A tire failure expert delves deeper into the cause and effects of tire failure than a typical accident reconstructionist can. Tire failure can cause loss of control and an accident. After a vehicle crash, an accident reconstructionist may provide information for a case or claim. While accident reconstructionists have general knowledge of tires and various car components, they lack the specific knowledge and manufacturing experience a tire expert has.
Our Services and Lab Capabilities
ATS offers tire failure analysis for passenger, light truck, and radial medium truck tires in cases of blowouts, tread separation, and damage.
Document Study
The tire expert will examine documents about the tire failure or vehicle accident. These documents include:
- Scene photographs
- Tire and vehicle photographs
- Driver and passenger testimonies
- Witness statements
- Service reports
- Police reports
Tire Failure Analysis
The tire failure expert looks for defects that indicate manufacture, design, or service errors that could have led to the failure. For instance, over-loading or under-inflating tires can cause over-deflection.
Then the expert looks for pattern marks, defects, and indicators of impact, oxidation cracking, chafing, and polishing. The engineer considers the influence of road hazards, abuse or misuse, foreign materials, and aging on tire failure.
X-Ray Equipment
After a visual inspection, the expert may cut open the tire or perform an x-ray scan. The use of an x-ray machine allows for repeated nondestructive tests on the failed tire or a matching tire from the same vehicle. If the expert suspects a manufacturing error, they can subrogate the manufacturer for a tire from the same brand, plant, and week of production for comparison.
Expert Witness
Trial defendants and plaintiffs need a tire failure expert who can serve as an expert witness in court. Clients need someone with excellent communication skills to explain the role of tires in the incident. An unconvinced jury can clear a manufacturer of wrongdoing if the expert is not accurate and clear. Also, the opposing attorneys can challenge the expert witness’s credibility if they do not provide the level of detail our experts provide.
Our Tire Experts
ATS employs qualified experts in a variety of fields. Our tire failure experts are licensed and degreed Professional Engineers who use their education and experience to uncover tire information that accident reconstructionists and claims experts cannot recognize.
Most states require Professional Engineers to meet the following criteria for licensing:
- 4-year degree in engineering
- 4+ years of experience with a licensed engineer
- Completed and passed comprehensive exams
- Ongoing education and training
The tire experts certified as expert witnesses can provide the jury with clear explanations of how manufacturing defects, wear, or misuse contributed to a tire failure.
About Us
ATS is a testing firm that provides consulting engineering, inspection, and calibration services nationwide. Founded in 1967, we have expanded our services and family of companies to reach new clients and industries.
We are proud to uphold our commitment to safety and high-quality service. We hold ISO/IEC certification for Quality Systems Management, along with multiple A2LA testing accreditations. For a complete list of our qualifications, please click here.
Contact Us
If you have a vehicle accident claim or case, contact ATS for a court-qualified tire failure expert to take a closer look.
Call +1 (888) 287-5227 or fill out a webform request for a tire failure expert today.
