Wheel-Off Accident Lawyer

Wheel-off accidents are among the most terrifying and unpredictable events on Michigan roads. One minute you’re driving safely, and the next, a loose semi-truck wheel turns into a 100-pound projectile flying toward you at highway speeds. Or worse—your own vehicle suddenly loses a wheel, sending you spinning out of control with no warning at all.

The shock is immediate. The trauma is real. Victims often describe feeling confused, helpless, and blindsided—because no one expects a wheel to come off a moving vehicle. Yet across Michigan’s highways, these incidents happen far too often.

Our state’s unique road conditions only heighten the risk. Rough pavement and potholes shake vehicles relentlessly. Winter salt accelerates corrosion. Debris from freeze-thaw cycles litters the roadway. And high-speed trucking corridors like I-94, I-96, and I-75 push heavy commercial vehicles to their limits.

These violent incidents typically trace back to negligence—botched maintenance, improper installation, ignored warning signs, or skipped inspections. There is nothing “random” about a wheel detaching. Someone failed to do their job.

At Marko Law, we don’t let companies hide behind excuses. We hold trucking companies, mechanics, repair shops, tire installers, and manufacturers accountable when their carelessness puts innocent people in harm’s way. We fight for answers. We fight for justice. And we fight for you.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Truck Driver

Truck drivers are required by federal and Michigan law to inspect their vehicles before every trip. When they cut corners, people get hurt. A driver may be liable for:

• Failure to complete mandatory inspections
• Driving with known mechanical issues
• Ignoring vibration, shaking, wobbling, or grinding noises that signal wheel-end failure

A wheel doesn’t fall off without warning signs. When drivers ignore them, innocent lives are put at risk.

Trucking Company

Under respondeat superior, a trucking company is responsible for the negligence of its drivers—but the company itself may have committed its own violations. Trucking companies may be liable for:

• Inadequate or falsified maintenance procedures
• Rushing unsafe vehicles back onto the road
• Poor training or negligent hiring practices
• Failure to enforce federal safety standards

Too often, companies prioritize delivery speed over human safety. At Marko Law, we hold them accountable when that choice causes harm.

Maintenance or Repair Contractors

Many wheel-off crashes trace back to faulty mechanical work. A repair shop or contractor may be liable for:

• Improper torqueing or installation of wheels
• Failure to recognize obvious wheel-end hazards
• Negligent inspections, rushed service, or incomplete repairs

A single overlooked lug nut or misaligned hub can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Tire or Component Manufacturers

If the wheel or its parts failed because of a defect, the manufacturer may be responsible. This includes:

• Defective wheel assemblies
• Faulty bearings, hubs, or lug nuts
• Poor engineering, design flaws, or material failures

A wheel should never detach under normal operating conditions. When it does, the manufacturer may be to blame.

Vehicle or Fleet Owners

Even when they are not the driver or operator, vehicle owners can be held liable for:

• Neglecting routine maintenance
• Ignoring service recommendations
• Overlooking or failing to address recall notices

Fleet owners—especially those overseeing large commercial vehicles—have a duty to ensure their trucks are safe.

Government Entities (When Applicable)

In rare but important cases, a government agency may be liable if:

• Road defects contributed to wheel detachment
• They failed to maintain safe driving surfaces
• Potholes, uneven pavement, or debris created hazardous conditions

Pursuing government liability involves strict deadlines and procedures, and Marko Law is equipped to navigate them.

How Marko Law Investigates Wheel-Off Accidents

Immediate Preservation of Evidence

Evidence in wheel-off crashes disappears quickly. That’s why our team moves fast to:

• Secure wheel-end components before they are lost, repaired, or destroyed
• Send spoliation letters to trucking companies, fleets, and repair shops
• Obtain black box (ECM) data, maintenance logs, and service records

The sooner we act, the stronger your case becomes.

Review of Maintenance and Inspection Records

We dig into every record that could reveal negligence, including:

• FMCSA-required inspection logs
• Company maintenance schedules
• Prior violations, fines, and fleet compliance history

These documents often uncover patterns of shortcuts, ignored problems, or systemic safety failures.

Mechanical and Engineering Analysis

Wheel-off accidents require expert mechanical evaluation. We work with leading engineers to analyze:

• Hub and bearing failures
• Stud and lug nut conditions
• Torque patterns and installation errors
• Component wear and corrosion

Our specialists reconstruct exactly how and why the wheel detached—so we can prove fault.

Witness and Video Evidence

To build the strongest case, we also gather:

• Eyewitness statements
• Dashcam and surveillance video
• Crash reconstruction reports
• Photographs from the scene

Every detail helps reveal the truth—and expose negligence.

Compensation Available to Victims

Medical Bills and Future Care

Wheel-off crashes often result in catastrophic injuries requiring extensive treatment. Compensation may cover:

• Emergency room care
• Surgeries and hospitalization
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Medications and medical equipment
• Long-term or lifetime medical needs

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

When injuries prevent you from working or force you to take a lower-paying job, you may be entitled to recover:

• Income lost during recovery
• Future lost earnings
• Loss of career opportunities
• Diminished earning potential

Pain and Suffering

Wheel-off accidents cause intense physical pain and emotional turmoil. These damages may include:

• Chronic pain
• Loss of mobility
• Permanent disability
• Diminished quality of life

Emotional Distress

Victims often experience lasting psychological trauma, including:

• Anxiety and panic attacks
• PTSD
• Fear of driving
• Depression and sleep disturbances

Property Damage

This includes the repair or replacement value of your vehicle and any personal belongings damaged in the crash.

Loss of Consortium

Spouses and partners may recover damages for:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of intimacy
• Strain on family relationships

Wrongful Death Damages

If a wheel-off crash takes the life of someone you love, surviving family members may pursue compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
• The victim’s pain and suffering before passing

What to Do After a Wheel-Off Accident

Seek Medical Care Immediately

Even if you feel “okay,” wheel-off accidents can cause hidden injuries like internal bleeding, concussions, and spinal trauma. Let a medical professional evaluate you right away. Your health comes first—and medical records become vital evidence later.

Photograph the Scene and Debris if Safe

If you’re able and it’s safe to do so, take pictures of:

• The detached wheel or wheel assembly
• Your vehicle damage
• Roadway debris
• Skid marks, weather conditions, and nearby vehicles

Runaway wheels often bounce, roll, or ricochet, creating a complex accident scene. Photos help reconstruct what happened.

Preserve Damaged Vehicle Parts

Do not let your car be repaired, salvaged, or destroyed before speaking with an attorney. Wheel-end components—lug nuts, studs, bearings, hubs—are critical evidence. Preserving these parts can make or break a wheel-off case.

Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters

Trucking companies and insurers move fast. They may call you within hours of the crash, trying to:

• Get a recorded statement
• Push you to accept blame
• Offer a quick, lowball settlement

Remember: their job is to protect the company, not you. Politely decline and refer them to your lawyer.

Contact a Lawyer as Soon as Possible

Wheel-off cases involve mechanical failure, maintenance errors, and federal safety regulations. Evidence disappears quickly—from repair logs to wheel components to black box data. The sooner you involve an experienced attorney, the stronger your case will be.

At Marko Law, we act immediately to preserve evidence, investigate what went wrong, and hold every negligent party accountable.

When Negligence Breaks Loose, We Hold Them Together.”

Wheel-off accidents don’t just happen—they are the direct result of carelessness, skipped inspections, rushed repairs, and companies putting profits over human lives. These crashes shatter stability in an instant, leaving victims and families facing fear, injuries, financial strain, and the overwhelming question: How could this have happened?

At Marko Law, we understand the emotional and legal weight you’re carrying. We know the trauma of being blindsided by a runaway wheel or losing control of your vehicle without warning. And we know how hard trucking companies, insurers, and repair shops fight to dodge responsibility.

We step in early, preserve the evidence they hope disappears, bring in top mechanical experts, and fight aggressively to expose every failure that led to your injuries. You don’t have to navigate this alone. You deserve answers. You deserve strength in your corner. You deserve justice.

Contact Marko Law for a Free Case Evaluation

📞 Phone: +1-313-777-7777
📍 Main Office: 220 W. Congress, 4th Floor, Detroit, MI 48226
🌐 Website: https://www.markolaw.com/
👥 Our Team: https://www.markolaw.com/staff