California Injury Blog
Three people suffered injuries in a Los Angeles car accident the afternoon of July 22, 2009 on the 10 Freeway, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports. According to California Highway Patrol officials the driver of a 1995 Ford Ranger lost control of the vehicle. The pickup truck rolled over on its side and became fully engulfed in flames on the westbound 10 freeway near Santa Anita Avenue in El Monte, California.
A 49-year-old woman suffered first- and second-degree burns to her forearm. Her 9-year-old child suffered cuts to the face. A 3-year-old child was also injured although the extent of the child’s injuries is not known. CHP officials say it is not clear how the Ford Ranger overturned. Traffic investigators however found a small puncture in the Ranger’s gas tank, which may have occurred as it overturned and caused it to leak gasoline. A passer-by stopped and helped the children out of the vehicle. All were wearing seatbelts, which saved their lives, officials said.
I’m relieved that this fiery rollover car accident did not result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. I commend the passer-by who promptly stopped and helped the children out of the vehicle. I wish all three injured victims the very best for a quick and complete recovery.
Based on this news report, it’s not clear what caused this horrific car accident. The account does not say the driver had been speeding or driving recklessly. If I were a member of this family, I would certainly have the Ford Ranger checked out for any mechanical malfunction, design defect or product defect, which may have caused this car crash. An experienced auto products liability law firm will bring in an expert to examine the Ford Ranger for mechanical malfunction, auto product defects and other evidence.
As rollover auto products liability lawyers who have represented injured victims for more than 30 years, I can say with confidence that the 1995 Ford Ranger is not a stable vehicle. Over the years, the Ford Ranger model has had a number of problems including seatbelt failure, tire defects and airbag failure to mention a few. We have successfully represented people who have been catastrophically injured in car crashes involving Ford vehicles including the Ford Ranger.
This family would be well-advised to get in touch with an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who has an excellent track record handling auto products liability cases. The best California personal injury law firms will always offer a free and comprehensive initial consultation to car accident victims and/or their families.