Several defective tire recalls in recent years have led drivers into states of confusion, frustration and panic. These defective tire recalls have reached across several major brands. The defects have led to tire blowouts, which often cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Hundreds of drivers have been victimized in accidents that could have been prevented. Many of these accidents have had fatal consequences, leaving families devastated with emotional and financial losses.
Recalls for Defective Tires
When regulators at NHTSA receive reports of tire defects, they will issue a recall. Tire manufacturers may also voluntarily issue recalls when they become aware of that their tires are defective.
While recalls can be an effective way to reduce the number of defective tires on the roads, only about 1 in 5 defective tires is remedied through these recalls.1 The low success rate with tire recalls is due, at least in part, to the lack of a registration requirement for tire dealers. This makes it challenging for tire manufacturers to know who exactly has recalled tires, meaning that many impacted vehicle owners may never receive notification of tire recalls.
You can check if your vehicle is subject to a tire (or other) recall using this tool provided by the NHTSA.
Liability & Recoveries for Defective Tires
When defective tires cause accidents, injuries and losses, liable parties may include (but are not limited) to:
- Tire manufacturers
- Tire retail and maintenance shops
- Dealerships or vehicle rental businesses.
In some cases, multiple parties may be liable for defective tires. When these claims are successful, they can result in compensation for damages like (but not limited to):
- Property damage
- Past and future medical bills
- Past and future lost earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Funeral and burial costs (in the event of fatal injuries)
- Punitive damages (in some cases).
While we understand that compensation can never reverse permanent injuries and losses, we also know how crucial recoveries can be to providing survivors and families with the financial means to seek treatment, focus on healing and rebuild their lives.