Hit by a Loose Tire on the Freeway? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Rights.

It can happen in an instant. You’re driving on the 405 or another busy Los Angeles freeway when a tire suddenly detaches from a moving vehicle. Whether it rolls along the pavement or becomes airborne, a detached tire can cause serious collisions. Sometimes, it smashes directly into another vehicle’s windshield, leaving the driver no time to react. When that tire comes from a big rig, its size and weight can turn a frightening incident into a catastrophic event.

Car accidents caused by loose tires often result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and, tragically, loss of life. A recent Pomona Freeway crash, reported by the Los Angeles Times in August 2025, highlights the real danger. Victims and their families frequently face mounting medical bills, lost wages, and overwhelming stress.

If you’ve been hit by a tire on the freeway and are wondering about your rights, this blog offers guidance and insights into your options.

Our legal team at McGee Lerer Ogrin is ready to help you understand avenues you can explore to pursue the compensation you deserve. Call (310) 775-2491 or submit an online form to schedule a consultation.

Determining Liability: Who Is Responsible for the Accident?

When a tire comes loose, identifying the party—or parties—responsible is a crucial first step in pursuing a claim. Liability often depends on how and why the tire became detached.

Potential responsible parties include:

The owner or driver of the vehicle – Vehicle owners have a duty to properly maintain their cars and trucks. Negligence, such as not replacing worn tires, ignoring mechanical problems, or improperly installing a wheel, can make them liable for the accident. Even small mistakes like not securing lug nuts can have serious consequences.
A mechanic or service shop – Sometimes, responsibility falls on the professionals hired to do maintenance or repairs. If a mechanic fails to properly torque the lug nuts or overlooks signs of tire wear, they can be held accountable. If a tire comes loose shortly after a shop worked on the vehicle, it’s worth checking whether improper installation caused the issue.
The tire manufacturer – Defective tires can also cause sudden detachment. In these instances, the manufacturer might be liable under product liability laws. Manufacturing flaws, design defects, or insufficient warnings about a known issue can indicate corporate responsibility.
Fleet owner or commercial company – If a tire from a commercial vehicle like a big rig is involved, the trucking company could be held responsible. Federal and state regulations require routine inspections and maintenance for commercial fleets. Ignoring these checks or cutting corners on repairs can make a company legally liable for any accidents.

Common Challenges in Detached Tire Accidents

Detached tire incidents are seldom simple. They usually involve multiple vehicles, unknown drivers, or limited insurance coverage, which makes obtaining compensation more complicated.

Multi-Vehicle Collisions

Loose tires don’t always hit just one car. Many drivers instinctively swerve to avoid them, causing chain-reaction crashes. In these cases, multiple injury claims might be filed against the at-fault driver’s insurance, but if that policy has low limits, there may not be enough coverage to fully compensate all victims. An experienced attorney can help explore additional sources of recovery.

Unidentified Vehicles

Another major challenge arises when the vehicle that lost the tire cannot be identified. The sooner legal counsel begins investigating, the higher the chance of finding the responsible party.

Attorneys may:

Inspect the tire for manufacturer codes or markings.
Seek witness statements from other drivers.
Review footage from traffic or security cameras in the area.
Work with law enforcement to examine accident reports and potential dashcam evidence.

If the at-fault vehicle cannot be found, you might still be able to file a claim using your Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, as long as you have this protection in your auto policy.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

Loose tire accidents require careful investigation and strategic legal steps. Managing the claim alone can be overwhelming, especially when facing serious injuries and uncooperative insurance companies.

A personal injury lawyer can:

Investigate – Your attorney can handle every aspect of the investigation, from securing evidence and locating witnesses to coordinating with accident reconstruction experts. This assistance relieves you of the burden and prevents critical details from being overlooked.
Navigate complex cases – Determining liability can become a legal maze when multiple vehicles or unidentified drivers are involved. An attorney knows how to pursue every potential source of compensation, including claims against negligent drivers, mechanics, manufacturers, and commercial fleet owners.
Deal with insurance companies – Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim or even argue that you could have avoided the accident. Your lawyer can handle all communication and negotiations, pushing back against tactics designed to reduce your settlement.
Meet deadlines – California law sets strict deadlines for filing a personal injury claim. Waiting too long can mean losing your right to recover damages. Acting promptly gives your attorney time to build a strong case.

Protecting Your Rights After a Detached Tire Accident

A detached tire accident can change your life in an instant. You might be facing medical bills, time off work, and long-term recovery hurdles. Although the legal process can be complicated, you don't have to go through it alone.

McGee Lerer Ogrin is dedicated to fighting for accident victims and holding negligent parties responsible. If you or a loved one has been injured by a loose or rolling tire on a freeway, call (310) 775-2491 or contact us online for a free consultation.