Unanimous verdict that motorcycle accident not caused by tire.
Recently, an Erie County, New York jury returned a unanimous verdict, in favor of Goodyear Dunlop Tires N.A. (“GDTNA”), in a lawsuit involving a motorcycle tire produced by the company.
The lawsuit, Billy Goodman et al. vs. GDTNA, was filed for injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident when the plaintiff claimed the vehicle’s rear tire “suddenly deflated.”
They claimed the tire was defectively manufactured due to use of allegedly defective components, causing them to separate and the tire to fail. They also alleged negligent plant practices and breach of implied warranty.
GDTNA’s case stated the tire did not fail due to any manufacturing issues. The company presented evidence to show the tire failed because it was operated under-inflated, under a full load at high speed that caused the tire’s components to separate, ultimately leading to the tire’s failure.
The jury returned with unanimous verdicts in favor of GDTNA on all three issues in the lawsuit.
GDTNA was represented by James M. Brogan of DLA Piper LLP (US) (Philadelphia) and Thomas S. Lane of Webster Szanyi LLP (Buffalo). Plaintiffs were represented by Douglas C. Dumont of the Warshauer Law Group (Atlanta) and J. Michael Hayes (Buffalo).