Rochester, New York, Car Accidents Caused By Bald Tires

Jed Dietrich, Esq., Is A Recognized New York Super Lawyer Who Is Committed to Standing Up for The Victims of Negligence. When Irresponsible Motorists Fail to Take Care of Their Tires, They Put Your Life in Danger. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Could Help You Navigate the Aftermath of a Life-Changing Rochester Automobile Accident Injury.

New tires can be expensive, but replacing them is a necessity because worn-out wheels are more than an eyesore: they are a dangerous liability. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, flat tires, blowouts, and other tire-related defects cause tens of thousands of accidents annually, with an estimated 10,000 resulting in serious injuries. In a recent report, researchers found that faulty tires were responsible for 664 deaths—all in a single year.

Tire-related car crashes have a variety of potential causes. However, numerous studies have shown that motor vehicles with compromised tires are significantly more likely to be involved in automobile accidents than vehicles with road-worthy tires. While state law prohibits New Yorkers from operating any automobile equipped with unsafe tires, some motorists neglect to consider this before hitting the road, endangering not only themselves but everyone around them.

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. is committed to providing car crash victims with unparalleled personal injury service. Our experienced attorneys believe that navigating Rochester’s Inner Loop and other roadways should not have to be a dangerous feat. When irresponsible motorists cause accidents, we help victims reclaim their independence. Since 2005, we have secured more than $175 million in damages from reckless drivers, negligent transportation companies, and their insurance carriers. Please send us a message online or call us at 585-939-3939 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation as soon as possible.

Tires lacking sufficient tread often referred to as bald tires are a well-known hazard. Bald tires increase the risk of:

1. Tire Failure: Tires that have little remaining tread lack protection. If a bald tire strikes an obstacle on the road, it could be punctured easily, causing a blowout that could result in a multi-vehicle accident.
2. Hydroplaning: Hydroplaning occurs when a thin layer of water between the tires and the road surface causes a vehicle to slide uncontrollably. Tire manufacturer Bridgestone has found that inadequate tread depth is among the most critical risk factors for hydroplaning-related accidents.
3. Poor Performance: Tire tread serves several different purposes. For example, directional tire tread provides traction and facilitates vehicle handling in adverse weather conditions. If a car is outfitted with low-tread tires, it may not be able to maintain the traction needed to function on rain or snow-covered roads.

Rochester First notes that poorly maintained tires can hinder vehicle performance in other ways, too. For example, bald tires may lose air pressure quickly. Since low air pressure also reduces a vehicle’s ability to maintain traction, bald tires that are underinflated have a higher risk of skidding, slipping, and bursting.

Since bald tires are a recognized danger, New York expects motorists to only operate vehicles with adequate tread. Anyone who negligently drives a passenger car or commercial vehicle with illegally low tread could be found liable for damages if they cause an accident. If you, or a loved one, have been injured in a Rochester car crash that was not your fault, you could be entitled to significant compensation. Please call Jed Dietrich, Esq., at 585-939-3939 to discuss your options for rapid legal relief.

Section 35 of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law explicitly states that no person shall operate a motor vehicle on a public roadway if it is equipped with tires that fail to meet the state’s safety requirements. The Department of Motor Vehicles requires that all tires meet the following standards:

1. Tread Depth: Tires must have a tread depth of at least 2/32 of an inch when measured in the two adjacent tread grooves showing the most wear. Motorists can check their tire tread using the penny trick, which involves placing a penny inside the tire’s grooves. If the tread covers the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, then it most likely has at least 2/32 inches of tread remaining.
2. Tire Condition: A tire may not be considered roadworthy if there are any visible fabric breaks or cuts 1 inch or more in width. Bumps, bulges, and knots could also compromise a vehicle’s safety and performance.
3. Tire Pressure: In general, automobiles should have tires inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Most passenger cars will list the recommended tire pressure on a sticker located inside the driver’s side door or inside the owner’s manual.

Every motorist has a responsibility to obey the rules of the road and operate their vehicle in a manner that minimizes danger to themselves and to other drivers. When motorists abrogate their duty of care by acting negligently, they could be found financially liable for any resulting accident. However, determining liability after a Monroe County car crash is not always straightforward. Even if the other motorist’s bald tires caused or contributed to the accident, they may not be the only person to blame for your injuries. Potential defendants could also include:

1. A Commercial Vehicle Company: Interstate trucking companies must adhere to state and federal regulations. For example, trucking companies must regularly inspect their vehicles for any potential defects. If a semi-truck driver does not recognize their tire tread is low, or the semi-truck company does not replace tires with low tread, they could be considered negligent and liable for the accident.
2. A Tire Manufacturer: Consumers expect that tires will be able to withstand regular use for a reasonable period of time. If a tire is defective or wears prematurely, the manufacturer could share liability for the collision.
3. A Car Repair Shop: Automobile mechanics also owe their customers a duty of care. If a mechanic does not thoroughly inspect the tires they install for obvious physical defects or manufacturing flaws, they could be taken to court if the tires fail and the driver of the vehicle hurts themselves or someone else.

Since personal injury claims are time-sensitive, you should always contact an attorney after being injured in an accident that was not your fault. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C. has decades of experience aggressively advocating for the rights of Rochester car crash victims. Please send us a message online or call us at 585-939-3939 to schedule a free consultation and begin exercising your rights.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 585-939-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Rochester, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!