Setareh Law
July 3, 2026
A tire blowout is one of the most frightening events that can occur on California’s highways and busy interstates. In an instant, a driver can lose complete control of their vehicle, sending it careening into neighboring lanes and triggering a chain-reaction crash involving multiple cars. These accidents are not only devastating but also legally complex, as determining who is responsible requires examining several potential causes, and the liable party is not always immediately obvious to the injured victims.
If you have been seriously hurt in a multi-car accident caused by a tire blowout, our attorneys at Setareh Law are here to help. With over 60 years of combined experience and more than $250 million recovered for accident victims throughout California, we are prepared to investigate your case and fight aggressively for the full compensation you are owed.
How Dangerous Are Tire Blowout Accidents?
Tire failures are far more common than most drivers seem to realize. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, approximately 33,000 passenger vehicle tire-related crashes occur in the United States each year, resulting in roughly 19,000 injuries. When these blowouts happen at freeway speeds, they can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities, particularly when multiple vehicles are involved. Understanding who may be held legally accountable is a critical first step in protecting your rights and pursuing justice.
Who Can Be Held Liable After a Tire Blowout Accident?
Liability in a tire blowout accident is seldom simple, as several parties may share responsibility depending on what caused the tire to fail.
The Driver of the Vehicle With the Blowout
In many cases, the driver whose tire failed may be partially or fully liable for the resulting crash. Under California law, all drivers have a duty to maintain their vehicles in a reasonably safe condition, and that obligation extends to proper tire care. If the blowout resulted from severely worn treads, prolonged underinflation, or visible damage the driver knowingly ignored, their negligence may be established. This is especially significant in situations where the driver’s loss of control leads to a head-on collision or a high-speed multi-vehicle pileup.
The Tire Manufacturer
When a tire fails due to a manufacturing flaw, design defect, or inadequate materials, the tire manufacturer may be held liable under California’s product liability laws. These cases often depend on expert analysis to establish that the defect existed before the tire ever left the production facility. While manufacturer liability cases can be technically demanding, they are also highly impactful, particularly when the responsible company is a major commercial brand.
Mechanics or Tire Installation Shops
A mechanic or tire shop that improperly installed a tire, used incorrect inflation pressure, or failed to notify a customer of a visibly dangerous condition may also bear responsibility. These claims are grounded in the professional duty of care owed to vehicle owners, and negligence on the part of a service provider can be a major contributing factor in a blowout-related crash.
Government Entities
Hazardous road conditions, including large potholes, scattered road debris, or severely degraded pavement, can trigger or contribute to tire failure. When dangerous road conditions are to blame, a government agency responsible for maintaining that stretch of road could be held liable for the resulting damages. In California, claims against government entities carry strict procedural deadlines, including a compressed timeframe to file a government tort claim before you are permitted to pursue a lawsuit, making it essential to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
California’s Comparative Fault Laws and Your Claim
Since tire blowout accidents frequently involve more than one responsible party, California’s pure comparative fault standard often shapes how these cases are resolved. Under this framework, each party’s share of fault is assessed individually, and damages are allocated accordingly. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover a portion of your losses. Whether the accident involved a personal vehicle, a large commercial truck, or multiple vehicles of different types, a thorough investigation of all contributing factors is essential to maximizing your recovery.
Contact Setareh Law After a Tire Blowout Accident in California
Tire blowout cases require more than a basic insurance claim. They often demand a detailed investigation, accident reconstruction, and in some cases, expert witness testimony to identify all liable parties. At Setareh Law, our team brings over 60 years of combined legal experience and a track record of more than $250 million recovered for California accident victims. With over 400 five-star Google reviews and eight accessible office locations, we are here for you. We speak Spanish and are always available for home visits as well.
Cases of this nature can also give rise to wrongful death claims, and we handle every matter with the seriousness it deserves. You do not have to navigate this difficult and overwhelming situation alone. Contact our office today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
