Wal-Mart to Pay for Three Killed in Tire Blowout Accident

Wal-Mart was held accountable by a Maryland jury for a tire blowout accident that killed three people traveling in a van when a new tire mounted by the retailer on a rusted rim failed.

The company must also pay $18.9 million in damages to the plaintiffs in the case, according Lawyers USA (subscription required).

The three victims – a mother and her two children – were part of a larger family group travelling to Maryland from California in a minivan, when the vehicle's left rear tire went flat in Iowa. A new tire was mounted on the rusted rim at a Wal-Mart in Creston, Iowa, according to the Lawyers USA article. However, the rim failed in Indiana and led to the fatal accident.

Wal-Mart and the car’s driver were both sued for negligence. However, last month the jury found that the driver was not liable in the crash.

A spokesman for Wal-Mart said the company was considering options for an appeal, according to Lawyers USA.

If you or a loved one has experienced a personal injury from an auto accident, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you.

Tags: