Two children and three adults were seriously injured in a Riverside car accident after a Ford Excursion SUV rolled over on the freeway. According to a news report in The Murrieta Patch, the rollover accident occurred on the southbound 15 Freeway near Murrieta Hot Springs Road in Murrieta, the afternoon of December 31, 2011. Officials say a tire on a Ford Excursion blew out causing it to crash into a guardrail and overturn. It went over the guardrail and ended up on its roof in the center divider. The two injured children have been listed in critical condition and three adults suffered serious injuries. An investigation is ongoing.

My heart goes out to the children and adults injured in this Riverside rollover accident. I wish them all the very best for a complete and speedy recovery. They will be in my thoughts and prayers

Riverside Accident Statistics

According to California Highway Patrol’s 2009 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), one person was killed and 345 were injured in Murrieta car accidents. During that same year, there were 203 fatalities and 7,974 injuries reported as a result of Riverside County car accidents.

What Caused This SUV Rollover Crash?

Based on this news report, the vehicle veered out of control and rolled over after a tire blew and its tread separated. I trust investigators are looking into what caused the tire to blow. Was the tire defective? Did the top-heavy design of the Ford Excursion cause it to go out of control and roll over? Ford SUVs are notorious for their propensity to roll over even at normal speeds or when a driver is attempting to take some type of evasive action. When a tire blows on an SUV that has a high center of gravity and narrower track width compared to other passenger vehicles, it is much more difficult for the driver to regain control of the vehicle. It also appears in this case that the vehicle landed on its roof. Did a weak roof contribute to the victims’ serious injuries?

Auto Product Liability Issues

If it is determined in this case that poor vehicle design and/or an auto defect caused the accident and injuries, the automaker can be held liable for the victims’ injuries. Injured victims in such cases would be well advised to contact an experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer, who has successfully handled similar auto products liability cases against large automakers such as Ford. The best auto product defect law firms will always offer a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation to injured victims and their families.