Flat Tire on Freeway Leads to Fatal Crash in Redwood City

By Kelly Balamuth on December 19, 2012

Three members of a family were tragically killed when their vehicle was pulled over on a California freeway due to a flat tire. As reported by MercuryNews.com, the family was on their way to the San Francisco airport to visit relatives in Dallas for the holidays on December 15 when their Lexus got a flat tire on Interstate 280 in Redwood City. The car had pulled onto the median when it was slammed from behind by a Volkswagen SUV, according to authorities. A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer reports that the vehicle, driven by an 82-year-old San Jose resident, was traveling at a “high rate of speed” when the crash occurred.

The CHP identified the victims as a 48-year-old mother, her 28-year-old son, and her 21-year-old daughter, all from the city of Santa Clara. The husband of the victim was the only one to survive the crash. The condition of the 82-year-old driver was not immediately available, but the man was hospitalized after undergoing surgery for a number of injuries, including broken ribs. According to the CHP, alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in the collision.

The CHP officer states that presently no arrests have been made and the fatal accident remains under investigation.

The sudden loss of a loved one is an exceptionally difficult thing for any family to cope with, and may leave loved ones wondering if the deadly accident could have been avoided. The wrongful death lawyers in San Mateo County of Balamuth Law understand how difficult the days and weeks following the loss of someone you love can be and are here to help families who have lost someone get the answers they need. Our compassionate legal team will also work to get the compensation your family needs to move forward.

To see how we can assist you during this difficult time, call (888) 254-1234.