Two were killed and two were injured in a San Diego car accident, which officials say was caused by tire failure. The fatal SUV rollover crash occurred the evening of November 9, 2009 on the 15 Freeway, 10 news reports. Ramon Arciniega, 40, was driving a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer SUV north on the Freeway when the tread separated from the left rear tire. Arciniega lost control of the vehicle, which went off the right shoulder and down an embankment, rolling over and landing on his roof. Arciniega and another passenger identified as 52-year-old Evangelina Quiroz were taken to an area hospital with injuries. The two deceased victims have not yet been identified.
Catastrophic Rollover Accident
My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved these two deceased victims. I also sympathize with Arciniega and Quiroz who were apparently seriously injured in this rollover car crash. I wish them the very best for a quick and complete recovery. I hope their injuries were not catastrophic. Please keep these victims and their families in your prayers.
Based on this news report, this tragic car accident could have been the result of a vehicle defect, specifically a tire defect. If the tire tread separation in this case was caused by a manufacturing or design defect, then the victims or their families would have a claim against the manufacturer of the tire. In this particular case the victims may also have a claim against General Motors, manufacturer of the Chevy Trailblazer, which is notorious for its instability, poor design and inadequate roof strength.
Poor Roof Crush Rating for Trailblazers
The Chevy Trailblazer, particularly model years 2002 to 2005, were rated poorly in a roof crush study performed recently by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). The roofs on these vehicles are so weak that they cave on impact crushing the occupants causing major injuries such as brain and spinal cord injuries, paraplegia and quadriplegia. In this particular case, the victims would be well-advised to preserve the SUV in its crashed condition so an expert can examine it for product defects, malfunctions and other evidence. A truly reputable San Diego personal injury lawyer who has a successful track record pursuing large auto makers on behalf of injured clients will be able to help these victims get fair compensation for their tremendous loss.
We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.
