Florida Family of Eight Injured when SUV Blows Tire

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on December 20, 2016

A family of eight from Palm Coast, Florida were involved in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 over the weekend. The accident happened near mile marker 282, just two miles south of the intersection with State Road 100 in Palm Coast.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, all eight of the travelers, which included two young children, were ejected from the Ford Explorer SUV upon impact. Another family member, who was driving in a separate car, said that the family was returning home from church. According to the police report, the SUV had been traveling on the inside lane when a tire blew, causing it to swerve sharply off the highway and into the woods, where it flipped over and hit a tree.

A three year old child was flown to Shands Hospital in Jacksonville, where he is listed as being in serious condition. Another three year old boy was transported by ambulance to Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach, where he was treated for minor injuries. A 24 year old male was also taken to Halifax and is reported to be in critical condition. The other passengers, which included a 13 year old male, 15 year old male, 20 year old male, 21 year old male and 22 year old male were all taken to Florida Hospital Flagler with minor injuries.

According to a report published by the Washington Post in 200, the Ford Explorer is notorious for the frequency of their tire-related crashes. According to the article, which analyzed both national and Florida motor vehicle statistics, the “Ford Explorer has a higher rate of tire-related accidents than other sport utility vehicles, even when the popular SUV is equipped with Goodyear tires. This finding suggests that something about the Explorer may be contributing to these accidents.”

At this time it is unknown what caused the tire to blow, or the age of the tires and vehicle itself. Depending on what the investigation determines, and in light of the report by the Washington Post, the injured family could have potentially have grounds for a product liability claim against either the tire manufacturer or SUV manufacturer.

If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a blown tire or other vehicle defect, it is important that you seek the advice of an experienced products liability attorney. For over three decades that Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. have been representing victims of dangerous products, helping ensure they get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. Contact us today and schedule your free initial consultation.

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.