Defective Tire Accident Attorneys in NJ

Experienced NJ Tire Blowout Lawyers Protecting Your Rights After an Accident in towns in Mercer County, Burlington County, and throughout New Jersey.

Tires may be the last thing people worry about when they get into a car and drive, but The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration reveals that more than 11,000 accidents happen every year due to tire defects. Defective tires happen when design, manufacturing techniques, or materials are subpar, and quality control processes don’t catch the mistakes. All of these factors can cause fatal accidents. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, only one out of five defective tires in America is taken off the market with a recall. This oversight results in crashes that kill 500 drivers and injure 33,000 other people every year.

If you have been injured in an NJ accident caused by a defective tire, the personal injury and product liability attorneys at Cohen & Rielchelson can fight for the compensation you deserve in Burlington, East Windsor, Ewing, West Windsor, Trenton, and throughout Mercer County and surrounding New Jersey areas. Call (609) 528-2596 today or contact us online for a free consultation.

Warning Signs of Defective Tires

A defective tire is one that’s not safe to use because it has flaws. Some common defects include tread separation when the outer part of the tire separates from the rest of it, which can make driving dangerous. Belt separation is a similar problem. It occurs when the tire’s internal steel belts come apart, causing a loss of control. Weak spots in the tire’s side can create bulges or bubbles, leading to blowouts.

Manufacturing defects, in other words problems with how the tire was made—like using bad materials or not putting it together correctly—can cause a defective tire. Design defects can make tires more likely to fail. If you think your tire might be defective, it’s important to get it checked by a professional right away. Defective tires can be dangerous, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Accidents and Dangers Caused by Tire Defects

Defective tires can cause various accidents and dangers, such as:

• Tire blowouts: When a tire suddenly loses air pressure due to defects, especially on a highway at high speeds, it can cause the driver to swerve unexpectedly or even lose control of the vehicle. This might lead to collisions with other vehicles or with objects.
• Rollovers: Tires with defects like tread separation or sidewall bulges can increase the chances of a rollover accident, especially in SUVs, trucks, and other taller vehicles with a high center of gravity.
• Collisions: Defective tires can lead to crashes with other vehicles, pedestrians, or roadside objects because of loss of control.
• Vehicle damage: Tire defects can also damage other parts of the vehicle, like the wheels, suspension system, and body, especially during a blowout or loss of control.

Regular tire inspections are crucial for spotting defects early and preventing these accidents.

Common Injuries in Accidents Caused by Defective Tires

Common injuries that occur during a tire blowout accident include cuts and bruises caused by broken glass, flying debris, or by the people inside the vehicle hitting parts of the interior. Whiplash is common. It’s a neck injury from the head being jerked backward and then forward suddenly, which strains the neck’s soft tissues. Fractures and broken bones can happen from the impact force or from being thrown around inside the vehicle during the accident.

Head injuries can range from minor concussions to serious traumatic brain injuries. Back injuries can include strains, sprains, herniated discs, and other spinal cord injuries. Internal injuries can include damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys, which may not be immediately obvious.

In accidents with fire or explosion, burns can happen from touching hot surfaces or flames. In severe accidents, limbs can be crushed or severely injured, sometimes requiring amputation. Emotional trauma is another type of injury. Being in a traumatic accident can cause anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It’s important to see a doctor after any accident with a defective tire, even if injuries seem minor. Some injuries may not show up right away and could get worse if untreated.

Safety Measures to Prevent Tire Defects From Leading to Crashes

To prevent accidents caused by defective tires, here are some steps you can take:

• Regular tire checks: Look for signs of wear and tear like uneven tread wear, bulges, cracks, or anything stuck in the tire.
• Keep tire pressure right: Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure levels. Too much or too little air can make tires fail.
• Rotate and balance tires: Follow the manufacturer’s schedule to even out the wear and tear on your tires and make them last longer.
• Don’t overload your vehicle: Too much weight puts extra strain on tires, so don’t carry more than your car can handle.
• Drive carefully: Avoid sudden stops, sharp turns, and driving over potholes or other road hazards that can damage your tires.
• Stay informed about recalls: If your tires are recalled, contact the manufacturer for a free replacement.
• Replace worn tires: When your tires are worn or damaged, replace them, even if they haven’t reached their recommended lifespan.
• Use matching tires: When you get new tires, make sure they’re the same size, type, and speed rating as your old ones.
• Get professional help: If you think your tires might be defective or damaged, have them checked by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.

Following these steps can help you avoid accidents caused by defective tires and keep you and others safe on the road.

Recovering Compensation for a Tire Blowout Accident in New Jersey

Victims of tire blowout accidents in New Jersey may be entitled to different types of compensation.

Economic Damages

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, including the cost of hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any other medical treatments needed due to the accident. You may be entitled to recover lost wages, which is compensation for the income lost because you couldn’t work during your recovery period.

If the injuries result in a long-term disability that affects your ability to work in the future, you may receive compensation for this loss.You may be entitled to compensation for the repair or replacement of the vehicle and any other damaged property.

Non-Economic Damages

You may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering: the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and injuries. This also includes compensation for psychological trauma like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the accident.

You may be entitled to compensation for how the injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or family and also for the loss of your ability to do activities and hobbies you enjoyed before the accident.

Victims may also receive punitive damages if the tire blowout was due to the manufacturer’s negligence or reckless behavior. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault party and discourage similar behavior in the future. It’s important to talk to a personal injury and product liability lawyer to understand your rights and the full extent of the compensation you may be entitled to after a tire blowout accident in New Jersey.

Contact Our Tire Defect Injury Lawyers for Help with Your Tire Failure Claim in Princeton, NJ

If you or a loved one has been involved in a tire blowout accident, an attorney at our New Jersey law firm can help you get the compensation you deserve in many ways. The lawyers at Cohen & Riechelson will investigate the accident to determine why the tire blew out. We’ll check if it was because of a defective tire, the manufacturer’s mistake, or someone else’s fault. Our attorneys will gather proof to support your case. This includes accident reports, witness statements, photos of the crash scene, and opinions from experts about what caused the tire to blow out.

We’ll determine who should be held accountable for the accident, whether it’s the tire manufacturer, a mechanic, a tire seller, or someone else. We will work to make sure you get as much money as possible to cover all your injuries and losses from the accident.

Hiring an attorney can make the legal process easier and improve your chances of getting the compensation you deserve after a tire blowout accident in Pennington, Hamilton, Bordentown, Lawrence, Princeton, or another New Jersey community. Call us today at (609) 528-2596 to set up a free consultation. We will explore your options with the skills we’ve gained from years of experience to achieve the best possible outcome for you.