It’s something no driver wants to face — a loose tire or car part suddenly flies into traffic, causing a crash. These incidents are not only frightening but can lead to serious injuries, vehicle damage, and even fatalities. But when an accident like this happens, one question always follows: Who’s responsible?
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we help individuals in Contra Costa County and throughout California understand their rights after an injury. When an auto part causes an accident, liability isn’t always obvious. It could be the driver, a repair shop, the manufacturer, or another party entirely. In this blog, we’ll break down what you need to know.
When a Vehicle Part Comes Loose: Understanding the Risks
Car parts aren’t supposed to detach mid-drive, but it happens more often than people think.
Some common types of road debris from vehicles include:
- Tires or wheels that weren’t properly secured
- Bumpers, hoods, or mirrors coming loose from body damage or rust
- Cargo equipment like trailers, ladders, or rooftop carriers
When these parts hit other vehicles or block lanes, the results can be catastrophic. Drivers may swerve, brake suddenly, or strike the object head-on. At highway speeds, even a small item on the road can lead to a major collision.
Liability May Fall on the Driver
In many cases, the driver of the vehicle that shed the part is responsible. California law requires all drivers to keep their vehicles in a safe condition. That includes checking for worn tires, making sure lug nuts are tight, and securing any cargo or accessories.
You may be able to hold the driver accountable if:
- They skipped routine maintenance or ignored known problems
- They failed to secure external cargo, like a ladder or spare tire
- There’s evidence they knew something was wrong (like loud noises or vibrations) and kept driving anyway
We gather maintenance records, photos, dashcam footage, and witness reports to show whether a driver’s actions or lack of action contributed to the crash.
Liability Could Extend to a Repair Shop or Auto Shop
Sometimes, a car or tire shop makes a mistake that causes a part to come loose later. If a mechanic fails to tighten a tire, installs the wrong part, or misses a serious problem during a service check, they may be liable for what happens next.
We’ve seen cases involving:
- Loose lug nuts after a tire rotation
- Poorly installed tow hitches or roof racks
- Damaged suspension parts that went unnoticed
Auto shops have a duty to provide safe, professional service. If their work falls short and someone gets hurt, they should be held accountable. We work to obtain service records, receipts, and expert reviews to uncover any shop errors.
In Some Cases, the Manufacturer May Be at Fault
If a defective part caused the accident, the company that designed or produced it may be legally responsible under California’s product liability laws. This includes:
- Tires that shred or separate unexpectedly
- Wheel assemblies that break under normal use
- Cargo fasteners or brackets that fail during transit
You don’t need to prove the manufacturer was careless — only that the part was defective and directly caused your injuries. Product liability cases often involve recalls or known safety complaints, and we’re experienced in investigating those angles.
Other Potentially Liable Parties
Depending on the situation, other parties may share liability. For example:
- A trucking company may be liable if a trailer was overloaded or improperly secured
- A fleet maintenance provider might be responsible for poor inspections
- A used car seller could be at fault if they failed to disclose damage that made the vehicle unsafe
Every accident is different, and we’ll look at all angles to find out who contributed to the failure.
How We Can Help After a Vehicle Part Accident
It’s easy to assume these incidents are just “freak accidents,” but the truth is, they’re often preventable. We help injured clients get answers and financial support by:
- Investigating maintenance, inspection, and service histories
- Working with accident reconstruction professionals when necessary
- Dealing with the insurance companies so you don’t have to
We’ve handled cases involving tires detaching on the freeway, loose utility trailers, and defective parts. Our job is to prove fault and get results, so you can focus on healing.
Protect Your Rights After an Accident
If a flying tire or loose vehicle part caused your injuries, don’t assume no one is responsible. We’ll help you figure out what happened, identify the liable party or parties, and fight to recover the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and more.
Call Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook today for a free consultation. We’re here to help.