One out of four new vehicles sold in the U.S. is an SUV, making it the most popular type of vehicle in America. The Ford Explorer is the most popular SUV in the world. However, a Ford Explorer is 16 times as likely as the typical family car to kill occupants of another vehicle in a crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured due in a Ford Explorer or other SUV rollover accident, the Texas Law Firm of Miller Weisbrod, LLP, is ready to help you. We are nationally recognized personal trial lawyers with a proven track record of holding negligent automakers accountable. Contact us today to discuss your case in a free initial consultation.
Ford Explorers and Tire Defects
The Ford Explorer sport utility vehicle (SUV) and its safety first became a topic of discussion in 2000 when a rash of rollovers caused by tire failures was spotlighted by the national media. Over 200 deaths and 700 injuries were blamed on Ford Explorer rollovers in the United States. In many of these cases, defective tires, particularly tire separation, was a contributing factor in the rollover.
The Ford Explorer was introduced to the market in 1990 to replace the Bronco II, which had a long-history of rollover injuries and deaths due to its narrow wheel base and top heavy design. However, within 10 years, the company and its tire manufacturer, Firestone, received numerous reports of rollover accidents caused by tire failures. The Washington Post reported that the Ford Explorer had a higher rate of tire-related accidents than other sport utility vehicles. The report showed that in 25,000 SUV accidents, Explorers were involved in more than twice the number that their competitors were involved in. The Ford Explorer is three or four times more likely to be involved in an accident due to tire blowout than other SUVs.
At first, Firestone took some of the blame for the increase in rollovers, as tire separation on Ford Explorers occurred over and over again. Evidence, however proved that the Ford Explorer's instability was an equal culprit in the rollovers caused by the failure and tire separation. Internal documents by Ford revealed in subsequent lawsuits show that the company's engineers recommended changes to the vehicle's design after failing several company rollover tests. Ford, however, only made a few minor changes and went ahead with production.
After nearly 10 years of blaming each other, Firestone recalled the defective tires used on Ford Explorers and split their partnership with Ford in 2001. Many lawsuits are still in progress regarding this particular defect.
"It takes a Ford Explorer to come crashing through that door to say 'listen, there's public safety at stake here,'" says Rep. Billy Tauzin, (R) LA, whose House Commerce Committee investigated the Firestone tire situation.
Contact Miller Weisbrod
At the law firm of Miller Weisbrod, LLP, our team of experienced attorneys can help you stand up to negligent automakers such as Ford that prioritize financial profit over consumer safety. To discuss your case with one of our experienced Dallas car accident lawyers, call our office in Dallas at 214.987.0005. If you wish to pursue a claim or you are involved in a lawsuit elsewhere in Texas or anywhere in the United States, please use our toll-free line at 888.987.0005 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
