A vehicle can be structurally sound and in perfect working order mechanically, but if the tires are defective or otherwise not properly taken care of by the owner of vehicle, disaster can strike. If a tire fails while the vehicle is moving at highway speeds, a car accident can easily occur. This is what happened in a recent crash in which a Louisiana woman was killed and the driver was injured.
The van was traveling south on Interstate 49. Sometime before 3:30 p.m. on a recent Thursday afternoon, one of the tires blew. The driver was unable to regain control of the van, and it careened off the right side of the interstate. After leaving the roadway, it began rolling.
During the crash, the 33-year-old passenger was thrown out of the vehicle. By the time troopers with the Louisiana State Police arrived at the scene, she had succumbed to her injuries. The 25-year-old driver survived the crash with moderate injuries. His current condition is unknown. The investigation is ongoing, and investigators are awaiting the results of toxicology tests.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased passenger may exercise its right to file a wrongful death claim in connection with this deadly car accident. The claim could be filed not only against the driver, but also against any separate party or parties who might be responsible for the blown tire. Furthermore, the driver may also be able to seek restitution for his damages if it turns out that the tire was defective due to a manufacturing error.
Source: kalb.com, “Natchitoches Parish woman killed in single-vehicle accident“, July 28, 2016
