Two Killed After Pickup Truck Loses Wheel Near Loon Lake, Washington

According to a report from The Spokesman-Review, two people were killed in a tragic crash near Loon Lake, Washington. A representative for the Washington State Patrol told reporters that the single-vehicle accident occurred as a 1983 pickup truck was traveling west on Route 292. A tire fell off of the front of the truck, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

While equipment failure has been cited as the cause of the accident, the Washington State Patrol is still conducting an investigation to determine why the wheel came loose. Unfortunately, tire failures remain a serious safety problem on our highways. In this article, our Spokane motor vehicle accident lawyers provide an overview of tire failure accidents in Washington.

Tire Failures Contribute to Many Catastrophic Accidents

As your wheels are the only part of your car that actually makes contact with the road, it is crucial that you have safe and well-maintained tires. A tire defect or related problem can result in a catastrophic blowout. Sadly, tire failures are far more common than many motorists realize. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a comprehensive study on tire safety. In reviewing an entire year of nationwide car accident data, the NHTSA determined that tire-related factors caused:

• 78,392 crashes;
• 10,725 injuries; and
• 414 fatalities.

Tire failures are generally “avoidable” accidents. Most tire-related failure accidents could and should have been avoided if only all parties had taken proper safety precautions. There are many contributing factors to tire failure crashes, including driver errors, manufacturer defects, and negligence by mechanics/tire service companies.

Who is Liable for a Tire Malfunction Accident Claim in Washington?

Washington is a fault-based motor vehicle accident state. All parties found to be at fault for causing an accident can be held liable for the resulting damages. Depending on the specific circumstances of the crash, the following parties could bear liability for a tire malfunction accident:

• A driver who failed to conduct proper maintenance;
• A vehicle owner who failed to conduct proper maintenance;
• A tire manufacturer;
• Vehicle manufacturers; and
• Mechanics and/or tire service companies.

Every car accident requires a thorough investigation to determine exactly what happened. If you were injured in a crash caused by a tire blowout or another tire defect, an experienced Spokane, WA auto accident attorney can help you take action to figure out the true cause of the crash.

Get Help From Our Spokane, WA Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Today

At‌ ‌Albrecht‌ ‌Law‌ ‌PLLC, our Washington motor vehicle accident attorneys fight aggressively to help clients recover the full compensation that they deserve. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash caused by a tire blowout or other equipment failure, we are here to help. Contact us now for your no cost, no-obligation initial legal consultation. With an office in Spokane, we handle tire malfunction and motor vehicle defect claims throughout all of Eastern Washington.