Hercules Tire & Rubber announced a recall of Hercules Load Range E tires in the All-Trac series after it was found that tire with the Hercules brand caused a collision that led to a product liability lawsuit in 2012. Shandong Yongsheng Rubber Group Ltd., a Chinese company, manufactured the tires, which were intended for light duty trucks designed for commercial use. Hercules Tire Recall Attorneys expect more reports of injuries, or even death due to the problem, and are recommending anyone who suffered after an unexplained Hercules tire failure to consider Hercules tire recall lawsuits.
Hercules Tire Recall Attorneys for the plaintiffs indicates that tread separation is a potential problem, and that the problem could occur when the car is moving. The risk is higher in warmer climates and the court documents state that such a defect led to a collision, which prompted the filing of the product liability lawsuit. The company investigated the matter prior to issuing the recall, viewing photos of the tire and finding that the tires Shandong Yongsheng manufactured had a “higher than average adjustment rate,” prompting the recall in an effort to avoid further Hercules tire recall lawsuits. (Link)
A letter from Daniel T. Campbell and Rebecca Baker at Hercules that received by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Hercules tire recall lawsuit was received by the company on September 10, 2012. Images of the tire, which were not obtained by the company until November 2012, were evaluated and the company found that it was one of the lines being recalled, determining that there were significant issues with the Chinese manufactured tires. The letter also notes that the lawsuit incorrectly states that Hercules manufacture the tire, but the company claims they simply branded them. (Link) The letter gave no indication of what prompted the lawsuit or any information regarding the seriousness of injuries. Due to the delay in identifying the tires, there is the potential for additional Hercules tire recall lawsuits, say many attorneys experienced in product liability claims.
The letter to NHTSA also explained that the problem does not occur in new tires, but occurs at least two years after the tires are mounted. Tires used in warmer clients appear to have a higher risk, which also indicates to attorneys that Hercules may have had other reports of the problem, leading to the potential for more Hercules tire recall lawsuits. The problem could lead a driver to lose control endangering not only those in the affected vehicle, but others travelling in the vicinity of the vehicle with the defective tire. (Link)
Types of Tires
Only the 10-ply Load Range E tires are affected by the recall which were sold both as black wall and with white lettering,. The tires were sold throughout the country to wholesalers who then sell them to customers. Hercules plans to replace tires and provide mounting and balancing free of charge. (Link)
Tread and Belt Damage Dangers
A tire with separated belts or tread may look fine while it is on the vehicle. However, damage is apparent once it is removed as the tire is obviously no longer round. Sometimes a bubble, or a “mole hole,” which looks similar to the hole a mole makes in the ground, but is much smaller, around the size of a fingernail, appears on the tire. While traveling on highways, experts say that a tire blowout is extremely dangerous due to the possibility of loss of control, and this is the potential problem with tread separation. Tires can also throw steel treads, which can severely damage the vehicle with the tire, as well as other vehicles on the road. The only way to repair a tire with tread separation is to replace the tire as it is destroyed when that occurs.
Hercules Tire Recall Attorneys
Because the tire appears normal while on the vehicle, the owner may be unaware of the dangers lurking inside. In addition, people may have been injured or killed due to the failure of the tires, which could mean a product liability claim is warranted. Anyone who had an unexplained tire blowout while riding on Herclues tires should contact qualified Hercules Tire Recall Attorneys to determine if they are eligible for Hercules tire recall lawsuits.
You may qualify for a product liability case if you or someone you love has been injured or died due to a collision in which a Hercules tire unexpectedly failed. If you have questions regarding these lawsuits or you believe you have a claim, contact Attorney Group today. We will answer your questions and help you decide if you have a claim, all at no cost to you.
