Winter driving in Texas strains vehicle systems. Temperature swings, holiday traffic, and heavier road use expose hidden weaknesses in brakes, tires, and electronic safety components. When these systems fail, even careful drivers face serious crash risks.
Many people assume a collision has been caused by driver error, but winter accidents in Texas often stem from equipment defects—faulty brakes, blown tires, malfunctioning airbags, or electronic failures. Few drivers realize these events may support a product liability claim.
As the official law firm sponsor of the 2023 World Series champion Texas Rangers, Bailey & Galyen brings more than four decades of experience to motorists across DFW and Texas. We help clients preserve evidence, identify defective components, and pursue claims against manufacturers, dealerships, and repair shops.
For a free consultation, contact us online or call 844-402-2992 anytime. Hablamos español.
Why Defective Auto Equipment Accidents Increase During Texas Winter Months
Texas winters are unpredictable, with temperatures in DFW swinging from 35°F mornings to 65°F afternoons. These shifts affect tire pressure, brake performance, and electronic sensors. Cold weather also exposes weak batteries, worn hydraulic systems, and aging components.
Holiday travel increases vehicle load, highway speeds, and mechanical stress—creating a perfect environment for equipment failures.
Common Equipment Failures That Cause Serious Crashes
Brake System Failures
Hydraulic leaks, faulty brake boosters, sensor malfunctions, and worn components can cause a sudden loss of braking ability. Recent 2025 recall data includes more than two million vehicles affected by brake-system defects, making this a significant winter hazard.
Tire Blowouts and Tread Separation
Temperature swings cause tire pressure fluctuations. Combined with manufacturing defects or worn treads, this leads to blowouts on highways and frontage roads—common during holiday travel weeks.
Airbag Malfunctions and Failure to Deploy
Airbag systems rely on sensors that can fail in cold weather. A malfunctioning airbag may deploy too late, too aggressively, or not at all, increasing injury severity.
Steering or Stability Control Failures
Electronic stability control and steering sensors are sensitive to temperature, moisture, and vibration. Failures at highway speeds create dangerous loss-of-control incidents.
Who Can Be Liable in a Defective Auto Equipment Claim?
- Manufacturers – Liable for design defects, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn consumers about known hazards
- Dealerships– Responsible when they fail to perform required recalls, misrepresent equipment safety, or improperly install components
- Repair shops – Liable for negligent repairs, wrong parts, or incomplete inspections, especially when the failure is directly tied to recent service
What To Do Immediately After a Suspected Equipment Failure
- Preserve the vehicle and do not approve repairs – The defective part is crucial evidence. Towing the vehicle to a controlled storage location helps protect it.
- Secure the Event Data Recorder (“Black Box”) information – EDR data shows speed, braking attempts, steering input, and system performance before a crash—proof that equipment failed.
- Photograph the scene and damaged components – Document skid marks, debris, tire remnants, damaged brake parts, dashboard alerts, and airbag modules.
- Check for open recalls or technical service bulletins – A known defect strengthens a product liability claim, especially if a recall existed before the crash.
Understanding Texas Product Liability Standards
Texas law allows claims for design defects, manufacturing defects, and failure to provide adequate or reasonable warnings on a product. A claim must show that the part was unreasonably dangerous, that the defect caused the crash, and that a safer alternative design existed. These cases require consultation with an experienced attorney, technical evidence, expert analysis, and a detailed investigation of the component at issue.
Read Also: Common Causes of Truck Accidents
How Bailey & Galyen Builds Defective Auto Equipment Cases
Our attorneys work with automotive engineers and accident reconstruction experts to evaluate brake systems, tire remnants, electronic modules, and airbag components. We analyze recall history, warranty records, dealership service logs, and the vehicle’s EDR data. This approach helps establish how the defect caused the crash and which parties are responsible.
If you suspect a defective part caused your accident, call Bailey & Galyen at 844-402-2992 or contact us online for a free case evaluation. Hablamos español en nuestra oficina.
Bailey & Galyen Solving Your Legal Puzzle®