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Tire defect accidents are among the most catastrophic and unexpected tragedies on Michigan roads. When a tire fails at highway speeds, the result can be instantaneous and devastating—violent rollovers, high-speed lane departures, and multi-vehicle collisions that leave families shattered. Defective tires often fail without warning, causing a sudden and uncontrollable loss of vehicle stability. These failures can turn an ordinary drive into a fatal crash in seconds, leaving families facing overwhelming grief, unanswered questions, and significant financial hardship.
At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we understand the profound emotional toll of losing a loved one due to a preventable tire defect. Wrongful death cases involving product failures require not only legal skill but compassion, patience, and unwavering dedication. Families turn to us because we combine meticulous investigation with a deeply personal, client-first philosophy—ensuring every grieving family receives the empathy, guidance, and advocacy they deserve.
With decades of experience serving Michigan families, our firm is rooted in integrity and strengthened by a true team-based approach. Every case benefits from the collective effort of our attorneys and staff, reflecting our longstanding commitment to the community and our reputation for fighting tirelessly on behalf of victims and their families.
Michigan Wrongful Death Law in Tire Defect Cases
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim
In Michigan, a wrongful death lawsuit must be filed by the personal representative of the estate, but the compensation recovered benefits eligible family members, which may include:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Grandparents
- Anyone who can demonstrate financial dependence on the decedent
This structure ensures the claim is organized, but still allows the financial and emotional impact on multiple family members to be fully represented.
Statute of Limitations Considerations
Michigan imposes deadlines for filing wrongful death claims, making timely legal action critical.
- Wrongful death actions generally must be filed within three years of the date of the fatal crash.
- However, product liability claims associated with defective tires may involve additional timing considerations—especially when a defect is not immediately known or when evidence requires technical evaluation.
- Delays in filing may jeopardize the preservation of crucial evidence, including the tire itself.
How Product Liability Intersects with Wrongful Death
Strict liability vs. negligence
Manufacturers may be held responsible even without proof of carelessness if the tire was defective when sold.
Failure to warn claimsManufacturers and retailers have a duty to warn consumers of known risks. When they fail, they may be liable for resulting deaths.
Manufacturing and design defect claims
A fatal crash may result from flaws in the tire’s design, errors during production, poor bonding, substandard materials, or unsafe structural components.
Who May Be Liable in a Tire Defect Wrongful Death Case
Tire Manufacturers
Design flaws
Unsafe tire designs can compromise structural integrity, making failures more likely even under normal driving conditions.
Poor quality control
Errors in bonding, curing, or assembly can weaken tires and lead to catastrophic blowouts.
Use of inadequate materials
Substandard rubber compounds or inferior internal components increase the risk of tread separation or structural failure.
Vehicle Manufacturers
Mismatched tire specifications
Installing the wrong type or size of tire can undermine traction, stability, or load-bearing capability.
Improper installation during assembly
Errors made during the vehicle’s original build—such as incorrect torque or bead seating—can lead to premature tire failure.
Retailers and Distributors
Selling recalled or expired tires
Tires degrade over time, and selling outdated or recalled models places customers at risk.
Failure to warn about known risks
If sellers know of hazards associated with certain tires, they may be liable for failing to alert consumers.
Repair Shops and Service Centers
Improper installation
Incorrect mounting, balancing, or inflation can directly lead to blowouts or tread separation.
Failure to identify unsafe or defective tires
Technicians must recognize worn, damaged, or recalled tires and notify customers appropriately.
Other Potentially Liable Parties
Fleet operators
Commercial fleets must maintain their vehicles safely and may be liable if maintenance lapses contributed to the fatal crash.
Commercial vehicle owners
Owners who knowingly operate vehicles with defective or worn tires may face liability.
Third-party maintenance companies
External maintenance providers may be responsible when negligent inspections or repairs lead to tire failure.
Investigating a Tire Defect Wrongful Death Case
Preservation of the Vehicle and Tire Evidence
Importance of securing the tire, wheel assembly, and vehicle for forensic analysis
The tire itself is the single most critical piece of evidence. Preserving it exactly as it was after the crash allows engineers to determine whether a defect caused the failure.
Avoiding spoliation of evidence
Insurance companies may attempt to dispose of or alter evidence. Immediate legal intervention ensures everything is preserved properly.
