Tire separation accidents can cause sudden and devastating crashes that lead to serious injuries or death. These incidents are not just random accidents; they are often the result of manufacturing defects, poor design, or other forms of carelessness. Dealing with the legal side of a tire defect case requires a knowledgeable attorney who will investigate the cause of the failure, protect important evidence, and stand up to powerful tire makers and their legal teams.
When You Should Call An Attorney
If you believe tire defects caused or played a role in your crash, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Tire separation often results from hidden manufacturing or design problems, unlike simple tire blowouts caused by wear or punctures.
Claims involving tire defects usually need a detailed investigation and legal knowledge beyond standard dealer or repair shop advice. At Breit Biniazan, we understand how to uncover the facts and hold manufacturers accountable for their dangerous products.
Why Tread Detachment Is More Than a “Blowout”
Tread separation happens when the rubber tread pulls away from the steel belts or inner parts inside a tire. This is different from a blowout, which is usually a sudden burst caused by a rapid loss of air pressure.
- Tread separation can happen unexpectedly—even at highway speeds—causing the vehicle to pull sharply to one side and become very unstable.
- The loose tread may catch on parts of the vehicle, making control even harder.
- Blowouts tend to be loud and sudden, often linked to punctures or low tire pressure.
- Because tread detachment affects the tire's internal structure, it can cause more severe accidents like rollovers.
Blowouts Are Sudden, But Detreads Can Be Preventable Defects
Unlike blowouts that can happen quickly due to external factors, tread separation is usually caused by problems manufacturers could prevent with better design, quality materials, or stronger safety checks.
Tread Detachment Often Happens Without Puncture
Tread separation does not require an external puncture or tire damage. Instead, the tread peels away internally due to bonding failures within the tire itself.
Common Causes of Tread Separation
Design Flaws or Faulty Manufacturing Processes
Some tires, especially steel-belted radial ones, may have design weaknesses if manufacturers skip important safety testing or use risky designs. Manufacturing problems like poor materials, misaligned machinery, or bad storage can cause tires to fail prematurely.
Improper Tire Storage or Age-Related Degradation
Tires that are old, stored incorrectly, or repaired improperly are more likely to have tread problems. Repairs done instead of replacing damaged tires, particularly on commercial trucks, add to the risk of separation or blowout. In areas like Virginia, hot weather can deteriorate tires faster, making separation accidents more common.
Defective Retreaded Tires on Commercial Vehicles
Overusing worn tires or poorly retreading them, particularly on semi-trucks, dramatically heightens tread separation chances. Some trucking companies neglect timely tire replacements to cut costs, placing road users at risk.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Tread Separation Accidents?
- Tire Manufacturers: Usually responsible because most tread separations come from design or production defects. Product liability claims often need detailed investigations and expert evidence.
- Automakers: Vehicle makers may share liability if they install defective tires or have vehicle defects that worsen blowouts.
- Trucking Companies: If they fail to replace worn or damaged truck tires on time, they can be legally responsible for accidents.
- Third-Party Mechanics or Repair Shops: Faulty tire repairs or missed safety inspections that lead to tread separation may make these parties liable.
Consequences of Tire Separation Accidents
High-Speed Collisions and Rollover Risks
When tread separation occurs, the tire suddenly loses traction, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This sudden loss of control is especially dangerous at high speeds, where even a small mistake can lead to violent collisions with other vehicles or roadside obstacles. The instability caused by the detached tread often makes rollovers more likely, increasing the risk of catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Because these accidents happen quickly and with little warning, they pose a serious threat to drivers, passengers, and others on the road.
Catastrophic Injuries, Especially on Highways
Victims frequently suffer severe injuries, including:
Long-Term Medical and Legal Recovery Challenges
Recovering from a tire separation accident can take a long time. Many people need surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing care to heal from their injuries. At the same time, the legal process to get fair compensation can be complicated and slow, involving insurance companies and careful investigations.
Having a skilled lawyer like Breit Biniazan by your side can make a big difference. We help you handle the legal challenges so you can focus on your recovery and get the support you deserve.
Why Breit Biniazan Is the Firm to Trust
Extensive Experience With Complex Claims
Breit Biniazan has a proven track record handling intricate tire defects and product liability cases involving tread separation accidents. We know the science and law behind tire failures and fight aggressively for injured clients.
Dedicated to Holding Negligent Manufacturers Accountable
We relentlessly pursue manufacturers, automakers, and negligent parties to ensure accountability and maximum compensation for victims harmed by defective tires.
Call Breit Biniazan Today
If you or a loved one have suffered in a tire separation accident, contact Breit Biniazan for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly review your case, explain your rights, and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.