A 37-year-old Carrington man was killed in a rollover crash involving a cement truck near Crary, North Dakota, on July 8. According to the North Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 9:25 a.m. on 41st Street NE when the truck’s right rear tires allegedly left the roadway. The vehicle rolled and came to rest on the driver’s side. Notably, authorities reported that the truck’s airbags did not deploy. The incident remains under investigation.
When a commercial vehicle crashes and key safety systems like tires and airbags appear to fail, it raises important questions about whether a mechanical defect or product failure contributed to the outcome.
Could a Defect in the Rear Tires or Wheels Have Played a Role?
Investigators will need to closely examine the right rear tires and wheel assembly to determine if a blowout, structural defect, or failure in the wheel mounting system caused the driver to lose control. In commercial vehicles that carry heavy loads, any failure in tire integrity or suspension components can lead to instability and rollover risks. If premature wear, poor manufacturing, or improper installation is discovered, liability could extend to the product manufacturer or maintenance provider.
Why Didn’t the Airbags Deploy?
Airbags are a critical safety feature, especially in rollover crashes. The fact that they did not deploy in this case raises concerns about a potential defect in the sensor system or deployment mechanism. Investigators should evaluate whether the vehicle’s airbag system was functioning properly and whether this failure contributed to the driver’s death.
What Kinds of Evidence Should Be Collected?
To determine if product failures played a role, investigators will need to inspect the truck’s maintenance records, tire history, and crash data from the vehicle’s onboard systems. A forensic examination of the airbag module and sensor system may reveal whether the airbags should have deployed. Additionally, photographs of the tire tread, wheel assembly, and vehicle damage can help identify potential defects or failures.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Critical
When someone loses their life in a commercial vehicle crash and there are potential signs of mechanical failure or product malfunction, it's essential to dig deeper. Determining whether the equipment performed as intended can help uncover exactly what happened. This is the best way to get clear answers for those affected by the crash.