Truck Tire Comes Loose on Route 128, Killing Lexington Man

On Tuesday afternoon, a tire came off the rear axle of a Dodge RAM pickup truck while the driver was headed southbound on Route 128 in Lexington. According to David Procopio, a spokesman for the Massachusetts State Police, the tire came loose, crossed the jersey barrier, and struck another vehicle in the northbound lane at approximately 1:15 p.m. Sadly, the driver of that vehicle, a Toyota Camry, was fatally wounded in the accident. Contact a Boston Personal Injury Lawyer Today.

Flying Wheel Strikes Two Vehicles

The fatally injured operator of the Camry was 26-year-old Charles Hu of Lexington, MA. According to police, the left rear wheel of a 1997 Dodge RAM broke free from the rear axle of that vehicle. The preliminary investigation indicates that once the wheel came free, it crossed the median, struck and bounced off a Toyota Highlander, and then struck the victim’s Camry. The collision caused serious damage to the Camry’s roof and windshield and resulted in fatal injuries to the driver. According to police, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The 50-year-old Braintree man who was driving the Toyota Highlander escaped without injury.

Cause of the Accident Still Under Investigation

The driver of the Dodge RAM was a 19-year-old Amesbury woman. Currently, no charges have been brought against her. However, the Massachusetts State Police are continuing to investigate the fatal accident and will determine if she was at fault once the investigation has been completed. The State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and the State Police Crime Scene Services Section will assist Troop A of the Massachusetts State Police with the investigation. The Mass Department of Transportation and Lexington Fire and EMS also assisted at the scene. The name of the Amesbury woman will only be released if charges are filed against her.

Altman & Altman, LLP – Boston’s Premier Motor Vehicle Accident Law Firm

This tragic story serves as a reminder that regular vehicle maintenance and inspection is vital to the safety of everyone on the road. It has not yet been determined if the cause of the accident was due to a faulty tire or axle, or if the vehicle was in substandard condition. If the truck’s driver took her vehicle in for annual inspections and regular maintenance, she will likely avoid any litigation in this case. If it is determined that the rear axle or any component of the wheel was defective, the manufacturer may be liable.

If you have been injured in any type of motor vehicle accident, we can help. At Altman & Altman, LLP, we have been protecting the rights of accident victims for over 50 years. Our skilled injury team will analyze the details of your case and help you determine the best way to move forward. We have an impressive track record of obtaining compensation for clients. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, property damage, transportation costs, and more. Call us today for a free consultation about your case.

 

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