October 15, 2021
Tires are one of the most critical parts of a car, and a defect can have disastrous consequences to a vehicle’s occupants and anyone in its vicinity. New Hampshire drivers, passengers, and bystanders who experience injuries because of a tire blowout or other defect may have a claim for damages against multiple parties.
Defective tires are hazardous because of the inherent role tires play in balancing a vehicle’s weight and ensuring proper braking. Further, motorists rely on tires to maneuver the vehicle while traveling at high speeds and avoiding obstacles. Defective tires can cause a motorist to lost control of the car and cause an accident.
The most dangerous and common type of tire defect is tread separation. Tread separation occurs when the tread experiences delamination from the tire. This can occur in cases where the tread is defective, to begin with, or if it has been retreaded using inferior materials. This tread separation can cause vehicles to skid or even cause a tire to blow out. Blowouts occur when a tire explodes while the vehicle is in motion. This is often the result of the rubber losing its connection to the steel belting and reinforcement. However, blowouts may occur if a vehicle owner overpacks a car with too much cargo. The sudden loss can result in the tire rupturing.
For example, recent news reports described the death of a man following a tire blowout n a New Hampshire highway. Investigators believe that the vehicle’s rear tire malfunctioned and caused it to veer off the roadway. An occupant in the vehicle suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital.
If the driver knew about the defect, the injury victim might have a claim against them for their negligence. However, in most cases, the claims focus on the negligence or strict liability of the tire manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. In these cases, the injury victim does not need to establish who was responsible for the unsafe tire, only that the tire was defective and resulted in an accident and damages.
Damages in New Hampshire defective tire accidents include payments for medical bills, lost wages and benefits, and pain and suffering. In cases where a family member brings a lawsuit on behalf of a deceased victim, they may allege damages for loss of consortium or companionship and loss of earning potential.
Have You Suffered Injuries in a New Hampshire Car Accident?If you or someone you know has suffered injuries because of a negligent driver or defective vehicle part, contact the New Hampshire car accident lawyers at Peter Thompson & Associates. Our injury firm has extensive experience handling all types of personal injury lawsuits on behalf of our clients and their families. We represent clients in New Hampshire cases involving motor vehicle accidents, defective or unsafe products, medical malpractice, dog bites, construction site injuries, and wrongful death claims. We understand the financial, physical, and emotional toll that accidents can have on a person’s livelihood. As such, we work to secure compensation for our clients. Contact our office at 800-804-2004 to schedule a free initial consultation with an attorney on our team.