Florida Defective Used Tires Attorneys

Replacing the tires on your car can get expensive. According to Angie’s List, the average new automobile tire costs between $75 and $100, depending on the make and model of the car. However, saving money by replacing your tires with previously-used tires can be a foolish decision. If many cases, you don’t know how old those tires are, how they were previously used and on what driving surfaces or conditions they were used. You don’t even know if they have been repaired for a puncture or other issue during their lifetime or if they’ve been in a car accident.

Used tire dealers are common in most parts of the country. In some cases, as in Indiana, the state itself sells tires from official vehicles that it deems acceptable and that are no longer in use. In addition, it’s relatively easy to find used tires from private owners on Facebook resale pages and sites like Craigslist.org.

Efforts by state legislators to ban the selling of unsafe, used tires have generally been unsuccessful. Lawmakers in Texas proposed such a bill in 2013, only to have it get stalled in the state house of representatives after being passed in the state senate. The status of the bill is still undecided. A similar bill is currently in the legislative pipeline in South Carolina. State bans on the sale of used tires is endorsed by the Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (RMA) of America.

Used Tire Accidents

Used tires carry a number of risks. The rubber compounds in tires break down over time. Depending on whom you ask, that time frame is anywhere from five to ten years. Extreme heat, freezing temperatures, exposure to salt air and off-road use can accelerate that aging process. In addition, it’s difficult to tell by looking at a tire, just how it was used previously. The person selling the tire is often not the person that drove on that tire.

The biggest danger in opting to drive on used tires is blowouts. Blowouts are the sudden collapse of a tire, produce an almost deafening sound, and can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. These occurrences are most prevalent during the hot, summer months. While a sudden puncture can cause a blowout, so can gradual wear and tear, as often is found with used tires. In addition, as tires age, they lose their elasticity, making them more prone to blowouts.

Another less apparent danger associated with used tires is that tires are registered to the original owner. If you purchase them used, you won’t be notified should there be a safety recall associated with that tire.

Used Tire Liability Lawsuits

If you or someone you care about has been harmed as a result of a used tire malfunction, you need someone to represent your interests. Insurance companies may say that they have your well-being in mind, but they are paid incentives to keep settlements as low as possible. A good product liability attorney can make sure that you and your family get money to pay for your medical bills and to support your family until you are well again, whether that’s a month or ten years from now. You didn’t cause this to happen and you shouldn’t have to suffer any more than you already have. For a free, no obligation case evaluation, call our law office or fill out the case evaluation form on our website 24/7. In most case, we won’t charge you any fee until we obtain a settlement for you.

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