Tire Blow Out Apparently Causes Fatal Accident

A roll-over accident killed two Nevada women yesterday along Interstate 15 in the Mojave Desert town of Baker.  According to the Press Enterprise, citing official sources, the accident happened at approximately 11:30 a.m. in the town located midway between Barstow and Nevada.  The driver of the SUV involved, 37 year-old Claudia Qeuzada, and the rear seat passenger, 20-year-old Blanca Valenzuela, were pronounced dead at the scene, along the interstate's southbound lanes near Halloran Springs Road.  Other occupants of the vehicle were hospitalized after the crash.  According to witnesses, it appeared that the right rear tire blew, causing the SUV to veer off the roadway and roll multiple times.  The California Highway Patrol is still investigating the precise cause of the accident.

See the Press Enterprise story HERE.

Assuming that the witness reports are correct and the rear tire blew out just before the accident, it could be that this occurred because of a defect in the manufacture or design of the tire.  If there was a tread separation and blow out, then this accident may have caused, at least in part, by a dangerously defect product.  Other causes of a tire blow out include low air pressure which can cause the sidewall to split or striking an object in the roadway, which can lead to a weakened, bubbled area in the sidewall that will eventually fail.  In addition to these factors, the speed of the vehicle and the reaction of the driver must be taken into account.  Given the severity of this accident and the tragic consequences, it is likely the CHP's Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) will likely due a full investigation, which will include, among other things, a physical evidence analysis and mechanical inspection in order to determine the cause of the accident.

Compensation for victims of accidents caused by a defective product, should be an important concern for all Californians.  When a consumer is injured or killed through no fault of his own because of a product defect, the manufacturer should be held accountable.  An Orange County product liability lawyer with experience at handling such cases can make a fair assessment of these claims.  Mr. Ralph has more than 20 years years of experience handling personal injury cases, including just this type.  He can be reached at 714-919-4415 for a FREE CONSULTATION.

Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident involving the failure of a defective product?

• Nothing in this post is intended to suggest the Law Offices of Paul W. Ralph currently represents anyone involved in the news story above.  This posting should not be construed as legal advice or an opinion on the merit of any particular matter.  A consultation is the best way to obtain an assessment of your potential case.