We’ve all heard the Michelin Tire advertisement, “You’ve got alot riding on your tires”. This slogan sadly rings true today as a local family found out in the hardest possible way how important vehicle tire maintenance actually is.
Six people were killed in an automobile crash on I-95 near Jupiter, Florida the other evening when a tire on a passenger-filled van, a 2001 Mercury Villager, reportedly blew out, sending the vehicle off the road and crashing into a concrete bridge abutment at high speed. The Villager then caromed off the abutment and struck a 2012 KIA Sorrento. The driver of the van, 33-year old Heidi Solis-Perez survived but 4 of her young children were killed. Those who died were Macareo Julian-Solis, 14, Marillany Julian-Solis, 5, Alexander Julian-Solis, 7, Sandy Julian-Solis, 17, Andres Perez, 18, and Reynaldo Diaz, 31. Ms. Solis-Perez, and another passenger, 11-year old Daisy Julian-Solis survived the crash but are in serious condition. Three of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene while one died at St. Mary’s Medical Center and one died at Delray Medical Center.
The cause of the crash is under investigation, but preliminary reports from the Florida Highway Patrol indicate that a tire blowout may have been the cause. Florida motor vehicle traffic frequently requires driving on Interstate Highway I-95 where simply keeping up with high-speed traffic is difficult. It is imperative that a vehicle’s tires are maintained and are properly inflated in order to ensure their safety.
In order to safely operate your Florida vehicle, it is recommended that you have your tires professionally checked for wear and tear and have them properly inflated. Tires should be rotated periodically to ensure that they wear evenly. Tires with worn threads should be replaced immediately.
The Maus Law Firm extends our heartfelt sympathy to Ms. Solis-Perez, her relatives, and friends in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy.