Los Angeles Injury Attorney Blog

THOUSAND PALMS - Six people were hospitalized following a minivan rollover crash Thursday morning on westbound Interstate 10, near Cook Street, KPSP Local 2 News reported. The accident, involving a 2002 Mercury van registered to the Coachella Valley Unified School District, occurred around 8:49 a.m. on Thursday, March 24, 2011. According to the CHP, six people were injured in the crash. Two people suffered critical injuries, two people suffered moderate injuries, and two people suffered minor injuries. The occupants included a high school student, parent and staff of Coachella Valley Unified, and were part of a caravan of vehicles headed to Ontario International Airport, where the group would fly to Sacramento and then visit California State University Chico.

Due to the accident, the trip was cancelled, and the 23 students scheduled to visit the university would not get to go.

Cause of the Interstate 10 Rollover Crash

KPSP News reported that the driver of the vehicle following the van reported seeing a tire blowout before the driver lost control of the vehicle and the fan overturned. Tire blowouts can be attributed to many causes, including deferred maintenance of aging, worn tires, cargo overloading, underinflation, roadway hazards (such as potholes and debris), excessive speed, and manufacturing defects. Additionally, defective tire repairs can allow moisture to penetrate the tires and rust the steel belts. This could lead to rusting and increase the likelihood of tire failure. The CHP will likely have the tire inspected to determine if the crash was caused by a defect in the tire.

Rollover Accident Personal Injury Liability

The family members of the victims of this accident would be well-advised to speak with a knowledgeable California personal injury attorney while this March 24th accident remains under investigation. Because the van involved in the crash was owned by the school district, the CVUSD may be liable for the injured victim's medical care expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. If the accident was caused by a defect in the tire, the tire manufacturer could be liable. An accident attorney who has successfully handled claims against numerous Southern California school districts and tire manufacturers can advise the injured victims of their legal rights and best course of action to protect them. In the interest of preserving evidence and witness recollections, it is advisable to speak with an attorney as soon as possible following a rollover accident such as this one.