Hercules Tire made the decision to recall light-duty truck tires across the country in February 2013. The company reported that the tread and belt could potentially separate from the tires, situations that most often occur in warmer climates and when the tires have been in use for over a year. Currently, plaintiffs are filing lawsuits with the help of Kentucky Hercules Tire Recall Attorneys, claiming that these tires have caused devastating car accidents and serious injuries.
The recall involves the company’s All Trac A/T line; specifically, Hercules has pulled the 10-ply Load Range E tires from the public market, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Consumers should be aware that the tires were 16 and 17 inches wide and mainly used on commercial semi-trucks. The company has stated that because the tread and belt could separate, the driver would have limited or no ability to control the car, increasing the chance for causing accidents or other hazardous conditions.
Before the tires were sold by Ohio-based Hercules, they were manufactured in China by Shandong Yongsheng Rubber Group Co. Ltd. Hercules has announced that they will be replacing the tires free of charge. However, victims and injured individuals can seek legal counsel from Kentucky Hercules Tire Recall Attorneys in an attempt to receive compensation for injuries that occurred as a result of defects with the recalled tires.
Pending Lawsuits against Hercules
A plaintiff filed a lawsuit against the company in September 2012, claiming that a defect in the tire caused a car crash. Hercules reviewed pictures of the collision and also examined the tire that the plaintiff claimed was defective; the company agreed that it was more than likely one of their All Trac tires that was responsible. An investigation was launched and concluded that the tires manufactured by the China-based company and sold by Hercules were prone to a higher-than-normal adjustment rate. It was then that Hercules decided to issue a recall of their tires. Still, although a recall is in place, plaintiffs and their Kentucky Hercules Tire Recall Attorneys are still filing lawsuits to seek compensation for their injuries.
What Can Cause a Tire Defect?
Regardless of whether you drive a commercial truck, a sport utility vehicle (SUV), sedan or motorcycle, malfunctioning tires can cause devastating consequences. No matter if the cause of the accident is adhesive failure, tread separation or a shredded tire, you will often have little or no control over your car. Additionally, if such damage can occur on city streets, imagine what the scenario would look like if you were driving on the highway at a faster speed.
Victims seeking compensation with the help of Kentucky product liability attorneys are attempting to determine whether they are entitled to seek compensation for these defects.
Are My Tires Part of the Recall?
Hercules has released a list of the tires that are included with the current recall. If you currently own one or more of these tires, the company will replace it at no cost to you:
- LT215/85R16 12/07/2008 – 10/16/2010
- LT225/75R16 12/14/2008 – 10/16/2010
- LT235/85R16 11/16/2008 – 10/16/2010
- LT245/75R16 11/09/2008 – 10/16/2010
- LT245/75R17 12/07/2008 – 10/16/2010
- LT265/70R17 12/14/2008 – 10/16/2010
- LT265/75R16 11/23/2008 – 10/16/2010
How Can I Make Sure My Tires are Safe?
Before you even start your vehicle, you should always check the condition of your tires if you are unsure about their ability to function safely. Here are some steps to take:
- If your tire is worn or damaged, don’t hesitate to replace it. Consider keeping a spare tire in your vehicle for emergencies so that you can change it at the first sign of a defect.
- Always make sure your tire pressure is where it should be. While most vehicles have a psi chart on the inside door panel, the psi for your tires will be different if you have had them changed recently. Look on the actual tire itself for this limit.
- Evaluate the complete tire for signs of damage while you check the tire pressure. Look out for nicks, bulges, cracks and cuts that could cause your tire to deflate or separate.
- Make sure that your tires have sufficient tread by placing a penny upside down in the crevices of the tire. If Lincoln’s head is completely visible, a new tire purchase may be in your near future.
- Fill any deflating tires as soon as possible.
Contact Our Kentucky Hercules Tire Recall Attorneys for Assistance
If you or a family member have dealt with injury or damages that could possibly be the result of a defective tire, contact Attorney Group for Kentucky today. We will review your case and help you understand what legal rights you may have. Through our affiliated attorneys, we will help you pursue appropriate compensation for your injuries. So contact Kentucky Hercules Tire Recall Attorneys today for your free consultation.
