According to the Department for Transport (DfT), 3,000 injury related accidents occur each year due to defective vehicles, with tyres being the number one cause.
Defective brakes and malfunctioning lights are also primary causes of road traffic accidents.
The current economic situation isn’t helping, with motorists scrimping on vehicle maintenance to save money.
Cumbria Police Forensic vehicle examiner Shaun McKeown attends serious and fatal road traffic accidents throughout the county. His job is to gather the evidence that will determine the cause of the accident.
Tyre defect accidents
In an interview with Tyresafe, a not for profit organisation that promotes the importance of tyre safety for UK motorists, McKeown recounted some of the accidents he’d experienced due to tyre defects, including a young nurse who suffered fatal head injuries as a result of a rear tyre deflating due to damage on the wheel rim. The defect caused the vehicle to veer across the road into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
In another tragic incident, a 17 year old and his teenage passenger were killed when their vehicle slid into the path of an HGV. The car was found to have two worn tyres.
If a vehicle owner is responsible for a road traffic accident that causes injury or death to a passenger, another road user or a pedestrian, because they have neglected to maintain their vehicle, they could face a compensation claim, as well as a fine of up to £2,500 and three penalty points for each illegal tyre.
If you have been the victim of a road traffic accident, Stephensons’ specialists have the experience and expertise necessary to pursue a successful claim on your behalf. Our specialists are available to discuss your case in confidence on 01616 966 229.
By personal injury solicitor, Kate Sweeney
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