If you’ve been in a car accident in Florida, you probably expect things like speeding or distracted driving to play a role in who is at fault. But determining liability in a personal injury case is often more complicated than people expect. You might be surprised to learn that something as basic as tire maintenance could also come into play, particularly in wet or otherwise hazardous driving conditions.
Why Tire Maintenance Is So Important
The tires are the only part of a vehicle that comes into contact with the road. That means their condition can have a major impact on how the car handles, how quickly it stops, and how much control you have in an emergency. Worn or bald tires can be dangerous even in the best of weather. In wet conditions, however, reduced traction can result in sliding, hydroplaning, or even a complete loss of control of the vehicle.
Because of this, drivers are responsible for keeping their vehicles in safe operating condition and following manufacturer guidelines for tire use and maintenance. Florida safety guidance also addresses issues like tire condition, tread depth, and routine maintenance.
If tire maintenance standards aren’t met and a vehicle is involved in a car accident, tire condition can play a role in determining who is held liable.
Legal Requirements for Tire Maintenance in Florida
Florida law requires vehicles to be operated in a safe condition and generally directs drivers to follow manufacturer specifications. While the law sets minimum standards for tire use and maintenance, manufacturer guidelines often go further in defining safe tire performance.
In Florida, drivers are expected to:
- Make sure tires have at least 2/32” of tread depth
- Use tires that are approved for highway use
- Ensure tires are free from visible damage
- Make sure tires are the correct size and type for the vehicle
- Avoid using mismatched or unsafe tires on the same axle
- Do not overload the vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s weight limits
- Follow manufacturer recommendations for tire pressure
Meeting minimum legal requirements does not automatically eliminate liability, however. If manufacturer safety specifications are stricter than state guidelines, courts and insurance companies may still consider those manufacturer standards when determining fault after an accident.
How Tire Maintenance Can Impact a Car Accident Case
In one recent case, a driver was involved in a multi-vehicle crash after hydroplaning on a curve and hitting our client. The driver tried to argue that rainy weather was the sole cause of the accident. However, other vehicles were able to safely make the same curve, sometimes at higher speeds, without losing control. Investigators later found that the driver’s tires were worn. While the tires technically met Florida’s minimum legal tread depth, they did not meet the manufacturer’s safety recommendations for wet conditions. Ultimately, the driver with the worn tires was held primarily liable for the crash.
Comparative Negligence in Car Accidents
Liability in a Florida car accident isn’t always all-or-nothing. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system where responsibility for an accident can be shared. If you’re partly liable for the accident, you can still recover damages. In Florida, you have to be 50% or less at fault, and your recovery would be reduced by the amount you’re found responsible. For example, if your total recovery was $1 million but you’re 20% at fault, your actual recovery would be reduced by that 20% to become $800,000.
Tire maintenance can play a significant role in how liability is assigned in a Florida car accident case. In some situations, poorly maintained tires may be used to argue that a driver shares responsibility for a crash. In others, tire condition may help establish that the other driver was primarily at fault.
Have You Been in a Car Accident? We’re Here for You
If you’ve been in a car accident, you don’t have to go through the aftermath alone. We’re here to help you every step of the way, from dealing with your insurance company, even if your claim was denied, to fighting for the maximum recovery that we can. Our clients are part of the Farah & Farah family, and we’re for you, for good. For a free consultation about your case, don’t hesitate to call us at (877) 245-6707 or contact us online. You won’t have to pay anything unless your case is successful.
