Wheel Detachment : The Oddball Hazard on the Road

Driving down Texas roads may expose you to the occasional oddball hazard, such as a tire that may have fallen off a driving vehicle. At best, the encounter may be a great story to share, but at worst, it could cost you your life. Although statistically, wheel detachment rarely occurs, it can be quite dangerous on high-speed roadways. 

 A number of issues can lead to a tire falling off a vehicle when in motion, creating a swerve risk on major roads. Driving along the road with loose or damaged tires could pose a danger of catastrophic injuries and could even cost someone their life. 

What Causes Wheel Detachment When the Vehicle is in Motion? 

Often, a tire may get loose after it has been serviced, and the wheels are not put on correctly or torqued to the proper tightness. Over time, the wheel and lug nut may come loose, propelling the tire like a deadly missile. Wheel detachments may also occur due to improper wheel or component installation and poor maintenance. 

The following are a couple of actions that may contribute to wheels loosening and potentially being a danger:

• Incorrect use of tools: Using impact wrenches makes it faster and easier to over-torque the lug nut, which can result in dangerous outcomes.
• Not following procedures: It is essential to follow the necessary steps when adjusting and preloading bearings when stalling axles. 
• Using defective tools: under-torquing can be caused by using terrine quality wrenches.
• Improper maintenance and wear and tear: wheel components will wear out over time and need to be replaced. Failing to do so can result in danger when these components break down due to dust and corrosion. 

What are the Immediate Dangers of a Loose Tire on the Road? 

When a tire falls off, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, and the car may even roll over. The danger can increase when these accidents involve trucks and SUVs, which pose a more significant threat as they are taller and already at a higher risk of a rollover crash. While any type of accident can be devastating, a rollover can lead to particularly catastrophic injuries. 

In addition to the vehicle that lost the wheel, others on the road are also in danger. Loose wheels often fly into the air and bounce into other vehicles at high speeds, causing significant damage and injuries to others sharing the road. Although there may be a chance that the tire doesn’t impact anyone on the road, it will likely land on the highway and become a difficult-to-dodge hazard that may cause an accident. 

Whose Fault Is It When a Tire Comes Loose?

When a tire falls off while driving, it may be hard to determine who is at fault. However, determining liability is an essential first step in your case. We will assist you in the process of proving fault by collecting the following necessary documents:

• Police report
• Witness statements
• Vehicle maintenance reports
• Images from the scene

In some cases involving a loose tire, the following factors may be considered to determine which party is at fault:

• The driver failed to have their vehicle examined or maintained
• The driver was aware of the short-term defect but failed to make the proper repairs
• A car dealership sold the individual a car with a dangerous defect
• A mechanic was unable to correctly repair or install a wheel component
• A parts manufacturer produced a defective wheel component

In addition, it may be possible that there’s a recall on a failed tire, and we can assist you in checking the recall list. 

Road Debris Safety Tips

Although you can’t anticipate everything on the road, there are some things you can do as a defensive driver to protect yourself from danger. The following are some tips to be a better driver and avoid any type of road debris you may encounter during your drive:

• Try to look two to three cars ahead to give yourself enough time to change lanes before you reach a hazard. 
• If you’re driving at night (when it’s not foggy and there’s no traffic), drive with your high beams on so you can potentially spot debris on the road. 

Can I Seek Damages for a Wheel Runoff Accident?

If you have been hurt in a wheel runoff accident that wasn’t your fault, you can seek compensation for the harms and losses you experienced from the at-fault party’s insurance. You may be eligible for compensation for the following types of damages:

• Car repairs
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering

Speaking to one of our attorneys can provide guidance on how to best proceed.  

How Can The Carlson Law Firm Help?

It is essential to always check your vehicle to make sure that everything is up to date. Not only is it important for your safety, it is important to everyone on the road. Here at The Carlson Law Firm, we offer free consultations to help you understand your legal rights. If you believe a dealership or other service provider may have caused your accident, we can help you evaluate your case. 

We care, we can help.