Mark Thomas, 7, died in a fatal San Francisco car accident after his family’s Ford Explorer SUV blew a tire, went out of control and rolled over on the Interstate 580 in San Leandro. According to a news report in the Oakland Tribune, Jewel Mims, Mark’s 22-year-old sister, was driving the Explorer west on the Highway the afternoon of November 11, 2009, when the left rear tire blew. Mims took her hands off the steering wheel. The Ford Explorer went out of control, veered to the right and rolled over. Mark was partially ejected from the SUV. The boy was apparently in the rear cargo area and did not appear to be restrained, California Highway Patrol officials said. The boy died of head injuries shortly after the accident. No one else suffered life-threatening injuries as a result of this crash.
I offer my deepest sympathies to the family of this young boy for their tragic and heartbreaking loss. I’m relieved that no one else was seriously injured. Please keep this family in your prayers.
Tire Blowout Caused Fatal Rollover Crash
Based on this news report, this fatal car accident was caused because a tire blew and the Ford Explorer went out of control. It is just shocking that we continue to see these types of injuries and fatalities caused by rollover crashes involving these vehicles. Ford Explorers are notorious for various vehicle defects, including poorly manufactured tires. The Explorers are also known to be extremely unstable even at normal speeds. In this case, Mims was driving the SUV at freeway speed. When a tire blows on an Explorer, it is difficult even for an experienced driver to control the vehicle. In this case, it is understandable why the young driver lost control and crashed the vehicle. It is, however, tragic that the boy and his brother were in the cargo area, unrestrained. Mark’s brother was thankfully uninjured. But, had Mark been buckled up, he may have survived this accident. Tragic!
Auto Products Liability Issues
In a car accident where an auto product defect is suspected, it is important that the vehicle be preserved, unaltered, so an expert can thoroughly examine it for evidence of product defects or malfunctions. The vehicle is the prime piece of evidence in any auto products liability case. A San Francisco personal injury lawyer, who is well-versed with auto product defects cases, will be able to determine whether a defective auto caused or contributed to the accident and resulting injuries. The best personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.