A crash on I-45 in Montgomery County left three people dead and four others injured early Monday morning. According to officials, the crash happened around 5:30 a.m. when a white Chevy pickup truck collided with a van carrying seven people. Authorities say the van was stopped on the inside shoulder due to a flat tire when the pickup caught the corner of the van. Several passengers, including an 11-year-old, were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Whenever I hear about a crash involving a vehicle stopped due to a flat tire, I think about whether the tire itself played a role in the incident. In some cases, tire blowouts or failures happen due to manufacturing defects or improper installation, rather than simple wear and tear.
Could a Tire Defect Have Contributed to This Crash?
A key question investigators should consider is why the van’s tire failed in the first place. Was it due to a manufacturing defect? If a defect was involved, the tire manufacturer could share responsibility for this crash. Investigators should examine whether the tire had any recalls, signs of tread separation, or structural failures that may have led to its failure.
What Types of Evidence Should Be Examined?
To fully understand what led to this crash, investigators should closely inspect the tire that went flat. Examining the tire’s condition, tread wear, and manufacturing details could help determine if it was defective. Additionally, reviewing maintenance records for the van and any past service history on the tires could be important in assessing whether they were properly installed.
Why It’s Important to Ask Questions
While the immediate focus is often on the driver of the pickup, it’s equally important to look at what caused the van to be stopped in a dangerous location. If a defective tire contributed to this accident, the manufacturer or distributor of that tire could bear some responsibility. In my experience, these types of investigations often uncover issues that aren’t immediately obvious but are critical for understanding the full scope of liability.