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- Wrongful Death
- Nursing Home Neglect / Abuse
- Product Liability
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Blog 
Auto, Truck & Motor Vehicle Accidents
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- Halloween Safety at Forefront After Clermont Child Struck by SUV
- Thousands of Drivers Killed in Drunk Driving Accidents in 2008
- What Does it Mean to Live in a No Fault Insurance State?
Claims Involving Children
Preventing Car Accidents Caused by Bad Tires
It is a widely agreed upon fact that bad or defective tires can cause auto accidents. When tires fail to perform as expected, the result can be catastrophic. Tires regularly withstand extreme conditions such as pressure and heat. In the summer months of Florida, as the temperature rises, so does the risk of auto accidents caused by bad tires. Summer heat combined with under-inflation can lead to tread separation and tire blowouts. There are steps you can take to properly maintain your tires and to prevent serious injuries resulting from auto accidents.
Stay Informed
Tire manufacturers are required to perform rigorous testing of tires to ensure the safety of the products. Unfortunately, there have been many cases of tires being recalled after a major defect was detected. One of the most notorious cases of defective tires involved Bridgestone/Firestone. After receiving numerous reports of tire failure, the manufacturer announced a massive recall of millions of tires. It is important to stay up to date on tire recalls. The National Traffic Safety Administration monitors tire recalls and has the information available to the public. Consumers can sign up for recall alerts through the NTSA’s website.
Perform Regular Tire Maintenance
According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, studies have found that tire failure can be avoided by doing the following on a regular basis:
• Maintaining proper tire pressure
• Following the tire and vehicle load limits
• Avoiding road hazards
• Inspecting tires for slashes, cuts or other irregularities
The recommended tire pressure can be found on the vehicle’s tire information placard, certification label or owner’s manual. The tire pressure should only be read when the tires have not been used for the last three hours. In addition to maintaining proper tire pressure, tires should also be rotated regularly to reduce irregular wear.
It is crucial to periodically check the tread of the tire. For the most part, tires should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. Tires have tread wear indicators that show when the tires should be replaced. These indicators are the raised sections in the bottom of the tread grooves. When these indicators are even with the outside tread, the tires should be replaced.
Damages for Car Accidents Caused by Tires
If a car accident was the result of bad tires, the injured victim could be entitled to compensation depending on the details of the case. When there is an accident caused by defective tires, a manufacturer can be held liable for damages, such as pain and suffering, lost wages, medical expenses and loss of enjoyment of life. An experienced Central Florida auto accident attorney can help the injured victim file a lawsuit against the manufacturer or other responsible party.
An auto accident caused by the other driver’s negligence can also give the injured victim the opportunity to recover damages. Auto accidents can be complex and it is sometimes difficult to determine who was at fault. Contact the Law Offices of Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP, if you or a loved one has been injured in a Central Florida auto accident. We can help you determine who is responsible for the accident and will prepare a strong case on your behalf.
Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
Lakeland Office: (863) 683-1111
Bartow Office: (863) 533-5525M
Sebring Office: (863) 471-0003
Lake Wales Office: (863) 676-1991
Haines City Office: (863) 422-1282
Wauchula Office: (863) 767-1111
Also providing legal assistance to clients from:
Wauchula, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Plant City, Brandon, and Valrico, Florida.
