We all know that a tire is a round object, usually made of rubber, and it can be inflatted with air so that it can move and transport vehilces such as cars on the road.  That is what is typically called a tire, yes?  Most days, that would be correct, but a new airless tire is right around the corner to revolutionize the way motorists see the spinning circles on the underside of their car.

Our car accident lawyers, while impressed by this new innovation, have some questions and concerns about the wheel that is reinvented?  The number one question would be: is this safe?  Can it be linked to product liability for having certain hazards associated with it?  Or will it personally injure people in car crashes?

Since the late 1890’s, the pneumatic tires — tires with air inside of them — has been the standard type of wheel for cars, for bikes, and for trucks.  But now Michelin American technology has come up with the “Tweel,” a hybrid combination of a wheel and a tire.  It never goes flat because it doesn’t need air.  Tire blowouts do not stop them from working, similar to tanks used in military combat.  In fact, it’s so flexible and strong that should the authorities need to use a spikeline to stop a driver out of control in a police car chase, a car with Tweels would roll right over them and barely receive a scratch on its tires.

This re-invention of the wheel has been decades in the making, but like everything, it has the potential for flaws.  Some critics have already spoken out about how the Tweel’s shock-absorbant spokes do not compensate for the loss of volume between the wheel axel and the edge of the Tweel when going over a bumpy area.   While this is still being debated between Michelin and the critics, the rest of the design defects are not yet known since the Tweel itself will not be marketed to the general public for the next few years.

In that time, our firm’s experienced car accident lawyers hope that every single safety test is done to make sure they are as secure and stable as any regular tire would be.  Results should be made public record about handling rain or snow, what type of traction does a Tweel have, and can it handle a change in both inclines and declines on the road.

Until then, remember to regularly check your the inflation of your car tires, rotate them every 6-12 months, and always make sure that you are covered by the best car insurance policy that you can afford.  Round and round and round they go, when they’ll blowout, nobody knows.

Call us now at 1-858-551-2090 or click here for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney and find out how we can help you.  We speak English and Spanish, and we look forward to providing advice for your case.  No fee if no recovery.