When you purchase a new vehicle, you expect that every part, including the tires, was designed with your safety in mind. The same holds true if you purchase new tires for an existing vehicle.
Unfortunately, due in large part to a less-than-ideal government recall system, many people could be rolling around on recalled tires. Worse yet, it's possible that some recalled tires remain on store shelves.
When purchasing tires, it's important to learn more about the product before signing on the dotted line. For example, the tire's Department of Transportation (DOT) Tire Identification Number can help identify if it is part of a recall.
The problem with this is that some tire shops and dealers don't check tires for recalls before selling them, which leaves it up to the consumer to take on the responsibility.
Another thing you can do is simply search the tire's model and brand on the Safecar.gov website. At that point, you can find out if there is a recall notice, and then do the work necessary to determine if it's been the subject of a recall.
It's easy to believe that all tires are safe, but this is definitely not the case.
If you continue to drive on a defective tire, there's a greater chance that you could be part of a motor vehicle accident in the future.
If you find that your accident was caused by a defective auto part, such as a recalled tire, you need to first focus on your health and then turn your attention to your legal rights.
Source: ABC News, "Recall Roulette: Are You Driving on a Defective Tire?," accessed Aug. 11, 2017