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Steve Kherkher - March 31, 2026
Tires are one of the most important safety components on any vehicle. They are the only part of a car that makes direct contact with the road, and drivers rely on them for traction, braking, steering, and stability. When a tire fails due to a defect, the results can be catastrophic. Defective tire auto accidents often occur suddenly and without warning, leading to rollovers, high-speed collisions, and serious injuries.
Understanding the common causes of defective tire auto accidents can help drivers recognize potential dangers, maintain safer vehicles, and understand their legal rights if an accident occurs due to a tire failure. If an accident is already impacting your family, contact the Houston tire defect attorneys at Kherkher Garcia for help.
Defective tire auto accidents occur when a tire fails due to a manufacturing defect, design defect, or other product-related issue rather than normal wear and tear or driver error. These failures can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, especially at highway speeds. Common tire failures that lead to accidents include:
When these failures happen at high speeds, drivers may not be able to control the vehicle.
Tire failures are particularly dangerous because they often happen suddenly and without warning. When a tire fails, drivers may experience:
High-speed blowouts are especially dangerous and are a leading cause of rollover accidents. These accidents are most common among SUVs, trucks, and larger vehicles.
In 2024, a bus accident in Mississippi that caused dozens of injuries and six deaths was attributed to tire failure. Investigators have not detailed the exact nature of the failure.
Below are some of the most common causes of defective tire auto accidents. Understanding these causes can help drivers identify potential tire issues before an accident occurs. Consumers cannot control how products are manufactured, but understanding risks can help build awareness and reduce risk.
Tread separation is one of the most common causes of defective tire auto accidents. This occurs when the outer tread separates from the internal structure of the tire. Tread separation may occur due to:
When tread separation occurs, the tire may begin to vibrate before the tread detaches. Once the tread separates, the driver may immediately lose control of the vehicle. Tread separation accidents often occur at highway speeds and can lead to rollovers or multi-vehicle crashes.
A tire blowout occurs when a tire suddenly bursts or rapidly loses air pressure. Blowouts can be caused by defects in the tire structure or internal belt failures. Defective tire blowouts may result from:
When a blowout occurs, especially on a front tire, the vehicle may suddenly swerve or spin out of control.
Most modern tires contain steel belts inside the tire that provide strength and improve structure. Belt separation occurs when these steel belts separate from the rubber components of the tire. This may occur due to:
Belt separation can lead to vibration, uneven tire wear, and eventually tire failure or tread separation.
The sidewall of a tire is responsible for maintaining the tire’s shape and supporting the vehicle’s weight. If the sidewall is defective, the tire may bulge, crack, or suddenly fail. Sidewall defects may include:
A sidewall failure can cause a sudden blowout and immediate loss of vehicle control.
Many defective tire auto accidents are caused by errors during the manufacturing process. Tires are complex products made of multiple layers of rubber, steel, and fabric that must be bonded together correctly. Manufacturing defects may include:
Even a small manufacturing defect can cause a tire to fail later while driving.
Some defective tire auto accidents occur due to design defects rather than errors during manufacturing or use. A tire may be designed in a way that makes it more likely to overheat, wear unevenly, or fail under normal driving conditions. Design defects may include:
When a tire is poorly designed, multiple tire failures may occur across many vehicles. This sometimes leads to recalls. Cars and trucks are not the only vehicles susceptible to tire defect accidents and injuries. One example is a 2023 recall of RadWagon Electric Cargo Bikes that were recalled after more than 100 reports of incidents – including some injuries.
In some cases, tire failures occur due to improper installation or mounting. If a tire is mounted incorrectly, the bead may not seal properly, which can lead to air loss or tire failure. Improper installation may include:
It is important that tires are installed, mounted, and maintained correctly. Tire shops and mechanics may be responsible if improper installation leads to an accident.
Some defective tire auto accidents occur because drivers are unaware that their tires have been recalled. Tire recalls are often issued because of:
Drivers should periodically check for tire recalls through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Defective tire auto accidents often occur at high speeds and can lead to serious injuries. Common injuries include:
Rollover accidents caused by tire failures are particularly likely to result in catastrophic injuries.
Defective tire accident cases may involve multiple responsible parties, including:
These cases fall under product liability law, which allows injured individuals to pursue claims when defective products cause injuries.
If you believe a defective tire caused an accident, it is important to take certain steps. Start protecting your health and rights by doing the following:
The tire itself is often critical evidence in defective tire cases. Be sure to keep any tires, photos, receipts, and other evidence.
Tread separation is one of the most common tire defects associated with defective tire auto accidents.
Yes. If a tire failure was caused by a design defect or manufacturing defect, the tire manufacturer may be held liable.
An investigation by tire experts or engineers may be required to determine whether the tire failed due to a defect or other causes such as road hazards or improper maintenance.
Yes. The tire should be preserved as evidence. It may be critical in determining the cause of the accident.
Depending on the case, compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Additional compensation may apply if a loved one was killed.
Tire failures and blowouts contribute to thousands of accidents each year. Sadly, many of these incidents involve defective tires or tire manufacturing issues.
Deadlines vary by state, but in Texas many product liability claims must be filed within two years. It is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.
Defective tire auto accidents can cause serious injuries and life-changing consequences for drivers and families. When a tire fails due to a defect, the accident may not be the driver’s fault. Manufacturers and other parties may be responsible for dangerous or defective tires.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a defective tire auto accident, Kherkher Garcia may be able to help. Our team investigates product defects and auto accidents and helps injured individuals understand their legal rights and options.
Contact Kherkher Garcia to learn more about how we may be able to help after a defective tire auto accident. Call us at 713-333-1030 for a free consultation. You can also reach out to us online via our website contact form.
Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
Connect with a Kherkher Garcia trial lawyer today to pursue maximum compensation for your injury.
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