Washington, DC Tire Defect Lawyer

Suffered Losses Due To a Tire Defect?

Regan Zambri Long’s Washington, DC tire defect lawyers are renowned for handling high stakes product liability cases against some of the country’s largest corporations. Recognized as one of America’s Best Law Firms, our founding partners are all board certified and AV Preeminent rated by Martindale Hubbell. With almost 200 years of combined experience, we bring the skill and resources required to confront manufacturers when defective products cause harm. Our award-winning attorneys work with top engineers, safety experts, and medical professionals to examine how tire defects lead to blowouts, loss of control, and preventable crashes

We’ve secured over $1 billion in personal injury recoveries, including outcomes of $15.2 million, $14 million, $5.5 million, and $5 million in cases involving defective products. We front all case costs, allowing those affected to pursue accountability without added financial pressure. Clients continue to place their trust in us, as reflected in over 100 5 star Google reviews.

Have you been injured in an accident caused by a defective tire? Contact Regan Zambri Long today, and one of our attorneys will get back to you. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.

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What Are the Most Common Tire Defects That Cause Accidents?

Tire defects can lead to catastrophic accidents that can lead to serious long-term implications. The most common types of tire defects that cause accidents include tread separation, sidewall failures, and manufacturing defects.

 

A 2024 analysis of crashes involving defective vehicles stated that tire problems accounted for about 35% of crashes linked to vehicle defects, showing how often tire failures are involved in accidents.

 

  • Tread Separation
    Tread separation is a tire defect where the outer tread detaches from the rest, causing a loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of accidents. It’s often linked to poor tire design, improper manufacturing processes, or substandard materials. Tread separation can cause skids, swerves, or rollovers.
  • Sidewall Failures
    Sidewall failures occur when a tire’s sidewall, between the tread and the tire bead, cracks, bulges, or bursts. Poor-quality materials, excessive wear, or external damage can lead to sidewall failure. This sudden loss of air pressure can lead to a blowout, causing driver loss of control.
  • Manufacturing Defects
    Manufacturing defects in tire production, such as improper curing or material contamination, can lead to premature wear, blowouts, or tread separation, compromising tire integrity. These defects can increase the risk of accidents and make tires unsafe for use, requiring immediate attention and correct processing.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tires are instrumental in ensuring road safety, given that U.S. drivers put over 2,969 billion miles on them annually. Nearly 11,000 tire-related crashes occur, resulting in almost 200 deaths. More recent NHTSA data shows that tire-related crashes were linked to 646 fatalities in 2023, suggesting that the role tire failures play in fatal accidents may be greater than earlier estimates reflect. Proper tire maintenance, understanding tire labels, and paying attention to recalls and complaints can help prevent these types of crashes.

 

If you’ve experienced injuries due to a tire-related accident, don’t hesitate to contact Regan Zambri Long for a free case evaluation. We can help you seek justice and compensation for your injuries.

 

How Can You Identify Dangerous Tire Defects Before They Cause Accidents?

Identifying dangerous tire defects before they lead to accidents will help ensure your safety.

  • Look for warning signs of potential tire failure, such as visible bulges, cracks, or punctures in the tire’s sidewall or tread. Experiencing unusual vibrations while driving, difficulty steering, or a noticeable loss of tire pressure can also point to an issue.
  • Keeping up with regular tire inspections and maintenance is the key to preventing tire-related accidents. Check your tires monthly for signs of wear or damage, including the tread depth. Ensure your tires are properly inflated by using a tire pressure gauge — and rotate them regularly to ensure even wear. 
  • Also, inspect for any objects stuck in the tread that could cause damage over time. If your tires are more than six years old, consider replacing them — even if they appear fine — because rubber degrades over time.

For those who have suffered from a tire defect, documenting everything will help build your case. Keep records of any inspections, maintenance, or repairs. If possible, preserve the defective tire as evidence and take photos of any visible damage. Our experienced attorneys can help determine if a tire defect was to blame. Schedule your consultation today to protect your rights.

When Are Tire Manufacturers Liable for Defective Tires?

tire defect lawyer

Manufacturers are responsible for producing safe and reliable products — and that includes tires. When a tire defect occurs due to poor design, manufacturing errors, or inadequate testing, the manufacturer can be held liable for any resulting injuries or accidents caused by the defect. This responsibility includes ensuring that tires meet safety standards and perform as expected under normal driving conditions.

Recent tire recalls highlight the ongoing issue of defective tires. According to NHTSA’s 2024 Annual Recalls Report, there were five defect-related tire recalls in 2024 affecting 151,217 customers, involving issues tied directly to design or manufacturing failures. Another seven tire recalls involving compliance affected an additional 1,215, 251 customers. In fact, a company that sells replacement winter tires recalled more than 541,000 of them in the U.S. in late 2024 because they don’t have enough snow traction to meet North American standards. Major recalls have occurred due to issues like tread separation, sidewall failures, and tread wear concerns. 

Tire companies have faced recalls due to defects causing deadly accidents. Firestone recalled over 6.5 million tires due to tread separation, causing over 200 deaths and thousands of injuries. Michelin also issued a recall for over 1.3 million tires, causing premature tread wear and increased risk of tire blowouts and accidents. 

Bridgestone joined the list when it recalled several thousand tires due to defects causing tread separation or sidewall damage, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries. These recalls highlight the dangers of defective tires and the responsibility of tire manufacturers to ensure safety.

However, there are specific time limitations when filing a tire defect claim. In DC, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline could prevent you from seeking compensation.

