There is any number of things that can happen to cause a car accident. A reckless driver traveling at speeds far in excess of the posted limits, a distracted driver who is too busy texting and driving to notice a stop sign or a drunk driver who cannot stay in his or her lane of travel are just a few of the many hazards faced by motorists.
The federal National Transportation Safety Board has just announced another threat to the safety of drivers and passengers. According to the NTSB, at least 56 percent of defective tires that have been the subject of a recall by their manufacturers are still on the road. The primary reason why Connecticut motorists might be driving on dangerous tires is that tire companies are unable to locate vehicle owners to notify them.
Tire-related car accident statistics highlight the urgency of the problem. According to the government, 500 people die each year and another 19,000 are injured in 33,000 accidents that are caused by vehicles driven on defective tires.
A car owner who knows that the tires on his or her vehicle have been the subjects of a safety recall could be a negligent driver for failing to have the tires replaced. Not being aware of a recall is one thing, but knowing that your tires could cause an accident and continuing to driver on them could be considered as negligent conduct.
The serious injuries suffered by a car accident victim may entitle the person to compensation from a negligent driver. Damages that may be recoverable include pain and suffering, medical expenses and lost wages. A personal injury attorney can explain the rights a victim with a serious injury might have following a car accident.
Source: WTNH, “NTSB: Recall system for faulty tires ‘broken’,” Joan Lowy, Oct. 27, 2015
