A woman was seriously injured last Friday after a set of tires detached from a semi-truck and struck her vehicle on I-80 near Walcott. According to reports, the impact sent Sarah Pender’s car airborne, causing it to roll multiple times before coming to a stop upside down. The incident is being investigated as a hit-and-run, as the semi-truck involved has not yet been identified.
Whenever I hear about crashes like this, I immediately think about the steps that should be taken to determine whether this was a preventable mechanical failure or an issue with maintenance. When authorities find the truck, they’ll need to examine it for these potential problems.
Was the Semi Properly Maintained?
One of the biggest concerns in cases like this is whether the semi-truck was properly maintained. Tire detachment doesn’t just happen—it’s often the result of missing or loose lug nuts, axle failures, or improper repairs. Investigators should review maintenance records from any trucks traveling in the area around the time of the incident to see if any had a history of mechanical issues or recent tire work.
Could a Defective Part Have Played a Role?
It’s also possible that a manufacturing defect caused the tire failure. Certain truck components, like wheel hubs or tire assemblies, can have defects that cause them to fail unexpectedly. If investigators recover the detached tires, they should examine them for signs of manufacturing defects or improper installation.
The Importance of Asking These Questions
For those affected by this crash, understanding what happened and who is responsible is critical. A thorough investigation should include reviewing highway surveillance footage, dash cam recordings from nearby vehicles, and reports from any witnesses who may have seen the truck before the tires detached. In my experience, these types of incidents often reveal serious maintenance lapses or overlooked defects, making it all the more important to get a full picture of what went wrong.