File 2009.13: Freidel v. Firestone et al

Case Type: Personal Injury

Description:
A man noticed the rear passenger tire of his work truck was under-inflated and went to re-inflate it with a compressor. In the process of adding air to the tire, the side ring component of the RH5˚ type multi-piece tire/wheel assembly explosively separated and struck him.

Visualizations Produced:
After visiting the accident site to meet with experts, witnesses and take photos and video of the surrounding area, 3D laser scans of the wheel, tire and rim were performed to ensure an accurate model. The site and truck where then constructed in 3D and the wheel rim and victim were animated based on data from tire and biomechanics experts. Illustrating how while adding are to the tire, the rim unintentionally "popped" off the assembly striking him in the head and shoulder.