Tow Truck Accident Lawyers

Being involved in an automotive accident can be a traumatizing experience, and the fear and anxiety can be compounded if one of the other vehicles involved was a massive tow truck. You might be feeling overwhelmed if you were injured in the accident — and understandably so. Who will cover your medical bills and lost earnings? Will your vehicle be fixed? Should you call their insurance company?

The tow truck accident attorneys at Nix Patterson can help you answer these questions. Depending on who was at fault, we might also be able to assist you in securing compensation from the negligent party for your losses. Nix Patterson has won billions in personal injury awards for our injured clients, and we look forward to assisting you, too.

What to Do After a Tow Truck Accident

After a tow truck crash, you will probably be extremely upset. Be sure to call the police immediately to report the accident. Don’t leave the accident scene until the police say it is appropriate to do so. You could be charged with fleeing the scene if you leave before the police arrive.

If you’re physically able and the scene is safe, collect accident evidence. Take photos of all vehicles’ damages and positions on the road. Photograph any skidmarks, road debris, and vehicle parts that came loose in the accident. Talk to eyewitnesses and get their contact details.

Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the tow truck accident, but starting the evidence collection process right after the crash is helpful.

Why Do Tow Truck Accidents Happen?

Like any commercial vehicle accident, tow truck crashes may happen for the following reasons:

• Distracted driving. People in America are driving distracted more than ever, and much of the problem lies with smartphones. It’s tempting to take your eyes off the road to text, read messages, and surf the Internet. Unfortunately, tow truck drivers can fall prey to texting and driving. The driver may also get into an accident when checking their cell phone for directions.
• Drunk driving. Tow truck drivers may drive while intoxicated or on drugs. This affects their ability to judge distances and compromises reaction time. Also, some drivers take prescription drugs that could negatively affect their driving. However, even if they have a prescription, a tow truck driver can still be found negligent in a crash if the drug contributed to the mishap.
• Driver fatigue. Tow truck drivers frequently work long hours. They can quickly become too tired to drive safely if they are on the road for more than eight or ten hours daily. Some fatigued tow truck drivers fall asleep behind the wheel and get into severe accidents.
• Reckless driving. Tow truck drivers are pressured to get to their next customer and may drive aggressively. Speeding, dangerous lane changes, failure to yield, and more all increase the chances of an accident. Tow trucks also require more distance to stop than passenger vehicles.

Some tow truck crashes happen for more than one reason. Your tow truck accident attorney will investigate the accident and determine who is responsible and why.

Parts of a Tow Truck That May Cause Accidents

A tow truck is designed to transport a vehicle after it has broken down or is undrivable. While many tow truck crushes happen because of driver error on the road, several parts of the truck also can cause potential problems. These include:

• Flatbed. This is the part of the truck that carries the disabled vehicle. If the car is not fastened securely, it could come loose in a sudden stop or evasive action.
• Chains and hooks. These ensure the car does not become loose, but sometimes they malfunction or break.
• Wheel lift. This part lifts the car off the ground so it cannot change position.
• Booms. These are attachments used to pull a vehicle out of a ditch.

Also, many tow truck accidents happen because of driver or company negligence. If the accident occurs because of an improperly loaded vehicle, injuries to others can be severe and even deadly.

Who Might Be at Fault in a Tow Truck Accident?

If a tow truck slams into your car, you might assume that you would simply sue the driver. That may be true. However, in a crash with a commercial vehicle, other people and entities may be held accountable.

• The driver. The tow truck driver is usually at least partially liable for an accident. They may have been distracted by something they shouldn’t have been doing like texting, they might not have been following the rules of the road, or they might have been negligent in adhering to the safety standards established by the state.
• The tow truck company. The tow truck company may also be partially responsible for an accident its driver caused. For instance, the company could be liable if it hired a driver with a bad safety record. It also could be held responsible if the driver was reckless in discharging his duties.
• The vehicle or parts manufacturer. If a vehicle or parts defect contributed to the accident, you could file a product defect lawsuit. Your tow truck accident attorney will investigate the incident to determine if defective parts or equipment contributed to the crash.

To prove liability, you must show how the allegedly negligent party was at fault and caused the accident. For instance, if the driver ran a red light while texting and T-boned your car, your attorney may rely on surveillance video and cell phone records to prove liability. Or, you might rely on eyewitness testimony that the driver ignored the light.

What Can a Tow Truck Accident Lawyer Do for You?

Your tow truck accident attorney will review the driving and licensing history of the driver and truck to find out which insurance policies are in effect. Your attorney also can take legal action to ensure that the tow truck and other accident evidence are preserved for your claim.

Additionally, having an attorney in your corner after a tow truck crash means having legal advice to obtain medical care and presenting the claim most favorably. Your attorney also understands how commercial insurance adjusters work and will prevent them from denying or devaluing your accident claim.

Contact a Nix Patterson Tow Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you have injuries and losses after a tow truck accident, you don’t have to go through this alone. Nix Patterson’s tow truck accident attorneys may be able to help you obtain compensation to get you on the road to recovery. Contact us today for a complimentary and confidential legal consultation about your injury case.