A 14-year-old girl was seriously injured after a tire rim flew through a windshield during a trip near the Altamont Pass in Alameda County on Friday, July 18, 2025.
According to a GoFundMe shared by her family, the teen, identified as Emma, was traveling with her mother from Coarsegold to San Francisco to attend a My Chemical Romance concert in celebration of her eighth-grade graduation.
While driving east of the Altamont Pass, a metal tire rim struck the windshield of their vehicle and hit Emma in the face, rendering her unconscious.
Emma was rushed to a nearby trauma center, where she underwent emergency surgery for severe facial lacerations, a skull fracture, a brain bleed, and a liver injury. She was later transferred to UC Davis Medical Center, where she received skull reconstruction surgery on July 23.
Family reports indicate that Emma is recovering and may soon return home. She is awaiting medical clearance to walk and eat on her own. No additional details about the source of the tire rim have been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
Don’t Know What To Do After An Accident?
Your safety and rights depend on what you do next after an accident. Remember the following steps if you find yourself in one:
- Check yourself for any injuries.
- Stay on the scene, call 9-1-1, and wait for emergency responders.
- Move your vehicle to the road shoulder if safe; turn on hazard lights.
- Fully cooperate with law enforcement and stay until cleared to leave.
- Document the scene and injuries with photos and videos.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Contact your insurance company and find a personal injury lawyer for legal advice.
What A Lawyer Can Do For You
Many victims put off calling a lawyer even if they sustain injuries after an accident. However, lawyers can help you in many ways. They can provide you with police reports, CCTV footage, and witness statements to strengthen your case. Your attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies to get you fair compensation. The best part is that they will do all of these things for you at no upfront cost. So if you’re injured in an accident, hire a personal injury attorney to recover medical bills, car repair costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.