Most of us in South Orange County sadly remember a horrific Mission Viejo car crash that occurred in 2009, in which five members of a family as were killed after their SUV reportedly blew a tire and rolled down a steep embankment, trapping everyone in the car due to roof failure. This SUV, a Chevrolet Tracker, was traveling southbound on the 5 freeway near La Paz Road when the tire blew.
Did this fatal Mission Viejo crash happen due to a tire or vehicle defect?
Unfortunately, many accidents similar to this one occur each and every year in Southern California due to manufacturing defects, such as:
- Defective Roofs – This is when a roof caves in upon impact, causing harm to car occupants. Roof crush injuries may occur in rollover accidents. When roofs fail, it is considered a manufacturer’s defect.
- Defective Tires – This is when a tire suddenly blows out or loses its tire tread. This can cause a vehicle, especially an SUV, to roll over.
When vehicles are not manufactured properly, manufacturers should be held responsible for damages and the loss of lives that result from their defective designs. If you have been injured in an Orange County vehicle crash caused by defective tires, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Your tire is literally where the rubber meets the road and should be made with care, as it is one of the most important factors in operating a vehicle safely. If shortcuts were taken, poor materials were used, or a tire was improperly designed, a car can easily lose control, spin out, or roll over.
When a tire manufacturer does not design a tire correctly, serious injuries may occur.
In fact, there are approximately 400 fatalities and 10,000 injuries annually due to tire defect accidents, according to NHTSA. When a tire blows out, there is a tendency for a vehicle to roll over, causing serious injuries if the roof fails or collapses. This is why it is extremely important that the tire manufacturer designs the tire properly and why the vehicle manufacturer needs to design the roof with the correct support.
If you have a claim against a tire or vehicle manufacturer, it needs to be investigated immediately in order to preserve your evidence and establish liability. You may be entitled to financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, ongoing care, and more. Contact a skilled Orange County car crash attorney at the Law Offices of John P. Burns today at (877) 320-1338 for a free legal consultation.
If you were injured in a Mission Viejo car crash, please order a FREE copy of 9 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Vehicle Accident Case, available from the Law Offices of John Burns.