Over the weekend, as our Delray Beach personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Aronberg & Aronberg know, a terrible car crash in Martin County caused three deaths and 9 injuries.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, a Ford Expedition, which was carrying 12 people – seven children and five adults – was driving north on Florida’s Turnpike at approximately 4:45 PM on Saturday, when, suddenly, the vehicle experienced a left rear tire tread separation. The driver of the vehicle, a 25 year old, consequently lost control of the SUV, which drove onto the shoulder of the highway and overturned, ejecting the vehicle’s passengers.
First, let’s delve into what exactly tire tread separation is. A major safety issue for everyone, tire tread separation happens when the tread of the tire separates from the body of the tire. As our Delray Beach personal injury lawyers know, there are a number of possible causes of tread separation, which include inadequate flat tire repair, excessive tire wear, reckless driving (i.e. hitting potholes at high speeds) and, last but certainly not least, manufacturer defects. Additionally, there are certain warning signs to be on the lookout for that might indicate imminent tire tread separation, including but not limited to uneven tire wear and thinning of the tread.
A 38-year-old who was ejected from the vehicle was pronounced death at the scene. Additionally, two children, aged 2 and 8, respectively, were pronounced dead at different hospitals (the first on the day of the crash, Saturday, and the second on Sunday). Those who did not lose their lives did not escape unharmed – they are listed in stable or critical-but-stable condition. The tragedy took place as the family, which resided in Apopka, was on its way back from South Florida, where it had been to retrieve passports from the Guatemalan consulate.
Now, as our Delray Beach personal injury lawyers know, in terms of recouping losses, one of the first thoughts one has is thank goodness for insurance. That said, insurance companies are incredibly difficult to deal with and they know that they make money by not paying out claims. So, as we know from our line of work, when a terrible crash like this takes place, it’s important to try and pinpoint the reason for the crash, as that reason will point to the person(s) or company(ies) liable.
If, for example, it can be determined that the tire tread separation was due to a manufacturing defect, it can be argued that the manufacturer’s improper construction of the tire led to the crash which has left 3 dead and 9 injured. Thus, the manufacturer might be on the hook for a significant amount of damages, including wrongful death, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of companionship, etc., not to mention medical bills, funeral costs, etc. Similarly, if it’s determined that the owner of the car had just brought the car to an auto shop who negligently told the owner that the tires were in great shape, and then the tire went on to have tread separation leading to the deadly crash, the auto shop could potentially be held at least partially liable for damages.
If you have any questions about this or any other personal injury or car crash-related issue, or if you’ve been injured due to the wrongdoing or negligence of another, please contact our Delray Beach personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Aronberg & Aronberg by calling 561-266-9191 or by e-mailing us at daronberg@build.simple.biz to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to assisting you.
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