Alabama Hercules tire recall attorneys have noted that Hercules Tire & Rubber Co. has issued a recall for its ALL Trac A/T 10-ply Load Ran E tires, manufactured in China. Hercules notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in a February 8 letter, in which the company stated that the tires commonly used on light-duty trucks were being recalled. Retailers have been contacted and instructed to stop selling the defective tire as a part of the voluntary recall. The tire can separate while in service and make it harder for the driver to control and maneuver the vehicle properly. Alabama product liability attorneys, who are evaluating the issues in Hercules tire recall lawsuits, advise consumers to check their tires to verify their safety.
The Cause for Concern
The Hercules tires are made in China by the Shandong Yongsheng Rubber Group Co. Ltd. The Yongsheng design used in fabrication is reported to be the possible source of the problem. The manufacturing problem apparently stems from an issue with the design of the tire. The tires can quickly develop belt separation, impairing a driver’s ability to completely control the vehicle. Tires were analyzed as a part of an internal investigation and found to be showing signs of separation in the treading, which could result in a possible claim brought by injured parties and Alabama product liability attorneys. According to Hercules, the tire separation is more likely to occur in warmer regions. Customers may begin experiencing problems between between one and two-years of placing the tire in service, a company spokesperson states.
In September of 2012, the manufacturer became involved in a lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that the defective tire manufactured by the company was responsible for a collision. Images were collected of the tire and it was determined that the All Trac tire was being used on the vehicle. The internal investigation conducted showed that the tire had adjustment problems. This particular tire produced in Yongsheng was found to have a much higher adjustment rate than usual.
Alabama product liability attorneys are monitoring this product liability trend. Last year in September, the Chinese Tire Tariff expired. Because of the expiration, American drivers could be put at risk when operating vehicles with imported tires. These imported tires may not be manufactured with the same stringent requirements as those manufactured within the U.S. due to lack of enforcement after the tariff expires. The expiration of tariff may mean the introduction of more tires poor in quality entering the American market, Alabama product liability attorneys warn. Many Americans unaware of the hidden dangers may be at risk if driving vehicles with these tires. This has been part of the reasoning behind the internal investigations.
Specifics on the Hercules Tire Recall Lawsuit
At this time, the manufacturer is unsure of how many tires have been affected by this voluntary recall thus far. All of the tires affected are either 16 or 17 inches in diameter. This style of tire is most commonly used on the big rig style of truck. Hercules has recently announced that it will replace all tires on vehicles for no charge. The replacement services include balancing and mounting. All customers who may have been using the tires are encouraged to check the model of the tire for safety purposes. The recall has been issued for U.S., Australia, Canada and the European Union. Seven different sizes and styles of the tire are included. The 10-ply Load Range E sizes are involved in this recall. The manufacturing window is between late 2008 and the 40th week in the year 2010.
Sizes/Models affected/involved in the Hercules tire recall lawsuit:
- LT215/85R16 115/112S E
- LT235/85R16 120/116S E
- LT245/75R16 120/116S E
- LT265/75R16 123/120S E
- LT265/70R17 121/118S E
- LT245/75R17 121/118S E
- LT225/75R16 115/112S E
What if You Have Been Injured From a Defective Tire?
If you have been injured after an incident with a tire such as tire tread separation, contact Attorney Group for Alabama today. We can discuss your incident, help you decide whether you have a claim, what your legal options may be moving forward, and connect you with Alabama Hercules tire recall attorneys affiliated with Attorney Group for Alabama. We offer this consultation at no cost to you. So if you have any questions at all regarding an issue with a defective tire, contact Attorney Group for Alabama today.
