January 12, 2011

San Diego Jury Awards $14.4 Million in Faulty Tire Case

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A San Diego jury returned a $14.4 million verdict this week in favor of three young boys whose parents were killed in 2006 in an auto accident in Arizona. The wrongful death verdict was rendered against Mossy Ford, after a jury concluded that the dealership's negligence in performing a tire repair caused the fatal accident.

Adam Shea, one of the attorneys for the three young boys, ages 8, 5, and 3 at the time of the accident, argued that the Ford E350 van being driven by Casey Barber experienced tread separation on one of the tires while traveling on Highway 98 in Arizona. The tread separation, according to the plaintiffs, was the result of a faulty tire repair at the dealership. According to Shea, the dealership should never have tried to repair it. The jury agreed.

The case was venued in San Diego because that is where the defendant, Mossy Ford, is located. According to news reports, there were originally additional defendants, who paid $8.3 million in settlement prior to trial.

Source: San Diego Union Tribune

Randall Walton of the Walton Law Firm represents individuals and families who have been impacted by all types of injury-producing incidents, including auto accidents, product defect cases, assault and battery, wrongful death claims, worksite injuries, elder abuse and neglect, sexual molestation, pedestrian injuries, construction accidents, property injuries, and malpractice matters. Call toll free at (866) 607-1325 or locally at (760) 571-5500 for a free and confidential consultation.

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May 18, 2009

Proposed California Law to Address Tire Dangers

Assembly Bill 496 would require tire dealers in California to disclose the age of a tire before selling it, and informing consumers about the dangers of using older tires. It is easy to spot a worn and potentially dangerous tire, but what about the tire that looks brand new, but is actually many years old? Overtime, adhesives and the rubber used in tires will degrade, even if the tire is not used, greatly increasing the odds of tread separation, and thus an automobile accident. A new-looking tire can actually be very dangerous.

Take for example the story of Ramon Romero. When Romero went to get a new tire for his 12-year-old Ford Explorer, the dealer recommended he use his spare, which had never been used and looked perfect. Little did he know the rubber had become hard and brittle over time. Shortly thereafter, while traveling 65 miles an hour on the freeway near Temecula, Moreno's tire blew. The Explorer rolled, and his 10-year-old brother was ejected and killed.

The Consumer Attorneys of California is calling this bill one of the most important consumer protection bills in the state, and is urging consumers to contact their state representatives.

To read the latest version of the bill click here.

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