Expert Analysis
Tire engineers
Analyze structural integrity, bonding issues, and rubber composition.
Accident reconstruction specialists
Determine the sequence of events leading to the fatal crash.
Metallurgists and material scientists
Examine internal components, steel belts, and bonding materials to identify manufacturing defects.
Reviewing Maintenance, Repair & Service Records
Tire rotation logs
Can reveal uneven wear or signs of early failure.
Service invoices
May show whether technicians missed warning signs or installed improper products.
Prior repair history
Helps determine whether the tire had been damaged, improperly patched, or previously flagged as unsafe.
Crash Scene Investigation
Skid marks, gouge marks, and debris field
Provide clues to the point of failure and loss of control.
Weather and road conditions
Help distinguish tire defects from environmental causes.
Police reports
Contain witness statements, diagrams, and initial assessments that support the investigation.
Identifying Prior Similar Incidents
Recalls
A recalled tire model may indicate a known defect.
Manufacturer safety bulletins
Technical advisories often reveal problems long before public recalls are issued.
Prior lawsuits involving the same tire model
Patterns of litigation may help prove corporate negligence or failure to warn.
Types of Compensation Available in Tire Defect Wrongful Death Cases
Economic Damages
Funeral and burial expenses
Families may recover the costs of laying their loved one to rest, including memorial services and burial or cremation expenses.
Loss of household income
When a family loses someone who contributed to daily living expenses, Michigan law allows recovery for that financial support.
Loss of future earnings
This includes the long-term income the deceased would have earned over a lifetime, including raises, benefits, and retirement contributions.
Medical treatment prior to passing
If emergency care, hospitalization, or life-saving interventions occurred before death, these costs may be recovered.
Non-Economic Damages
Loss of companionship
The emotional void left behind when a spouse, parent, or child dies is immeasurable—and compensable under Michigan wrongful death law.
Emotional anguish
Surviving family members may experience profound grief, trauma, anxiety, or depression stemming from the sudden and preventable loss.
Loss of guidance and support
Children, spouses, and dependents often rely on the emotional presence, wisdom, and encouragement of their loved one. Michigan law recognizes this irreplaceable loss.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may be awarded when a manufacturer, retailer, or other party demonstrated extreme negligence or reckless disregard for safety—such as knowingly selling defective tires or ignoring prior warnings. These damages are meant to punish wrongful conduct and deter future harm.
What Families Should Do After a Suspected Tire Defect Fatality
Immediate Steps
Preserve the vehicle
The vehicle and tire must be secured immediately. They are the primary pieces of evidence in a defect case.
Photograph the tire and damage
Photos of the tire, tread, wheel assembly, and vehicle damage can help experts identify signs of failure.
Collect police reports and medical records
These documents often contain early indicators of what may have caused the crash.
Avoid allowing insurance companies to remove or destroy the tire
Insurers may try to dispose of or claim ownership of the tire. Do not release it until an attorney has intervened to protect the evidence.
Contacting an Attorney Promptly
Ensures evidence is secured
A skilled wrongful death attorney can send preservation letters, coordinate expert inspections, and prevent spoliation of critical components.
Stops insurers from shifting blame
Insurance carriers may attempt to attribute the crash to driver error rather than product failure. Early representation stops these tactics before they gain momentum.
Allows experts to begin evaluating the defect
Tire engineers, metallurgists, and reconstruction specialists must examine the tire before deterioration or mishandling obscures the truth.
Justice for Your Loved One Starts Today
Losing a loved one in a preventable accident is devastating. When a defective tire causes a fatal crash, the pain is intensified by the knowledge that a safer design, proper manufacturing, or responsible corporate decisions could have saved a life. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we stand with Michigan families during their darkest moments. With integrity, compassion, and the strength of our entire legal team behind you, we fight to uncover the truth and hold every negligent party accountable.
Your family deserves answers, accountability, and justice. If you believe a tire defect caused the death of someone you love, reach out immediately. We are here to support you, guide you, and pursue the justice your family deserves with respect, transparency, and unwavering dedication.
Contact Liss, Shapero & Mitnick
Address:
2695 Coolidge Highway
Berkley, MI 48072
Phone: 248-584-1300
Toll-Free: 1-855-LISS-LAW (1-855-547-7529)
Fax: 248-584-1323