Who Is Liable for Flying Tires that Cause an Injury Accident?

 Posted on April 11, 2023 in Car Accidents

You may have seen the video of a vehicle as it flies into the air on Interstate 118 in Los Angeles County after being hit by a loose tire from a pickup truck. Research shows that road debris in the United States is a factor in nearly 200,000 car accidents. Each year, road debris results in about 40,000 car accident injuries. With tens of thousands of vehicles on the roads and highways of LA County, accidents are inevitable. But if you have suffered serious injuries you need to know who is liable.

Road Hazards can lead to Damaged Tires

In the recent incident in LA County, the CHP determined that the lug nuts holding the tire in place, sheared off, and led to the tire’s sudden detachment.

Various things could lead to a collision as a result of road hazards including potholes that may puncture a tire. When a tire ruptures, it can cause the driver to lose control of his or her vehicle. Here are the other common reasons why that may occur:

• An overloaded vehicle wearing tires down leads to a rupture
• Defective tires
• Faulty tire installation
• Underinflated or overinflated tires

Negligent Party

A tire malfunction can be catastrophic, putting drivers, passengers, and everyone else on the roads at risk of injury. Flying tire accidents are always caused by someone else’s negligence. Tires need to be fastened securely. When they are not fastened correctly, the driver or the company that manages the vehicle could be held liable for damages. There may be multiple parties at fault. If you have sustained serious injuries you can pursue compensation.

For these types of claims, you must show that someone else’s negligence caused a problem with the tire that resulted in the crash. In addition, under California’s product liability laws, if the tire was defective then the person or party who designed, manufactured, or sold the tire can be liable for the defective tire.

In these cases, the injured party does not need to show that the other party acted negligently. The fact that the defendant was responsible for the defect is enough.

Contact a California Car Accident Injury Lawyer

At Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C., we understand the horrific impact that car accidents can have on a person and their family. Serious injuries require costly medical treatment and those impacted may not be able to work due to their injuries. Call 818-242-8201 for a free consultation. An experienced Glendale car accident injury attorney will be able to review your case and discuss your options.

Sources:

https://news.aaa-calif.com/news/new-aaa-foundation-study:-200-000-crashes-caused-by-road-debris

https://abc7.com/118-freeway-crash-caught-on-video-chatsworth/13024626/

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1714.&lawCode=CIV

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/fulltext.asp?DocName=073500050K2-621