Vancouver, WA (May 14, 2026) — A woman was injured Thursday morning after tires detached from a moving semi-truck and struck a minivan on Interstate 5 in Vancouver. According to the Washington State Patrol, the crash occurred around 7:40 a.m. just north of Mill Plain Boulevard.
Investigators said two tires came off the trailer of a northbound semi-truck and crossed the center barrier into the southbound lanes. The tires then struck a minivan that was stopped in traffic. The driver of the minivan was transported to the hospital with moderate injuries. Authorities stated that the crash remains under investigation.
When tires come off a commercial trailer while it is moving at highway speed, investigators usually begin by looking at the condition and maintenance of the wheel assembly itself. Tire separations like this are not normal and can point to problems that existed before the truck ever entered the roadway.
In some cases, issues such as loose lug nuts, worn wheel components, damaged bearings, or improper installation can cause a wheel or tire assembly to fail. Investigators may also examine whether the trailer had recently undergone repairs or maintenance.
Commercial truck drivers are generally required to inspect their vehicles before beginning a trip, including checking tires, wheels, and other critical safety equipment. Investigators may review whether those inspections were completed and whether any problems should have been identified beforehand.
Maintenance records may also become important. If the trailer had a history of tire or wheel issues, investigators will likely examine whether those problems were properly addressed or whether warning signs were missed.
Another issue investigators may explore is whether a defective tire or wheel component contributed to the incident. Sometimes, tires fail because of manufacturing defects, internal structural problems, or component failures that are not immediately visible during routine use.
If a failure like that is suspected, investigators may preserve the tire assembly and examine it more closely to determine whether the separation was caused by wear and maintenance issues or by a defective part.
Crashes involving detached truck tires can create serious dangers for nearby drivers, even when there is no direct collision with the truck itself. In this case, the tires crossed a barrier and struck a vehicle that was stopped in traffic on the opposite side of the interstate.
Because there are several possible explanations for why the tires separated, a full investigation will likely involve reviewing inspection records, maintenance history, and the condition of the failed components themselves.
Source: KPTV
Commercial trucks depend on regular inspection and maintenance to operate safely at highway speeds. When equipment separates from a truck or trailer, questions often arise about whether the vehicle was properly maintained and whether the failure could have been prevented.
Since the operation of a truck is highly regulated, it’s important to consider hiring an attorney experienced in truck crashes specifically if you find yourself in a similar situation. Attorneys certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in truck accident law have demonstrated experience handling these types of cases, and few attorneys in the Pacific Northwest hold that certification. Tom D’Amore, founder of D’Amore Law Group, has more than 30 years of experience and is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
If a crash involving a commercial truck left you injured or searching for answers, schedule a consultation to discuss what happened and what options may be available to you.
