19 Injured Due to Church Van’s Tire Failure
Numerous media outlets have reported that on January 13, 2015, 19 members of Atlanta Restoration Ministries were injured when the group’s van overturned after a tire blow out.
Channel 2 Action News in Atlanta reported, “The members of Atlanta Restoration Ministries were on a mission trip to south Florida when the wreck happened about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in St. Lucie County, Fla.” Channel 2 also reported, “Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Mark Wysocky said a tire on the van, which was pulling a trailer, blew out, ‘causing the vehicle and trailer to lose control and overturn.’”
Tire failures such as blow outs or tread separations are unfortunately far too common and can occur for a number of reasons. Harris Lowry Manton LLP has an extensive history in investigating wrecks related to tire failures on behalf of injured individuals. In 2013, after a seven-day trial, a DeKalb County jury returned a verdict for Harris Lowry Manton LLP’s client for over $16 million in damages against Michelin.
While Michelin denied any responsibility, the jury determined that the tire at fault failed because it was defective, and led to the death of 50-year-old Kharka Chhetri. In addition to Mr. Chhetri, Harris Lowry Manton LLP also represented the 13 other individuals who were involved in the wreck. The verdict is believed to be the largest against a tire manufacturer in Georgia within the last decade.
Shortly before the start of the next trial on behalf of one of the victims, Harris Lowry Manton LLP was able to negotiate settlements for all families involved in this tragedy. Michelin demanded that the amount of these settlements remain confidential.
Harris Lowry Manton LLP has also successfully brought numerous other cases against tire manufacturers, including Michelin, Cooper, Continental, and Firestone, as well as maintenance facilities in Georgia and Florida. With any wreck where a tire failure is the cause, early investigation is critical so that no parts of the faulty tire are left on the roadway. Likewise, early investigation allows for markings on the road, which can disappear over time, to be documented.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a wreck involving a tire failure and would like to learn more about potential defects or claims which may exist, please contact Harris Lowry Manton LLP.
Harris Lowry Manton LLP is a dedicated full-service trial law firm. Our Georgia personal injury lawyers fight for the injured throughout every step of the legal process. We explain how litigation works from the moment you come into one of our offices in Atlanta or Savannah until your case is solved. Our legal team has achieved remarkable success because we leave no stone unturned when investigating our client’ claims and what should have been done to prevent their injuries. We file claims against all responsible parties — not just the most obvious one.
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