Nine Injured When Tire Bursts on SUV and Causes Rollover

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 27, 2011

Nine people were injured recently in a July 1 single-vehicle accident on Interstate 4 near mile marker 57 near ChampionsGate golf course. Florida Highway Patrol officers say that a 2000 Ford Excursion was traveling eastbound on I-4 at the posted speed limit when one of the right tires burst, causing the large SUV to rotate counterclockwise and into the median. The SUV then rolled and came to a stop on top of a guardrail. Emergency response personnel closed all lanes of I-4 in both directions to render assistance, and traffic was reportedly backed up more than ten miles.

FHP officers say that alcohol was not a contributing factor in the accident and that all but one of the passengers were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the accident. The victims ranged in age from ten to 49 years, and all but the driver and one passenger were taken to area hospitals for treatment. None of the injured suffered critical injuries, and an investigation into the cause of the tire burst is underway.

If the investigation into the tire burst finds that the tire was defective, the injured may be able to seek damages against the manufacturer for compensation for medical expenses, lost time at work, pain and suffering and other damages. Not so long ago, several multinational tire manufacturers were the targets of class action product liability lawsuits for making and selling dangerous tires. If the tire burst due to a piece of debris left on the road due to an uncovered waste hauler, the driver and company can also be held liable for damages.

If you or a close family member has been injured in an accident caused by a defective product, you have a right to seek damages against the manufacturer. If you have questions about your rights and legal options, call 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000 to schedule a free consultation with Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham. Mr. Cunningham will explain your rights, legal options and complex Florida laws in plain language so that you and your family can make informed decisions about which course of action will be best for you. Call today to get an experienced Orlando personal injury attorney on your side!

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.