If your car breaks down or you get a flat tire, you likely call a tow truck for help. A tow truck is a large truck specifically designed to carry other vehicles to a new location, such as an auto repair shop. Even though tow trucks serve an important function, they are sometimes involved in car crashes themselves. In fact, a study showed that tow truck workers are at an increased risk of injury and death due to serious motor vehicle accidents.
If you’ve been hurt in an accident involving a tow truck, call William Mattar law offices today. Our truck accident attorneys can help you seek compensation for your injuries. Don’t endure the effects of a serious crash on your own—contact us at (844) 444 - 4444. Our legal team is available 24/7 to answer your inquiries.
How Does a Tow Truck Accident Occur?
Tow trucks are bulkier than many vehicles on the road. These trucks typically have a flatbed or other equipment to lift and haul vehicles that need assistance. When towing a car, a tow truck may be at an increased risk of an accident due to their size, weight, and accompanying equipment (including cables and/or winches).
Other potential causes of a tow truck accident include speeding, inattentiveness, inexperience, poor weather conditions and slippery roads, and truck mechanical failures.
In an accident, tow trucks can cause catastrophic damage to other vehicles, especially when in motion. Injury victims involved in a tow truck crash may be left with medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional and physical suffering. For this reason, a victim may choose to pursue legal action and file a claim for compensation. If you’ve been injured by a tow truck, contact an experienced accident attorney today.
Types of Tow Truck Crashes
There are many different types of possible tow truck crashes. Some of the most common scenarios include:
- Sideswipes: Sideswipe accidents occur when two vehicles are driving (or facing) in the same direction, and the right side of one vehicle hits the left side of the other. Typically, when a tow truck arrives to help a motorist, they are parked on the right shoulder of a road or highway. If a motorist traveling alongside the lane or shoulder is careless and does not give the tow truck vehicle enough space, they may sideswipe them.
- Rear-End Accident: As mentioned, tow trucks must stop on the road when responding to a crash or a call from a driver in need of assistance. If another motorist traveling on the road does not see the stopped tow truck, there is the potential for a rear-end accident. In regular traffic, if a vehicle or the tow truck itself does not give other cars sufficient room, it can also lead to a rear-end crash.
- Blind Spot Accident: Like all large trucks, tow trucks have blind spots that may be bigger than the average passenger car or vehicle. If a tow truck driver fails to check their blind spots before making a maneuver, a crash with another motorist can happen.
Due to the size of a tow truck, these types of crashes can result in devastating injuries. If you’ve been involved in a tow truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact William Mattar law offices.
Who is Liable in a Tow Truck Collision?
If a tow truck driver’s negligence caused an accident, they may be held liable for any resulting damages. For example, let’s say a tow truck driver fails to maintain a safe distance from other drivers on the road. The tow truck driver may be at fault in the event of a motor vehicle crash. Other actions that may indicate a tow truck driver’s negligence include speeding, not obeying the laws of the road, and failing to properly secure a vehicle for transport.
The towing company that owns the truck involved can also be liable for a collision. Towing companies are responsible for inspecting every vehicle and ensuring that routine maintenance is performed. If an accident occurs because of a mechanical or maintenance-related issue, the company may be held responsible. Similarly, if the towing company hires a driver that is unsuitable to drive a tow truck, they may be held accountable for any resulting incidents.
Contact a Tow Truck Accident Attorney Today
An accident-related injury can be life-altering. The legal team at William Mattar understands what you are going through, and we are here to help in every way we can. Get started on your personal injury claim by scheduling your free initial consultation. Call (844) 444 - 4444, or fill out our online consultation form, today.