A frightening Highway 401 accident in Clarington occurred after a loose tire came off a vehicle and struck a passing SUV. The crash forced the closure of the westbound Highway 401 lanes east of Toronto as police and emergency crews responded.
The SUV suffered major damage. The incident shows just how dangerous a loose tire accident can be, especially at highway speeds. A tire or wheel can become a dangerous projectile in seconds. Drivers may have little or no time to react.
Crashes involving loose wheels also raise important questions. Why did the wheel come off? Was the vehicle properly maintained? Was the wheel recently serviced? Finding the answers can be important when determining who may be responsible for a serious Ontario car accident.
Why Are Loose Tire and Wheel Accidents So Dangerous?
A loose tire travelling at highway speed can strike another vehicle with tremendous force. Beyond the impact from the tire, a driver may also swerve to avoid the tire or debris. This can lead to a multi-vehicle accident, rollover, or another serious collision.
There are many possible causes of a wheel separation. These can include improper installation, damaged parts, mechanical problems, or poor vehicle maintenance.
Finding the exact cause often requires a detailed investigation. Depending on what happened, responsibility could involve the vehicle owner, driver, repair shop, maintenance provider, or another party.
Regular vehicle maintenance can help reduce the risk. Drivers should make sure their tires, wheels, lug nuts, brakes, and other important parts are properly inspected and maintained. This is especially important before long trips or extended highway driving.
What Should You Do After a Highway 401 Car Accident?
If you are involved in a serious Highway 401 car accident, focus on your safety first. Move away from active traffic if you can do so safely. Call 911 if necessary and seek medical attention for any injuries.
If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene. Document vehicle damage, debris, road conditions, and anything else that may help explain what happened. Get contact information from witnesses and save any dashcam footage.
Evidence can be especially important after a loose tire or wheel separation accident. The tire, wheel, and damaged vehicle parts may help investigators determine why the wheel came off. Important evidence should be preserved whenever possible.
People injured in an Ontario motor vehicle accident may also have access to Accident Benefits. If another person or company’s negligence caused or contributed to the crash, an injured person may also be able to pursue a personal injury claim. Depending on the case, compensation may be available for medical and rehabilitation expenses, lost income, future care needs, pain and suffering, and other eligible losses.
Who Is Liable for a Loose Tire Accident in Ontario?
One of the most important questions after a loose tire accident in Ontario is why the tire or wheel became detached.
The answer is not always simple. Investigators may need to review vehicle maintenance records, recent tire changes, mechanical repairs, wheel installation, and the condition of the vehicle.
For example, if a repair shop recently installed or serviced the wheel, the work performed may need to be examined. If a commercial vehicle was involved, inspection and maintenance records could also become important. In some cases, a defective wheel or vehicle component may have contributed to the failure.
An experienced Ontario car accident lawyer can help investigate the crash and preserve important evidence. A personal injury lawyer can also identify potentially responsible parties and determine which insurance policies may apply.
This can be especially important after a serious Highway 401 accident. More than one person, company, or insurer could potentially be involved in the claim.
Contact Bergel Magence After a Serious Highway 401 Accident
If you or someone you love has been injured in a Highway 401 accident, Clarington car accident, Durham Region collision, or an accident involving a loose tire or wheel separation, Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options.
For more than 50 years, our personal injury law firm has represented people injured in car accidents, highway collisions, truck accidents, catastrophic injury cases, and other serious motor vehicle accidents throughout Toronto, Durham Region, and across Ontario.
A loose tire accident can happen without warning. Determining why it happened, and who may be responsible, can be critical to protecting your legal rights. Contact Bergel Magence today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Ontario personal injury lawyers can investigate your claim, deal with the insurance companies, identify potentially responsible parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery.