Michigan winters are no small challenge. From November through April, our state faces harsh snowstorms, freezing rain, drifting snow, and unpredictable temperature swings. Roads throughout Berkley, Metro Detroit, and the entire state can turn dangerous quickly—from lightly dusted pavement to sheets of black ice within minutes.

Snow, ice, slush, and especially black ice significantly increase stopping distances, reduce traction, and make steering more difficult for even the most careful drivers. These conditions lead to thousands of winter-related crashes in Michigan every year. When a driver fails to prepare their vehicle—especially their tires—for these conditions, the risk of a serious accident grows dramatically.

Why Winter Tires Matter

Winter tires are specifically engineered to perform in Michigan’s coldest, slickest conditions. They are made of softer rubber that stays flexible in freezing temperatures and have deeper, more aggressive tread patterns to grip snow and ice. Drivers who choose not to install winter tires—or who fail to maintain their tires—can lose control of their vehicle more easily, putting others at serious risk.

When the condition of a driver’s tires contributes to a collision, liability becomes a major issue, and injured victims deserve answers.

Michigan’s Trusted Winter Accident Attorneys

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we understand how dangerous winter driving can be—and how often poor tire maintenance or lack of winter tires contributes to preventable accidents. With more than 50 years of combined experience, our firm has earned a strong reputation throughout Michigan for integrity, client-first advocacy, and deep community roots.

We are committed to standing up for injury victims and helping them navigate the complex issues surrounding winter accident liability.

Michigan Laws on Winter Tires

Michigan has specific rules about vehicle equipment—but surprisingly, winter tires are not legally required for most vehicles. However, that does not mean drivers are off the hook when their lack of winter tires contributes to an accident.

Are Winter Tires Required by Law?

No, Michigan does not mandate winter tires for personal vehicles. Drivers are allowed to use all-season tires year-round. However, if a driver’s choice of tires causes a crash, they may still be held responsible.

Exceptions for Commercial Vehicles

Certain commercial vehicles must meet more stringent equipment requirements. In some cases, trucking companies or commercial drivers may be liable if:

• Their tires were bald
• Tread depth did not meet federal standards
• Maintenance logs show neglect
• A company failed to equip vehicles for winter driving

Commercial liability can be significantly higher due to safety regulations.

When Lack of Winter Tires May Still Lead to Liability

Even though winter tires are not required, drivers may still be held responsible if:

• Their tires were unsafe for winter conditions
• They lost control due to bald or worn tires
• They were driving too fast for road conditions
• They ignored weather advisories
• Their tire choice contributed to a collision

Michigan’s “reasonable care” standard means drivers must adapt to conditions—winter tires are often a key part of doing so.

Vehicle Equipment Requirements That May Affect Liability

Michigan does require that all vehicles maintain:

• Minimum tire tread depth
• Safe and functioning equipment
• No bald or excessively worn tires
• Proper tire inflation

Defective tires, improperly installed tires, or mechanical issues that worsen winter traction can all influence liability in an accident.

Who Is Liable for a Winter Tire–Related Accident in Michigan?

Determining liability after a winter accident can be complex. While Michigan weather is unpredictable, poor tire choices, lack of maintenance, and negligent driving behaviors often play a major role in winter collisions. At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we analyze every factor to identify who is responsible and ensure injury victims get the compensation they deserve.

Negligent Drivers Without Proper Tires

Even though winter tires aren’t legally required, drivers must still operate their vehicle safely. If they lose control because they chose to drive on:

• bald tires
• worn-out tread
• tires unsafe for winter
• mismatched or improperly inflated tires

…they can be found negligent. Failure to prepare a vehicle for known winter conditions often leads to driver liability.

Drivers Who Ignore Hazardous Weather Advisories

Michigan drivers must adjust their behavior to road conditions. When drivers ignore:

• winter storm warnings
• black ice advisories
• snow emergency alerts

…and continue driving at unsafe speeds or without proper equipment, they may be held responsible for resulting crashes.

Vehicle Owners Who Fail to Maintain Their Tires

Owners are responsible for keeping their vehicles safe—even if someone else is driving. Liability may fall on the owner if they fail to:

• replace bald tires
• maintain proper tire pressure
• patch or replace damaged tires
• install tires appropriate for winter weather

Improper maintenance is a major contributor to winter accidents.

Employers of Commercial Drivers

Commercial companies must ensure their vehicles are winter-ready. Employers may be liable if they:

• allow unsafe tires on company vehicles
• fail to perform routine inspections
• violate federal tread-depth regulations
• fail to equip fleets for winter
• pressure drivers to operate in unsafe conditions

Commercial claims can involve larger insurance policies and complex regulations.

Tire Retailers/Installers

If a tire shop:

• installs the wrong tires
• improperly mounts or balances tires
• fails to tighten lug nuts
• sells defective or expired tires

…the retailer or installer may be liable for a resulting crash. These cases often involve expert analysis and service records.

Manufacturers (Defective Tire Claims)

Tire defects—such as tread separation, blowouts, or rubber failure—may make the manufacturer responsible. Product liability claims require in-depth investigation and expert engineering testimony.

Government Liability (Poor Road Maintenance, Untreated Ice)

Although harder to pursue due to governmental immunity, some winter accidents are caused by:

• untreated black ice
• improperly salted roads
• snowplow negligence
• dangerous road design

Municipal liability claims have strict notice deadlines, making prompt legal help essential.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Victims of winter tire–related accidents may recover compensation for both financial losses and emotional suffering. LSM ensures every category of damages is pursued to its fullest extent.

Medical Expenses

Coverage for ER visits, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and long-term treatment.

Lost Wages & Loss of Earning Capacity

If injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, compensation may include past wages and future reduced earning potential.

Pain & Suffering

Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, loss of mobility, and the long-term impact the accident has on daily life.

Vehicle Damage

Reimbursement or replacement for your damaged vehicle and personal property.

Future Medical & Rehabilitation Costs

Serious injuries may require ongoing care, including:

• Rehabilitation
• Mobility devices
• Long-term medication
• Future surgeries
• Home modifications

Wrongful Death Damages

Families may seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship
• Emotional suffering

LSM supports families with compassion and strength during these difficult cases.

How Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Build a Strong Winter Accident Case

Winter accident cases require precision, technical knowledge, and relentless investigation. Tire condition, road conditions, and weather patterns all play crucial roles—and our team knows how to uncover the truth.

Full Investigative Approach

We examine every factor that contributed to the crash, including:

• Tire type, tread depth, and wear
• Road conditions and ice accumulation
• Weather reports and visibility
• Skid patterns and vehicle damage
• Driver behavior before impact

This thorough approach helps establish where the negligence occurred.

Reviewing Maintenance and Tire Records

We review:

• Tire purchase history
• Service and rotation records
• Commercial fleet inspection logs
• Manufacturer specifications

Neglect, improper maintenance, or failure to replace unsafe tires may all support your claim.

Working With Accident Reconstruction Specialists

Experts analyze:

• Crash geometry
• Tire performance under winter conditions
• Driver speed and braking
• Path of travel and loss-of-control indicators

These insights strengthen your case and counter insurance company claims.

Handling Insurance Communications

Insurance companies often blame weather instead of negligence. LSM protects you by managing:

• All adjuster communications
• Recorded statements
• Settlement negotiations
• Attempts to shift blame

We ensure your rights are protected from day one.

Preparing for Trial When Necessary

Although many winter accident cases settle, we prepare each one as if it will go to trial. This approach gives clients the strongest position possible.

LSM is known throughout Michigan for:

• Strong courtroom presence
• Thorough case preparation
• Integrity-driven advocacy
• Relentless pursuit of justice

We don’t cut corners—because your future matters.

Your Safety Deserves Justice

Winter accidents can unfold in an instant, especially on Michigan’s icy, snow-covered roads. But when another driver’s lack of proper tires or poor vehicle maintenance leads to a collision, the consequences shouldn’t fall on your shoulders. You deserve accountability. You deserve answers. And most importantly—you deserve justice.

At Liss, Shapero & Mitnick, we understand the unique challenges of winter-related crashes. With more than five decades of combined experience, deep roots in our Michigan communities, and a firm built on integrity and compassion, we’re here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you need to move forward. From complex tire-related investigations to navigating difficult insurance disputes, our entire team stands with you every step of the way.

Contact Liss, Shapero & Mitnick Today

📍 2695 Coolidge Highway, Berkley, MI 48072
📞 248-584-1300 📞 Toll-Free: 1-855-LISS-LAW (1-855-547-7529)
📠 248-584-1323

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