As drivers we often take our tires for granted, until we have a flat tire or the mechanic recommends they be replaced. Tires have as much of an impact on our safety as drivers as almost anything else. When a tire fails it can lead to a sudden loss of control and a crash that can have severe consequences for all involved.
Many consumers do not know that tires get weaker as they get older and many safety advocates have called for laws requiring expiration dates for tires like many other consumer goods. Tire manufacturers have known for decades that the useful life of a tire is about six years. Even a brand new tire is dangerous to use if it is more than six years old. This is because the chemical compounds that make up the tire break down over time. Unfortunately selling old tires is common practice and consumers cannot tell the age of a tire by looking at it in most cases.
Additionally, manufacturing defects in tires are all too common and rarely caught in time to be recalled. This is because defects are often hidden until the tire actually fails and causes a crash. Like other product liability cases, it is critically important to preserve the damaged tire and any pieces that can be recovered from the roadway. Many times, if the tire is not preserved in the condition it was in at the time of the injury, there is little chance at successfully pursuing a tire defect claim. Tire defect claims are very complex and it is important to consult with a Mankato defective tire injury lawyer who is familiar with this specialized area of law.
If you or a loved one have been injured by a tire failure that caused a crash, you may be eligible for compensation from the product manufacturer or seller. Get in touch with our office today to get started.
