Runaway Tire Triggers Fatal Snohomish Highway 2 Crash

By Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. on September 27, 2011

A tire that came off a vehicle and flew into traffic on Highway 2 near Snohomish this weekend left an Everett man dead and several other people injured, according to The Daily Herald.

The tire came loose from a Chevy Astro van heading west on Highway 2. The tire crossed the highway’s center line and traveled into the eastbound lane, directly into the path of the Everett man’s vehicle. As he swerved to avoid the flying tire, his vehicle crossed the center line and was struck by an oncoming SUV.

The Everett man lost his life in the accident and his three passengers, all children, were taken to local hospitals with injuries. Two children who were riding in the SUV that struck his vehicle, along with the driver, were also taken to local hospitals to be treated for injuries. Investigators say that the injuries suffered by the others involved in the accident are serious, but not life-threatening. The driver of the Chevy van that lost the tire was not hurt. Investigators are still trying to determine what caused the van to lose its wheel.

Even careful drivers may suffer an accident if their vehicle contains defective parts, was built incorrectly, or was not properly repaired or maintained. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, the experienced Washington freeway accident attorneys at Hardwick & Pendergast, P.S. can help you unravel the chain of events that caused the crash and hold any negligent parties accountable for their actions. Call us today at (888) 228-3860 for a free and confidential consultation.