Greensboro Personal Injury Lawyer - Blowout

Alcohol, Speed Lead to Fatal Accident in Graham, NC

Pierce Egerton — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:58:26 GMT

WFMY and Burlington’s Times News are reporting another deadly vehicle crash in the Piedmont today. The crash occurred in the early morning hours on East Gilbreath Street in Graham, NC. The Graham Police Department reports 21-year-old John Paul Hamlett of Buffalo Junction, Virginia was killed this morning when he lost control of his pickup truck.

The truck left the roadway and came to rest upside down in a creek. A Graham Police Department news release says the driver of the vehicle was partially ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers were taken to UNC Hospitals with serious -- but not life-threatening -- injuries.

Police say speed and alcohol contributed to the accident.

This accident follows two other fatal accidents in the Piedmont this week. On Tuesday a young man, Nate Marburger, died from injuries he sustained in an accident the previous day on US 29 near Greensboro after the driver of the SUV he was riding in fell asleep at the wheel.

On Tuesday a Sophia couple, Clarence and Elizabeth Poe, were killed in an accident on US 64 in Randolph County. That accident occurred when a tire blew out on an El Camino setting off a chain of events culminating in a utility truck colliding head on with the Poe’s Ford Taurus.

Together these accidents highlight four major causes of vehicle accidents: alcohol, speed, driver fatigue, and, perhaps, poorly maintained or defective tires. Please be careful as you head out into traffic over this long Independence Day holiday. Please also say a prayer for the devastated family members and friends of Mr. Marburger, the Poes and Mr. Hamlett.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Update on Fatal US 64 Accident -- Troopers Investigating Blowout

Pierce Egerton — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:53:55 GMT

The News & Record is now reporting more information about yesterday’s tragic accident on U.S. 64 in Randolph County that took the lives of Clarence and Elizabeth Poe of Sophia, NC.

It now appears the accident occurred when a tire on an eastbound El Camino blew out and the driver lost control. The El Camino crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a westbound Chevrolet utility truck owned by Snider Tire Company. The utility truck then crossed into the eastbound lane and struck the Poe’s Ford Taurus head on.

The Poes died at the scene. Jarrell Snody of Lexington, the driver of the utility truck, was airlifted to Baptist Hospital.

Troopers say they are investigating the cause of the ruptured tire. According to Fox8 News, police speculated that heat may have been a factor in the blowout. Investigators will be looking into maintenance records for the El Camino.

Blowouts can occur for a variety of reasons. It is important to pay careful attention to your tires. One of the biggest problems is underinflation. When a tire is underinflated the sidewall flexes more. This can lead to a build up of head and a blowout or tire separation.

Because tires can lose air at the valve and through the rubber, it is particularly important to check your tire pressure frequently. When you do, check your tires for excessive wear, uneven wear, bulges, blisters and other defects. If you have any doubt about the safety of your tires, consult a mechanic.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton

Two Dead, One Critical in Another Accident on Highway 64

Pierce Egerton — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:02:41 GMT

Fox8 News is reporting another fatal crash on U.S. 64 in Randolph County. Reports are sketchy at this point, but it appears the driver of an El Camino lost control after a blowout. A white car -- possibly a Ford or a Toyota -- swerved to avoid the El Camino, crossed left of center, and hit a utility truck.

It appears the elderly couple in the white car died at the scene. The utility truck’s driver was airlifted to a local hospital. Reports indicate that the El Camino’s driver was not seriously injured.

Our firm has seen a number of serious accidents on U.S. 64 in recent years. Many of these involved fatalities.

As the July 4th weekend approaches, please drive carefully.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Pierce Egerton