Tennessee police look to tire as possible cause of truck accident

Police believe that a truck accident that has taken the lives of three individuals and injured two more may have been the result of faulty tire. According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol report that was recently released on this truck accident, a pickup truck crossed over the center line and struck a tractor-trailer head on. Three of the occupants of the truck were pronounced dead at the scene.

Two others, including the driver of the truck, who police state was belted at the time of the accident, were airlifted to a local hospital. There condition is currently not known. Meanwhile, the driver of the tractor-trailer did not sustain any injuries.

Police have stated that they have reason to conclude that a blown tire caused the pickup truck to lose control. It is not clear at this time whether the tire failed due to a design defect or whether it was due to other factors. No citations have been issued by police at this time.

Even if the operator of a motor vehicle is exercising reasonable care with regards to the operation of a motor vehicle, this may not bar a personal injury action being filed for the driver’s failure to keep the vehicle in safe running condition. In this Tennessee truck accident, initial indications are that tire failure was the cause. The injured victims, as well as the surviving family members of the deceased parties, will likely follow the progress of the official investigation. If the evidence documents that any party was negligent in a manner that caused or contributed to the injuries and death, those affected may turn to Tennessee courts to seek reimbursement for damages sustained under the law.

Source: wnws.com, “PHOTOS: THP believes faulty tire caused wreck, Three killed,” July 31, 2012