Fluker v. Rollin' Wrench, LLC et al.

On January 7, 2026, plaintiff Jane Fluker experienced a flat tire on Interstate 65 near Birmingham, Alabama, and requested roadside assistance from Rollin' Wrench, LLC, a mobile tire repair company. A technician replaced the tire but allegedly failed to properly tighten the lug nuts. Shortly after resuming driving, the wheel detached at highway speed, causing Fluker to lose control and crash. She sustained multiple fractures, a traumatic brain injury, and required extensive hospitalization. Fluker filed a civil lawsuit against Rollin' Wrench, its employee Marcus Webb, and tire manufacturer Apex Tire Manufacturing, Inc., alleging negligence in the installation and a manufacturing defect in the tire. The complaint seeks compensatory and punitive damages, asserting that Rollin' Wrench failed to adequately train its technicians and that Apex produced a defective tire prone to sudden failure. The defendants deny liability, raising Alabama’s strict contributory negligence defense and arguing that Fluker ignored warning vibrations. The case highlights critical safety gaps in the mobile automotive repair sector.

As of June 2026, the case remains in the discovery phase. The Circuit Court of Jefferson County has denied motions to dismiss the product liability claims, and no trial date has been set. Preliminary settlement negotiations have been unsuccessful.

Whether Rollin' Wrench and its technician breached the duty of care in tire installation, whether a manufacturing defect contributed to the wheel detachment, and whether Fluker’s actions bar recovery under Alabama’s contributory negligence doctrine.

The incident has ignited public concern over the lack of uniform licensing and safety standards for mobile tire repair services. Alabama lawmakers introduced the Roadside Service Accountability Act, proposing mandatory certification, insurance, and inspection protocols. Consumer advocacy groups have also called for greater federal oversight of roadside assistance providers.