Tire Tread Separation / Tire Blow-Out Lawsuits

Failing tires that have caused injuries and death have been portrayed in the news for decades. The Firestone/Ford Explorer combination that led to hundreds of deaths, injuries and a massive recall in 2000, is one of the most notorious defective tire debacles. With the extreme expense paid by Firestone for replacement tires and in lawsuits, it is unfortunate that other tire manufacturers still are producing tires with similar defect problems, including tire tread separation leading to blowouts.

When tire treads separate, the tire falls apart and a blowout can occur. This can be caused by normal wear and tear, poor driving, over-inflation and impact from potholes and other objects. It can also occur on a well-maintained tire under normal driving conditions if there is a design flaw or manufacturing defect. A tire blowout can be dangerous, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Many tire tread separation blowouts have caused serious and even fatal accidents, including those initiated by a defective tire.

Tire Defects and Manufacturer Liability

Almost all tire manufacturers have had to recall a tire for defects. Some may be less dangerous than others, or the manufacturer may catch the issue before there are many accidents or injuries caused by the defect. When tire tread separation occurs, it is a very serious issue and is more likely to cause an injury accident. Some recent companies facing lawsuits for injuries caused by tire blowouts from tread separation include:

• Federal Tire
• Cooper Tire
• Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
• Continental Tire

If you have recently been in an injury accident caused by an unexpected tire blowout from tread separation, make sure to check to see if your tire was under a manufacturer recall. Even if it was not, but you believe it may have been defective, contact us at Conley Griggs Partin LLP. We handle tire tread separation and blowout lawsuits for clients injured in accidents caused by defective tires.