Defective Tires
Tire defects can cause serious and fatal car accidents. Unsuspecting consumers could find themselves the victims of tire blowouts or loss of vehicle control because of a tire that does not perform as it should. Over the years, the federal government has recalled millions of tires due to defects that make them unreasonably dangerous for drivers. Unfortunately, not all recalls are fast enough to prevent major accidents. If you have recently been in a car accident in Columbus related to a defective tire, call the product liability attorneys at Elk & Elk for a free consultation in Columbus, Ohio.
How Can We Help?
- We use tailored legal strategies to optimize our odds of success. Our firm has a reputation for success in the area, with over $1 billion in past case results.
- We offer free initial case evaluations at any of our multiple firms throughout Ohio. We can visit you at home or in the hospital for your consultation, if necessary.
- We have the resources to take on even the most difficult product liability cases, with multiple parties or large tire-manufacturing corporations.
- We will only charge you for attorney’s fees if we win you a financial award. We want to lighten your financial burden during this difficult time, not add to it.
Do You Need an Attorney in Ohio?
Pursuing a defective tire claim takes understanding your rights as an injured consumer. The government permits consumers to file actions against manufacturers responsible for producing defective products. To win compensation, however, you or your attorney must prove that the tire contained a defect and that it caused your car accident. Proving liability for your damages is much easier with an attorney. Your lawyer can investigate your crash, gather any evidence against the defendant, and fight for full recovery on your behalf.
Signs of a Defective Tire
Determining whether a blown tire contained a defect that contributed to your accident may take a team of investigators. However, a few different types of tire damage could be red flags for a product defect. Inspect your tires after a crash for signs of something amiss.
- Premature wear and tear
- Tire tread separation
- Uneven tread wear
- Cracks in the sidewall
- Bulges or blisters
If your tire completely shreds to pieces or explodes, it could be a sign of a defect. Properly designed and manufactured tires should deflate more slowly if they sustain damage. A rollover accident from a tire problem could also point to a defect. Hire a law firm to look into your crash for honest answers about its cause.
Filing a Product Liability Claim in Ohio
You have two years from the date of your auto accident to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer of the defective tire. Do not miss this deadline. Ignoring the statute of limitations will almost always result in the courts declining to hear your case. You or your lawyer will need to fill out the correct documents and file them with the Franklin County courts to begin your claim. Your claim will need to include details of your accident, including the full name and address of the defendant.
The defendant will respond with a claim acceptance or denial within 45 days. If it accepts your claim, your attorney can enter into settlement negotiations. If you receive a claim denial, your attorney can take the defendant to court in pursuit of fair compensation. Trusting a lawyer to handle the legal process on your behalf can save you time, energy, and stress. It can also improve your odds of securing full financial recovery.
Contact Us at (800) ELK-OHIO
A defective tire could cause permanent injuries such as traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, or loss of limb. If you suffered traumatic injuries or lost a loved one because of a tire defect, call Elk & Elk to learn whether you have grounds for a claim. We offer free consultations at our local Columbus office.