When you rent a vehicle, whether it is through a large-scale rental car company or a service like Turo, you expect the vehicle to be completely safe to drive. Rental vehicles are supposed to be free of any mechanical or maintenance issues that could pose a risk to drivers, passengers, or others on the road. Of course, this includes tires. When companies allow vehicles with unsafe tires to be rented out, incidents can occur. Without a doubt, these incidents or car crashes can lead to injuries. In general, these incidents can be traced back to the negligence of the rental car company.

If you or a member of your family were involved in a Turo rental car accident caused by bald tires, it is important that you understand that you could have the right to file a lawsuit. Based on the details surrounding the incident and the resulting harm, affected individuals could also be eligible to recover compensation. If you are interested in learning more about the legal options available to you, it is important that you seek legal help as soon as possible.

The Downtown L.A. Law Group Can Help You: our team has decades of experience. We are not afraid to take on any rental car company, including Turo, to fight for the rights of victims and their families. Our lawyers are ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to pursue your claim and secure the payout that you are owed. Contact our team today to learn more about the legal options available to you and your family.

About Turo Rental

Turo is often referred to “Airbnb for cars.” It is a peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace where private car owners rent out their personal vehicles to other people for a daily fee. It provides a wider selection of cars (including luxury vehicles or classic vehicles) often at competitive prices. It also allows for direct coordination with the owner for pickups and drop-offs. The company provides insurance, roadside assistance, and 24/7 support.

Turo Requirements

For vehicles to be eligible for listing on Turo, they must meet a number of conditions. Consider the following:

• Vehicles cannot be more than 12 years old (with the exception of classic cars or specialty vehicles).

• Vehicles must have less than 130,000 miles. If vehicles reach or exceed this mileage after being listed, they may remain listed as long as they remain in excellent condition and meet all legal, safety, and mechanical standards.

• Vehicles must have a working odometer.

• Vehicles must have clean titles.

• Vehicles must meet maintenance requirements. In the US, this means that the vehicles must get an annual vehicle safety inspection. For tires, specifically, all tires must meet the 4/32” tread depth requirement.

Bald Tires are Dangerous

“Bald tires” refers to tires that have worn down resulting in low tread depth or a completely smooth surface. Tire tread is essential for gripping the road, especially during wet or slippery road conditions. When tires do not have enough tread, there could be loss of traction. This is a serious problem for rental vehicles because renters may start driving the vehicle under the assumption that every aspect of the vehicle, including tires, is safe. The average person does not thoroughly inspect rental car tires for tread depth before driving.

How Bald Tires Can Cause Accidents

Bald tires can lead to incidents because of loss of traction. When the pavement is wet, bald tires cannot grip the pavement, causing the vehicle to hydroplane or slide uncontrollably. When this happens, drivers lose all steering ability. The vehicle can suddenly depart from the lane or can collide with other vehicles. Bald tires can also lead to incidents because of increased braking distance. When tires are bald, the distance required to come to a stop is increased. If a driver has to brake suddenly to avoid obstacles or vehicles, there may not be enough time to stop leading to rear-end crashes and other collisions.

Examples of the Injuries that May Occur

Incidents caused by bald tires on rental vehicles can lead to extensive injuries, which can include some of the following:

• Head injuries, including concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries

• Neck injuries and back injuries

• Spinal cord injuries, which could lead to paraplegia and quadriplegia

• Shoulder injuries, pelvic injuries, hip injuries, and knee injuries

• Broken bones

• Dislocations

• Nerve injuries

• Ligament injuries

• Crushing injuries

• Severed limbs

• Scrapes and bruises

• And more

These injuries can cause temporary or permanent disability. In severe crashes, fatal injuries may occur.

Is Turo Responsible for Crashes Caused by Bald Tires?

Because Turo is a marketplace that connects people looking to rent a vehicle with people looking to rent out their vehicle, Turo generally avoids liability for incidents (in contrast to the average rental car company). Depending on the details surrounding the incident, Turo may have some responsibility. For example, if the vehicle did not pass the required annual vehicle safety inspection but the vehicle is still listed and rented out, then Turo may be found liable for any incidents and resulting harm.