Loose Truck Tire Sends Kia Flying Into Air
On March 27, 2023, a viral video shows that a loose tire shot off a truck and caused a Kia to fly into the air from impact. The incident occurred on 118 Freeway in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. The video shows a tire had detached from a truck and went underneath a Kia in the next lane, sending it flying upwards and flipping upside down. Debris were immediately scattered across the freeway. Thankfully, despite the severity of this California truck accident, a spokesperson from the California Highway Patrol stated that the driver of the Kia only sustained minor injuries.
After some investigation, it shows that sheared-off lug nuts on the truck had caused the accident to happen. Generally, there are a couple reasons why a wheel may fall one. The tires may not have been put on correctly to begin with. Either because the lug nuts were over tightened or not tightened, which causes the wheel bolts to break or ball joints to fail. If there is a missing lug nut on one wheel only, uneven pressure will build on the wheel hub, which can impact the wheel bearings. The bearings have to sustain more pressure compared to the other sides, which can cause premature wear. It is not safe to operate a vehicle that has a broken wheel stud, because when it breaks, it applies additional pressure on the other wheel studs, where they can eventually brake. The wheel may begin to wobble and could fall off, possibly causing an accident. In the example described here, it is likely that improper lug nuts are what caused the tire to come off the truck entirely and send it rolling into a nearby vehicle.
Truck Law is a team of truck accident attorneys who is well aware of all the ways that truck-related incidents can occur. They share a common approach and are qualified to assist those who have been involved in truck collisions. Their team has handled thousands of injury cases on behalf of injured drivers. In addition to sheared lug nuts, there are countless contributing factors for why truck accidents happen, including but not limited to:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding to overtake
- Road rage
- Failing to yield
- Inexperienced truck operators
- Truck driver fatigue
- Unsafe lane changes
- Mechanical or brake failures
- Poor weather
- Lack of vehicle inspection/maintenance
- Poor cargo loading
- Driving while under the influence
- Road conditions
It’s important for injured victims to know that there is legal recourse available in the aftermath of a serious personal injury accident. For truck accidents specifically, due to the larger nature of these vehicles, injuries to those involved tend to be more severe. Victims may need medical attention right away and could sustain injuries that affect them for the long-term. The stress of dealing with an accident can be overwhelming in itself, so it helps to have support. To know whether you are eligible for property damage and injury compensation, along with other types of damages, visiting with a local truck accident attorney is recommended.