Pamela S. Huffman v. Mary Robertson et al., Circuit Court of Pulaski County, Arkansas

A wheel mounted to a tractor-trailer dislodges crossing the highway and striking oncoming traffic.

Firestone manufactured, produced and sold wheels, which utilized the “stud piloted” mounting system. This mounting system is not capable of dependably securing a wheel to a vehicle, and will fail to achieve or maintain adequate clamping force. This results in unintended stresses on the mounting studs, nut, and the wheel/disc assembly. Subsequently the wheel, due to stresses, came loose and hit the deceased’s vehicle causing his death.

The plaintiffs allege that Firestone was negligent in continuing to produce and sell a wheel that they knew would be dangerous and that Robertson Trucking was negligent in choosing to utilize these tires and failing to perform necessary maintenance.

Bruce McMath was the lead lawyer in this case. This case settled with Robertson Trucking and Firestone.

Micheale Dodson et al. v. Bridgestone/Firestone North American Tire, LLC et al, United States District Court, Eastern Division of Arkansas, Little Rock Division

A tire blowout caused by tread separation resulted in injuries and death.

The deceased was driving a Chevrolet van carrying her children and nephew to a family reunion when her left rear tire sustained a blowout and tread separation, causing her to lose control of her vehicle. The van left the highway and struck a culvert. The driver was killed and the children injured.

The plaintiffs alleged that the tire manufacturer was negligent in the design and construction of the tire.

The lawyer representing this case is Bruce McMath. The case against Bridgestone/Firestone North America and Gold Coast tire was settled.