ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, Mo. — Jessica Powers, 39, was airlifted to a hospital in St. Louis Sept. 23 with serious injuries from a two-vehicle accident on U.S. Route 67.
The Poplar Bluff woman was northbound on US 67 when her Jeep Cherokee experienced a tire blowout, causing it to travel off the roadway between lane two and the right shoulder, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Fredericktown resident Danielle Davis, 38, tried to avoid hitting Powers’ vehicle with the right side of her northbound Jeep Wrangler but was unable to do so.
The front of Davis’ Wrangler struck the rear of Powers’ Cherokee, and the impact caused both vehicles to travel off the roadway to the left. Davis’ vehicle hit the cable median barrier before coming to rest.
Powers was transported to Mercy Hospital by Air Evac for treatment. Davis suffered minor injuries and was privately transported to Parkland Hospital for evaluation.
Both drivers were wearing seatbelts. Officials said Powers’ vehicle was considered a total loss and Davis’ vehicle sustained extensive damage.
No additional information about the crash has been released.
COMMENTARY ON TIRE DEFECT ACCIDENTS
This is a classic example of a tire-failure-induced 2-vehicle crash. The blow out on the Jeep Cherokee caused the driver to lose control of her vehicle and she ran into the Jeep Wrangler, causing both to veer off the road. These types of accidents are way too common on today’s highways.
When I started handling tire failure cases over 25 years ago, I hoped that these problems would be solved by now. I believe that the introduction of tire pressure monitoring systems and the incorporation of a nylon cap ply in tires are a significant step forward in reducing the number of crashes caused by tire failure. But the problem still remains. I will continue to do what I can to raise awareness of the risks associated with tire failure. I hope that within the coming ten years crashes caused by tire failure are a thing of the past.
It is essential to conduct a detailed analysis of the remaining tire to ensure manufacturer flaw or defect are not a contributing factor in this accident. Determining whether manufacturer defect was the root cause of this accident will prevent accidents like this from happening in the future.
I hope for a full and speedy recovery for both crash victims.
MEET ROB AMMONS
For more than three decades, I have concentrated my practice on tire and automotive defect claims, representing clients against tire manufactures, automakers, tire retailers, and tire service centers. My success against Michelin, BFGoodrich, Uniroyal, Cooper Tire, Goodyear, Dunlop, Bridgestone/Firestone, Continental/General Tire, Kumho Tire, and Yokohama has led to the recall of millions of tires across the country. Our team here, at The Ammons Law Firm, also has extensive experience with consumer protection and product liability, truck accidents, rollovers, catastrophic injury, wrongful death, post-collision fires, seatbelt defects, airbag defects and plant explosions. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients and in the ways industries do their business.
Disclaimer: At Ammons Law, we are constantly seeking to improve the quality and safety of our roads and highways. We post these articles to help improve safety within our community. All of the information contained within this post was compiled from public sources or constitutes the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if you identify any false or misleading information.
