Were you recently injured in a car accident caused by a tire defect? Tire blowouts are among the most frequent causes of preventable traffic accidents. Many of the largest tire manufacturers in the U.S., including Kelly, Goodyear, Michelin, and Firestone, have active or recent recalls on their products, underscoring the prevalence of this danger.
Turn to the Georgia defective tire accident attorneys of Bayuk Pratt. We are here to address your concerns and pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing. Our founders are former insurance defense lawyers who have used their insider knowledge to recover more than $300 million in rightful compensation for our clients.
Let us put our 50 years of combined experience to work for you. Take action and stand up for your rights by contacting Bayuk Pratt today for a free consultation with a Georgia defective tire accident lawyer.
Benefits of Hiring a Georgia Attorney for Your Defective Tire Claim
If you have been hurt in a tire blowout accident in Georgia, you need and deserve support from a skilled attorney. A knowledgeable product liability lawyer will know how to prove a tire defect, hold responsible parties accountable, and demand the compensation you deserve.
Here are just a few of the ways a Georgia defective tire accident attorney with Bayuk Pratt can help you with your claim:
- Investigating the Accident – Your lawyer will gather evidence from the scene, inspect the damaged tire, and review photos or video footage to build a strong foundation for your claim.
- Analyzing the Tire’s History – The attorney will research the tire’s manufacturing history and check for any previous recalls or known issues that match your case, which could demonstrate a pattern of manufacturer negligence.
- Consulting Technical Experts – Lawyers often work with tire design experts and automotive engineers who can testify about the technical reasons for the tire’s failure and strengthen your case with their professional insights.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies – An experienced lawyer can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation without being lowballed or misled about the value of your claim.
- Representing You in Court – If your case goes to trial, your lawyer will represent you in court, arguing your case effectively in front of a judge and jury to fight for fair compensation.
Compensation You Could Recover in a Georgia Defective Tire Claim
A tire blowout accident can leave you with serious injuries and financial strain that affect every aspect of your life. You should not be left to deal with the consequences of a large company’s failure to put a safe product on the market. Instead, you can demand the liable parties compensate you for your:
- Medical expenses related to the accident, including the costs of emergency treatment, ongoing care, and care you will likely need in the future
- Lost income due to time off work during your recovery
- Projected losses in future earning capacity if the crash permanently affects your ability to work
- Physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident
- Loss of consortium, which accounts for the impact on your relationship with your spouse
- Any legal fees you incur while pursuing your claim
- Repair or replacement costs for any property damaged in the wreck
Parties Who Could Be Held Liable for a Tire Blowout
Identifying who is responsible for a tire blowout accident is essential to pursuing accountability and fair compensation. Defective tire accident liability might rest with one or several parties depending on how the defect occurred and how the tire was handled before the accident. Here are some examples of potentially liable parties:
- Tire Manufacturers – The manufacturer of the tire is often the primary responsible party in these cases. If the tire was defective due to a manufacturing error or poor-quality materials, the manufacturer is liable for harm resulting from the tire’s failure. A lawyer can gather the evidence necessary to prove that the defect existed at the time the tire left the manufacturing facility.
- Retailers – The store or outlet that sold the tire could also be accountable, especially if it sold a tire despite knowing it was defective or unsuitable for use. If the retailer was aware of a recall or defect and failed to remove the product from their inventory, it could be responsible for any accidents that occurred as a result.
- Wholesalers or Distributors – Distributors and wholesalers that handle the distribution of tires from manufacturers to retailers could be liable if a flaw in handling or storage methods contributed to a tire’s failure.
- Mechanics or Auto Service Providers – A mechanic or service provider could be liable if they installed a tire improperly or failed to notice an existing defect during routine maintenance or inform a vehicle owner of that defect. It’s their duty to ensure that the parts they service are in safe working order.
- Other Drivers – In some cases, another driver might indirectly cause a tire blowout. For example, if another driver’s actions on the road forced you to swerve in a way that damaged your tire, they might be partially responsible for the accident. Your lawyer can analyze the accident details to determine if another driver’s negligence played a role in the blowout.
How Long Do You Have to File a Defective Tire Lawsuit in Georgia?
If you suffer injuries from a tire defect accident in Georgia, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against a liable party. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your chance to claim compensation for the harm you suffered. Given this tight deadline, it’s best to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the wreck.
What Causes Tire Blowouts in Georgia?
Common causes of tire blowouts in Georgia include:
- Manufacturing Defects – Sometimes, tires have manufacturing defects that are not visible or known to the driver. These defects can include flaws in the rubber compound, errors in the manufacturing process, or inadequate quality control. Such defects can weaken the tire structurally, making it more susceptible to failing unexpectedly during everyday use.
- Design Defects – Some defects are inherent to the tire’s design. For example, an improperly engineered tire might be more prone to sudden separation, even when they’re manufactured correctly.
- Previous Repairs – Improperly repaired tires are at increased risk of failing and blowing out. Repairs that do not adhere to safety standards or use appropriate materials can fail under the stress of normal driving. This is particularly concerning if the repair was meant to address a puncture or severe wear.
- Improper Installation – An incorrectly installed tire is more prone to sudden failure. This might happen if the tire is not fitted properly on the rim or if the air pressure is not adjusted according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Such negligence can compromise the tire’s stability and functionality, making the service provider liable for resulting accidents.
- Recall Failures – Occasionally, manufacturers recall tires due to discovered defects that pose safety risks. If a retailer or mechanic fails to inform consumers of a recall or continues to sell or use recalled tires, they can be liable for any accidents caused by these tires.
- Damaged Roads – Municipalities or entities responsible for road maintenance could be liable if their negligence in maintaining safe road conditions leads to a tire blowout. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and other road hazards can all cause significant tire damage that leads to blowouts.
What Types of Accidents Result from Tire Blowouts?
Tire blowouts can startle drivers and cause dangerous instability on the road. This can lead to various types of defective tire accidents, such as:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end accidents
- Sideswipe accidents
- Angle-impact collisions
- T-bone wrecks
- Rollover accidents
- Multi-car pile-ups
Potential Injuries in a Tire Defect Accident
Tire blowouts can occur unexpectedly and result in dangerous accidents at high speeds, severely injuring occupants and other road users. Possible injuries from a tire defect accident include the following:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations
- Bruises
- Burns
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Amputations
- Crush injuries
- Pelvic injuries
- Facial injuries
What to Do If You Have Experienced a Tire Blowout in Georgia
Taking the right steps after a tire blowout car accident can help you manage the situation effectively and prepare for any necessary legal actions. Here’s what you should do:
- Exchange contact and insurance information with any other drivers involved.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including the tire that blew out.
- Gather contact information from any witnesses.
- Visit a doctor and follow their treatment advice.
- Contact a knowledgeable tire defect accident attorney as soon as possible.
- Inform your insurance company about the accident, but do not speculate about fault.
- Keep all receipts and records of expenses related to the accident.
- Create a detailed list of any financial losses due to the accident.
- Provide your attorney with any evidence and documents you have gathered.
- Avoid discussing the accident details on social media platforms.
- Keep your attorney updated on any changes in your condition and follow their advice.