A fatal bus accident recently claimed the lives of seven individuals in Mississippi, raising serious concerns about tire safety and maintenance. Tire failures are a leading cause of accidents involving commercial vehicles, and when they occur, the results can be devastating. In the case of this fatal crash, investigators have pointed to a potential tire malfunction as the cause.
In the article below, the personal injury attorneys at Kherkher Garcia will explore the role tire failures play in accidents, the legal implications for victims, and how product liability claims can help families seek justice and compensation after such heartbreaking incidents.
Tire Failure Bus Accident Details
Seven people were tragically killed when a passenger bus overturned near Vicksburg, Mississippi, early on the morning of September 7, 2024. Among the victims were siblings, an 8-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl. Their mother survived the crash and is in fair condition, according to Warren County Coroner Doug Huskey.
The girl and five others were pronounced dead at the scene, while the boy was transported to a hospital in Vicksburg, where he passed away shortly after arrival. The remaining 36 passengers were taken to hospitals with unspecified injuries.
The 2018 Volvo bus, operated by Autobuses Regiomontanos, was en route from Atlanta to Dallas when a tire failure caused the accident on Interstate 20. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.
Autobuses Regiomontanos has a prior history of crashes, including two in the last two years, one of which also resulted in a fatality.
What are Common Causes of Tire Failure on Buses?
Common causes of tire failure on buses include:
- Underinflation or Overinflation: Tires that are not properly inflated can wear unevenly and cause blowouts, especially under the weight of a bus.
- Tire Overloading: Exceeding the recommended weight capacity for a bus puts excessive stress on tires, increasing the risk of failure.
- Tread Wear and Aging: Worn-out or old tires are more susceptible to blowouts or losing traction, especially in adverse weather conditions.
- Improper Maintenance: Failing to regularly inspect and maintain tires (including alignment, balancing, and rotation) can lead to failure.
- Punctures or Road Hazards: Debris, sharp objects, or rough road conditions can puncture or damage tires, causing sudden blowouts.
- Manufacturing Defects: Faulty design or production issues can result in weak spots in the tire, leading to premature failure.
- Excessive Heat: High temperatures, especially from prolonged driving, can cause tires to overheat, leading to blowouts.
- Improper Repairs: Poorly repaired tires may not hold up under stress, increasing the risk of failure.
- Overloading or Uneven Weight Distribution: If the bus is carrying too much weight or the load is unevenly distributed, tires can wear unevenly, leading to failure.
What Injuries are Common in Bus Crashes?
Common injuries in bus crashes include:
- Head and Brain Injuries: Passengers may suffer concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or skull fractures due to impact or being thrown around the bus.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: The force of a crash can result in whiplash, herniated discs, or more severe spinal cord damage, potentially leading to paralysis.
- Broken Bones: Fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, and collarbones are frequent in bus crashes due to the impact or being hit by debris.
- Internal Injuries: Blunt trauma to the abdomen or chest can cause damage to organs like the liver, spleen, or lungs, leading to internal bleeding.
- Lacerations and Bruising: Glass shattering, sharp objects, or hard surfaces can cause cuts, bruises, and deep wounds.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Strains, sprains, and torn ligaments or muscles are common from the body’s sudden jerking movements during impact.
- Facial Injuries: Passengers may suffer facial fractures, dental injuries, or eye damage from hitting hard surfaces or flying debris.
- Psychological Trauma: Emotional injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, are also common after bus accidents.
In cases like the one above, bus accident injuries can also lead to death. In these cases, the families of those killed should consider their rights and options for filing wrongful death claims.
When is Tire Failure Product Liability?
Tire failure can lead to a product liability claim if the failure is due to a defect in the tire’s design, manufacturing, or labeling. Here are common scenarios where tire failure may result in a product liability case:
- Manufacturing Defect: If the tire was improperly manufactured, leading to structural weaknesses (e.g., poor bonding or use of defective materials), the manufacturer may be held liable. This can include tires that fail under normal driving conditions due to internal flaws.
- Design Defect: If the tire’s design is inherently unsafe, such as improper tread patterns or sidewall structures that increase the risk of failure, the designer may be responsible. This applies even if the tire was manufactured correctly.
- Failure to Warn: If a tire manufacturer or seller fails to provide adequate warnings about proper usage, tire maintenance, or load limits, and the tire fails due to these omissions, they could be liable. This includes not labeling the maximum inflation pressure or load capacity properly.
- Improper Labeling or Instructions: If the tire does not come with proper installation, inflation, or maintenance instructions, and this leads to failure, it could be grounds for a product liability claim.
For a successful product liability claim, the injured party must prove the tire defect directly caused the failure and resulting injuries.
How Can Kherkher Garcia Help Victims of Fatal Bus Accidents?
Kherkher Garcia can help victims of tire failure incidents protect their rights in several ways:
Investigating the Cause
Our experienced attorneys can thoroughly investigate the tire failure, including gathering evidence from the scene. We work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze tire manufacturing records and recalls to determine if the failure was due to a defect. We also work to determine if the bus driver, or another driver, was negligent in causing or contributing to the accident.
Filing Legal Claims
If the tire failure resulted from a defect in manufacturing, design, or labeling, Kherkher Garcia can help victims file a product liability claim against the manufacturer or other responsible parties to seek compensation for their injuries. If a driver or other party was found to be negligent, a personal injury or wrongful death claim may be the better course of action. Every case is unique, and our attorneys will find the best avenues for each client and case.
Handling Complex Legal Processes
Legal cases often involve multiple parties, including manufacturers, retailers, and insurance companies. At Kherkher Garcia, our team is skilled in navigating these complexities, ensuring that all parties are held accountable. We ensure that all deadlines are met, all documents are filed appropriately, and that every client has the best chances for success.
Maximizing Compensation
Our attorneys work to recover maximum compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our goal is to ensure that victims receive the full amount they are entitled to. We will never settle for a “low ball” offer from another party. We work diligently to ensure a fair outcome.
Advocating for Victims’ Rights
At Kherkher Garcia, we will aggressively advocate on behalf of victims, protecting them from insurance companies or other parties that may attempt to minimize their claims. We will communicate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf. You can rest assured that our team is managing your case thoughtfully and comprehensively.
Providing Personalized Support
We understand the emotional and physical toll tire failure incidents can take on victims and their families. The entire team at Kherkher Garcia provides compassionate, personalized legal support throughout the process. We strive to give victims peace of mind while their case is handled.
By leveraging knowledge, expertise, and a track record of success, we help victims pursue justice and protect their legal rights in tire failure cases.
Get a Free Consultation with Our Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, it is important to understand your legal rights. At Kherkher Garcia, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you every step of the way. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial toll an injury can take on you and your family, and we are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Whether you have been hurt in a bus accident, workplace incident, or suffered from a defective product, our legal team has the experience to handle your case. Best of all, we offer free consultations so you can discuss your case with no obligations. Let us review your situation and guide you through the legal process.
Contact Kherkher Garcia today to schedule your free injury consultation and get the support you need. We are committed to helping you achieve justice. Call now at 713-333-1030, or complete our online form to get started.
Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik
