent years many companies have been forced to recall tires due to defects in the manufacturing process.

Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber, a Chinese company, has had to in fact recall over 700,000 tires, sold under different brand names, in the last year and a half due to the lack of a safety feature called a "gum strip," which holds the belts on the tire together. Allegedly this was the cause of at least one fatal accident.

In 2000, Firestone had to recall 14.7 million tires due to tread separation. In addition, the rubber on the tires (mostly found on Ford Explorers) may have been damaged or contaminated, thus making them even more of a potential hazard. It is estimated that nearly 1000 people died or suffered injuries resulting from these defects; the lawsuits against Bridgestone/Firestone were well-piblicized, and the company had to pay out billions of dollars in settlements.

Additional companies, such as Cooper, Goodyear-Dunlop and others have had to recall tires in recent years, so this is not a problem that should be taken lightly. In fact, in August of 2007 a South Carolina woman won a $15 million award from Goodyear-Dunlop because she suffered brain damage resulting from a defective tire blowing out on her motorcycle. This can happen to anyone.

One thing that is telling is that Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber, for example, is in denial about its product, which in August had 450,000 units recalled. Officials from the company denied anything was defective about the tire, but critics opine that the exclusion of the gum strip may have been the result of a cost-cutting measure.

This should be a signal to the consumer that companies, no matter how large or small, are not above cutting corners in order to put a product out on the market. In other words, it is quite possible that accidents are caused by these defects, when the manufacturer clearly in the wrong and the consumer entitled to damages.

These are negligence and liability issues on the part of the manufacturer, and may extend to the automobile company as well. If you are injured in an accident and feel it may be due to a defective tire product, you most certainly have rights. You are better safe than sorry - contact our offices right away and let us handle things.

For more information relating to TIRE FAILURE
Contact , Ronaldson & Kuchler Attorney Law Offices of Chicago, Illinois.