Don’t let tire manufacturers avoid responsibility for their defective products. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a faulty tire, contact us today to protect your rights and pursue justice.

Building a Strong Tire Defect Lawsuit

When pursuing a tire defect lawsuit, evidence collection and preservation are critical. Immediately after the accident, secure the defective tire, as it can serve as key evidence in your case. Take clear photos of the damage and preserve any related materials, such as maintenance records and tire purchase receipts. If possible, get witness statements from those who observed the accident.

 

An essential component of a successful tire defect case is the use of expert witnesses. Tire experts can analyze the defect, determine the cause, and testify about how the manufacturer’s negligence contributed to the accident. Expert witnesses can also assess the tire’s design, materials, and manufacturing process to provide a thorough understanding of the defect.

 

Victims of tire defects may be entitled to various types of compensation. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and, in some cases, punitive damages if the manufacturer’s actions were grossly negligent.

 

At Regan Zambri Long, we understand the complexities of tire defect cases. Our experienced product liability team will help you gather the necessary evidence, consult with experts, and build a compelling case. Reach out now to ensure your rights are protected and secure the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Regan Zambri Long for Your Tire Defect Case?

Tire defect cases involve detailed engineering questions, competing expert opinions, and manufacturers that dispute responsibility at every step. Success depends on experience handling complex product liability claims and the ability to prove how a defect caused real harm. Regan Zambri Long has spent decades litigating these kinds of cases and has secured results in matters involving dangerous products, flawed safety systems, and preventable deaths.

That experience is reflected in the firm’s results in defective product litigation, including:

  • More than $1 billion in personal injury settlements and verdicts
  • $15.2 million settlement for a death caused by a defective back-up alarm
  • $14 million settlement in a significant defective product case, one of the largest cash settlements in Washington, DC
  • $5.5 million settlement for deaths and injuries resulting from a defective heater
  • $5 million settlement for the victim of a defective product

Tire defect claims also demand trial lawyers who are respected by judges, peers, and opposing counsel for their ability to handle technically complex cases and present them clearly to juries. Our attorneys have earned that recognition through years of courtroom advocacy and leadership in the legal community.

Their trial credentials and peer recognition include:

  • All six partners named to the Lawdragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers in America list.
  • Best Lawyers naming Patrick Regan, Salvatore Zambri, and Paul Cornoni as Lawyer of the Year a combined six times, including Paul Cornoni for Product Liability Litigation
  • Paul Cornoni and Salvatore Zambri named District of Columbia Trial Lawyers Association’s Trial Lawyer of the Year.
  • Patrick Regan recognized by the National Law Journal as one of the Top Ten Power Lawyers in Washington, DC.
  • Washingtonian magazine naming Salvatore Zambri among the Top 1% of attorneys in Washington, DC.
  • Super Lawyers naming Salvatore Zambri among the Top 10 Super Lawyers in Washington, DC, with Patrick Regan and Paul Cornoni recognized among the Top 100.

These results and recognition reflect the level of preparation, judgment, and trial skill required to take on tire manufacturers and present defect cases effectively.

What Injuries Can Result from a Defective Tire Accident?

tire defect lawyer

When a tire fails, the consequences can be severe. Here are the most common types of injuries that can occur from defective tires:

Injuries from Loss of Vehicle Control:

 

  • Head trauma and traumatic brain injuries when the vehicle rolls over or crashes
  • Spinal cord injuries that can lead to paralysis
  • Broken bones and fractures, particularly during rollover accidents
  • Severe lacerations from broken glass and twisted metal
  • Internal organ damage from the force of impact

Injuries from Sudden Tire Blowouts:

 

  • Whiplash from sudden deceleration
  • Facial injuries from airbag deployment
  • Shoulder and neck injuries from the jerking motion
  • Crushing injuries if another vehicle collides with the disabled car

Common tire defects that can cause these injuries include:

  • Tread separation, where the outer layer peels off while driving
  • Sidewall failures that lead to sudden blowouts
  • Manufacturing defects that cause the tire to become unbalanced
  • Design flaws that make the tire prone to failure under normal driving conditions
  • Improper material compounds that degrade faster than they should

The severity of injuries often depends on:

  • The speed at which the tire fails
  • Whether the failure occurs on a crowded highway or empty road
  • The driver’s ability to maintain control
  • The vehicle’s safety features
  • Road conditions at the time of failure

It’s worth noting that even experienced drivers can struggle to maintain control when a tire fails at highway speeds, which is why proper tire manufacturing and testing is so important for public safety.

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What Federal Tire Safety Standards Apply to Tires?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sets strict regulations for tire safety to ensure the protection of motorists. These NHTSA regulations require tire manufacturers to meet specific performance, durability, and safety standards before their products can be sold. Key requirements include tread wear, heat resistance, and the proper labeling of tire information.

 

If you believe a tire violates these standards, you can report it to the NHTSA through their online portal or by contacting the manufacturer directly. This allows for investigations, recalls, and increased consumer safety.

 

Violations of federal tire safety standards can significantly impact lawsuits, as manufacturers may be held liable for not adhering to required safety protocols. If a tire defect is traced to non-compliance with these standards, it strengthens a victim’s case, increasing the likelihood of receiving compensation for injuries and damages.

 

Our attorneys understand complex federal regulations and have extensive experience handling tire defect cases. We are committed to helping you throughout the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

 

Contact us today to evaluate your tire defect claim and ensure your rights are protected throughout every step of the case.

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Have you or your loved one sustained injuries in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia? Regan Zambri Long PLLC has the best lawyers in the country to analyze your case and answer the questions you may have.

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