Faulty Tires in California Cause Serious Safety Issues
Many people underestimate the importance of high quality tires. Your tires represent your contact points with the road. Without solid tires, you cannot expect to control your vehicle and successfully avoid hazards. But what happens if you unwittingly drive with faulty tires? What if tire manufacturers market, manufacture, and distribute tires that are completely unsafe for public use? What happens if your crash was not caused by a drunk driver or an out-of-control teen, but rather by a set of faulty tires?
As it turns out, this situation might be more common than you realize. Many tire companies and auto manufacturers have been forced to recall tires due to safety concerns. Often, these recalls occur only after people have been seriously injured. These companies should be held accountable for allowing faulty tires to make their way onto roads in California. But can you really sue for injuries and crashes caused by faulty tires in California? Let’s find out.
Goodyear Faces Grand Jury for Faulty Recreational Tires
On January 26th, it was reported that a federal grand jury in Los Angeles was investigating Goodyear’s allegedly faulty recreational tires in preparation for a criminal trial. The government had already concluded that these tires directly caused the deaths of eight people. In addition, the tires have been linked to dozens of injuries. Early reports state that this is an official criminal investigation conducted by the Department of Transportation, and apparently the Justice Department is also getting involved.
These tires have been under investigation for years – starting with a 2017 inquiry by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That investigation led to a recall in 2022, and there are allegations that Goodyear knew that these tires were faulty, yet did nothing to address the situation. In fact, the company is being accused of allowing these tires to float around the market for 20 years before even considering a recall. According to official guidelines, Goodyear should have recalled the tires within five days of becoming aware of their defectiveness. In fact, it was only after Goodyear was threatened with a public trial that they agreed to recall about 173,000 tires.
To this day, Goodyear insists that the tires are completely safe for use. When asked why they recalled the tires, the company explained that it needed to “address risks” associated with underinflation and overinflation – mistakes made by the customers and not them. Goodyear also stresses that these tires have been out of production since 2003.
So, what exactly is the problem with these tires? The NHTSA has reported that these tires have a tendency to separate from the body, causing drivers to suddenly lose control, swerve, and potentially crash. Investigators later determined that at least eight people lost their lives as a direct result of this defect between 1998 and 2009. A further 69 others were injured, according to the safety agency.
These specific tires were built for start-and-stop delivery vans, and they feature a 22.5-inch diameter with the official product name of “G159.” These tires were also designed specifically for roads with speed limits of 65 miles per hour. Later, it seems as though these tires were remarketed for use on large motorhomes – despite the fact that these vehicles travel long distances on highways at high speeds without stopping. This is the exact opposite of what the tires were originally designed for. In 2007, Goodyear stated that when these tires reach temperatures above 200 degrees Fahrenheit, the chances of tread separation increases significantly.
Widow Sues FedEx For Using Faulty Tires That She Claims Killed Her Husband
In December of 2022, it was reported that a widow sued FedEx, claiming that the company’s decision to use faulty Goodyear tires led directly to her husband’s passing. She also named Goodyear and its subsidiary Wingfoot Commercial Tire Systems as defendants in her lawsuit. The fatal accident involved her husband, who was driving a FedEx truck on I-10 when the left front tire tread separated.
The vehicle came to a complete stop in the middle of the highway. A following vehicle then rear-ended the FedEx truck, causing a fire in the process. Although the FedEx driver survived the initial impact, he could not escape the burning wreck. According to the lawsuit, he was aware that he was burning alive during his final moments but could not escape. FedEx has revealed that they plan to defend itself in court.
Stellantis Recalls Dodge and Chrysler Models Due to Tire Failure Risk
In July of 2022, it was reported that Stellantis – the parent company of Dodge and Chrysler – recalled three 2022 car models due to tire failure risk. The issue involves a built-in fire pressure monitoring system. The system apparently fails to detect low tire pressure, which could increase the chance of tire failure and crashes. The problem seems to be a battery that fails prematurely, leaving drivers unaware of low pressure. This is just one of many auto recalls conducted by Stellantis within the past few years, and it shows that Goodyear is not the only company facing safety issues with its tires.
Where Can I Find a Qualified, Experienced Personal Injury Attorney in California?
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in California, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs pursue justice after their car accidents. We know that car accidents may be caused by a range of factors – including faulty tires. Suing for faulty tires may even allow you to receive compensation for a single-vehicle crash – something that can be challenging in an at-fault state like California.
The only way to determine your chances of a positive outcome is to book a consultation as soon as possible. Internet research is a positive first step, but it cannot provide you with targeted legal information based on your specific situation. The statute of limitations may prevent you from suing if you wait too long, so reach out today and get the ball rolling.
