When we first learn to drive, we’re trained to watch out for the other drivers beside us, in front of us and behind us. But when road debris starts flying, threats can pop up quickly from above and below.
Obstacles that end up on the road can come in the form of car parts and tires falling off vehicles or payloads that aren’t secured properly. We’re used to seeing open-road in front of us, but panic can take over when we spot something bouncing or flying at our windshields.
This debris can smash into our cars or we may manage to avoid it but then our swerving causes us to lose control or causes a collision with another vehicle. Sometimes both instances occur.
Schuylkill Expressway Loose Tire Car Accident
A loose tire on the Schuylkill Expressway flew across the highway and smashed into a car’s windshield early Wednesday morning. The car was then rear-ended by another vehicle causing at least one injury.
CBSN-TV reported on the accident around 6 am July 29, 2020 in Montgomery County near the Gladwyne exit.
Pennsylvania State Police say the tire fell off a car in the westbound lanes of the expressway. The tire then traveled into the eastbound lanes and struck another car. A third car then rear-ended that vehicle.
At least one person was taken to Presbyterian Hospital. The victim’s condition is not known.
Debris Causing Accidents
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety studied accidents caused by debris and found it’s no small threat. Over a three year period, they found more than 200,000 road debris involved accidents were reported. 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths resulted.
What’s more, 37% of those fatalities happened when the driver swerved trying to avoid the debris.
Who’s to Blame for Debris in the Road
Any time there’s an object in the road it puts drivers at risk. A victim can suffer serious injuries and be left to wonder who can be held responsible for what may seem like a freak accident.
If the owner of a vehicle that lost the debris can be identified a victim can file a claim against that driver just like in any other car accident. That driver is liable for any hazard they introduce to the traffic around them. Often it’s a neglect of car maintenance by the driver that causes tires or parts to fly off.
If the driver was hauling something that fell into the road, they are responsible for the damage it causes. If they’re driving for an employer, that company may also be held liable. Sometimes even local government and transportation departments can be held responsible if they failed to remove an obstacle like a tree limb from the road or warn motorists about the hazard.
Contact a Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured in any accident involving debris on the road, you’ll need an experienced Philadelphia attorney on your side fighting to get compensation for your hospital bills and the lost wages you may suffer.
After any accident involving a serious injury, contact a highly rated Philadelphia Auto Accident Lawyer such as Edith Pearce. Unlike the huge firms with dozens of attorneys and many different attorneys handling different aspects of your case, Edith Pearce is personally involved in every case that we handle. She genuinely cares about her clients and you will not be treated like just another case or file.
