Loose tire accidents more common than people think

Many people in New Jersey may not realize it, but car accidents caused by loose tires may be more common than they think.

With our roads full of sleep deprived, distracted and careless drivers, people have enough hazards to be concerned about while behind the wheel. In recent months, a series of serious car accidents has occurred due to an issue that many people may not realize is a threat: loose tires. What is worse, according to the National Safety Council, these sorts of accidents may be far more common than anyone realizes. Currently, no one, either government agency or private safety group, tracks statistics on these sorts of accidents.

Earlier this spring, on Route 17 in Ramsey, New Jersey, a wheel fell off a 2009 Lexus and bounced into the path of a bus carrying 50 passengers. The wheel crashed through the windshield of the bus, seriously injuring at least one passenger. While this may seem at first glance to be a freak accident, these sorts of events do appear to occur with some regularity.

For example, just months ago, a woman was killed and her child critically injured when a wheel flew off of a boat trailer traveling on Interstate 690 near Syracuse, New York. Similarly, several years ago, a woman was lucky to escape injury when a wheel fell off of a Chevrolet traveling on Route 17 near Paramus, New Jersey and smashed into her windshield.

It is easy to understand how these sorts of accidents happen. Often times, when changing a tire, drivers do not take the time to make sure that the lug nuts have been properly tightened. Even when drivers take their vehicles to a dealership for service, mechanics may not tighten the bolts adequately.

Unfortunately, in many cases where there are no injuries, these sorts of incidents are simply not reported. For this reason, it is difficult to know whether this is a widespread problem. Given that many people are able to offer anecdotal accounts of a wheel falling off a car or other vehicle, it seems that safety experts may be underestimating the frequency with which these sorts of accidents occur. This is particularly true at this time of year, when unrepaired potholes are present in many roads and highways.

If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to remember that you do have legal rights. A personal injury attorney can provide you with more information about whether you have a valid claim for compensation for your injuries. To learn more, speak to a personal injury attorney today.

Keywords: car accidents