Is a Driver Liable in Texas if Their Tire Blew and Caused a Wreck?

 Posted on May 07, 2026 in Car Accidents

If a driver’s tire goes out, especially on high-speed roads, the chances for an accident skyrocket. Suddenly, that driver may be unable to steer, and the pieces of their tire may fly outward, creating hazards for other drivers.

If you were hurt in a crash caused by another driver's blown tire, you need to know who is responsible for the resulting damages. The answer largely depends on the circumstances of the crash. Our Seguin, TX personal injury lawyer can help you figure out who is liable and what your case may be worth in 2026.

Does a Tire Blowout Automatically Make A Driver Responsible for Any Accident That Results?

Liability in accidents involving popped tires doesn’t always fall directly on the person who had the blowout. There can be other factors that spread liability between several people, like how closely the car behind them was following. A driver can’t be held completely responsible if, for example, they rolled over a nail and the driver behind them was too distracted by their phone to avoid a crash when the other car’s tire popped.

However, if tires were showing signs of serious wear and a driver failed to replace them, the driver may be held liable for their negligence. Similarly, if a driver was distracted and struck an object that popped their tire and caused them to lose control of their car, they may be liable for the resulting wreck.

Texas uses a modified comparative fault system, as outlined in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, to determine who gets to recover what after an accident. As long as you were not more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages. The amount you recover is reduced by your percentage of fault (if any is assigned to you).

How Can You Prove That Another Driver’s Negligence Led to Their Tire Popping?

Proving negligence in a blowout crash means showing that the other driver ignored warning signs of their tire’s condition. Evidence that can support your claim includes:

• Maintenance records showing the tires were worn, cracked, or long overdue for replacement

• Photos of the blown tire, revealing visible deterioration on the undamaged parts

• Vehicle inspection reports or failed inspection stickers

• Witness statements about how the vehicle was being driven before the crash

• Data from the vehicle's onboard systems (if it was a commercial vehicle)

• The driver's own statements at the scene about when they last checked their tires

Tires have tread wear indicators built into them for a reason. A driver who continues operating a vehicle on tires that are visibly worn down or showing sidewall damage will have a harder time arguing they had no warning.

When the Tire Manufacturer May Also Be Liable

Some tire failures are spontaneous and the result of a manufacturing defect in the tire itself. If the tire failed because it was defectively made or improperly designed, the manufacturer may share liability. This would be a separate product liability claim. Your attorney can advise you if you believe this applies to your case.

How Do Commercial Truck Tire Blowouts Differ From Passenger Vehicle Blowouts?

When a tire blows on a commercial truck, the consequences are often far more severe. The liability is also more complex. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations require commercial drivers and trucking companies to conduct vehicle inspections, including tire checks, before and after every trip. If a truck's tire blew because the driver or company skipped required inspections or ignored known issues, it’s a serious violation.

Commercial truck blowout cases may involve multiple liable parties. These could include the driver, the trucking company, a maintenance contractor, and the tire manufacturer. Understanding where to look to find out who is responsible often takes professional knowledge. If you were in an accident with a commercial vehicle, speak to a lawyer specializing in semi-truck accidents as soon as possible.

Call a New Braunfels, TX Car Accident Lawyer Today

At The Bettersworth Law Firm, our Seguin truck accident attorneys bring 25 years of experience handling complex vehicle accidents, including commercial truck wrecks. We have recovered millions for injured clients as members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. With us, you can be confident that your case won’t fall through the cracks and that you’ll never be treated as just a number. Call us at 830-606-0404 for a free consultation with our aggressive and compassionate lawyers.