Tow Truck Accidents

A tow truck often comes to the rescue of disabled vehicles. What many don’t consider is that these helpful vehicles can also cause collisions.

If you’re in a tow truck accident, you may receive monetary recovery to compensate you for your related injuries and losses. A truck accident attorney can evaluate your situation to provide advice and direction and create a plan for your case.

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What is a Tow Truck?

A tow truck is a large truck primarily used to tow vehicles. When vehicles break down or a collision makes them no longer drivable, tow trucks can transport them to another location. Additionally, tow trucks often move impounded or repossessed vehicles.

The four common kinds of types of tow trucks include flatbed trucks, hook and chain trucks, wheel lift trucks, and integrated trucks.

Tow trucks are available day and night to fulfill several purposes. While they’re useful vehicles, negligent operation, and other issues can significantly increase the chances of serious accidents and injuries.

Understanding Tow Truck Accidents

While many think large commercial vehicles are the only type of trucks involved in crashes, that is not the case. Tow truck collisions can and do happen all the time.

Common Issues Resulting in Tow Truck Accidents

Tow truck driver negligence is the most common reason for these accidents. When a truck driver engages in negligent, dangerous driving behaviors, they significantly increase the chances of a collision.

These actions can include:

Speeding
Driving while drowsy
Aggressive driving
Distracted driving
Driving without regard for bad weather conditions
Violation of traffic laws
Impaired driving

Not only can negligent driving cause accidents but also the wrongful operation of tow trucks. When a driver fails to load or secure a vehicle properly, the car may come loose, resulting in an avoidable collision.

While many accidents result from a tow truck driver’s action, some causes are out of their control. Tow truck accidents regularly arise from mechanical defects and failures. Additionally, when truck drivers receive responsibilities they’re not ready for with little to no training and experience, they can unintentionally cause crashes.

After a tow truck collision, it may be challenging to pinpoint the exact cause of your accident. A lawyer can investigate your accident and determine what issue(s) led to your wreck.

Tow Truck Collisions Can Have Physical and Mental Effects

Tow trucks are large and heavy; therefore, in a collision, they’re likely to cause extensive physical harm.

Some of the injuries truck accident victims are prone to sustain include:

Get prompt medical care for your injuries, as some truck collision injuries are likely to develop into worse physical issues.

Paralysis, permanent brain damage, and amputations are just some of the life-altering consequences of these injuries.

Not only can tow truck accidents impact your physical health, but they can affect your mental health as well.

Going through a traumatic event like a truck collision and having to endure the physical pain and trouble of your recovery can hurt your mental health for some time after your collision. This can hurt other parts of your life, too.

The primary concern with tow truck accident injuries, both physical and mental, is medical care. Severe accident injuries often require extensive, long-term treatment, which can quickly become costly. Pursuing compensation after your collision can substantially help you, ensuring you have the means to get the care you need and minimizing your worry and stress.

Fault for Tow Truck Accidents

Figuring out who is at fault for your tow truck collision isn’t always straightforward. While the blame often falls on drivers, it may not be the driver’s fault entirely, if at all.

Along with the tow truck driver, the parties you can hold responsible for your collision include:

The towing company
The party responsible for truck maintenance and repairs
The truck’s manufacturer
The party in charge of loading the vehicle(s)

Determining who’s liable for your accident is one of the most critical parts of your claim. Without this information, you do not know who to pursue compensation from. Your attorney can decipher who’s to blame for your tow truck accident and do everything necessary to hold them accountable for their wrongdoing.

Asserting Your Rights Following a Tow Truck Accident

As a victim of a tow truck accident, you have certain rights. Even so, no one can assert these rights but you. Therefore, it’s vital to take action as quickly as possible after your collision to better understand your rights as a crash victim and pursue the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Discussing Your Case with a Truck Accident Lawyer

On the list of priorities after a tow truck accident, make your health and well-being first. Make talking to an attorney about your case a close second.

Discussing your accident with a lawyer can significantly clear up much of the confusion you may face after a tow truck accident. An accident attorney can answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide clear information regarding your rights and options.

If you have a viable claim for compensation, you can trust your lawyer to take on every case-related task and do what’s required to get you a beneficial case result.

Filing a Claim for Compensation

You can’t recover financially if you don’t file a claim. Filing your compensation claim is the first step on your journey toward monetary recovery.

Who you file a claim against depends on the cause of your accident and the party responsible for your collision. In many cases, you’ll file a claim to recover from the at-fault party’s insurance. However, depending on the outcome of your insurance claim and the insurance company’s willingness to settle, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Filing a lawsuit means involving the court in your case. You’re essentially telling the court what’s occurred and why you deserve the relief you seek, which should revolve around monetary compensation.

At any point during your lawsuit, you can negotiate a settlement with the other side. If your case settles, you can avoid going to trial altogether.

The path toward financial recovery can be unclear. Nevertheless, a knowledgeable accident lawyer can determine the best way to file your claim and fight aggressively for your right to compensation.

How to Protect Your Rights as a Tow Truck Accident Victim

When you hire a lawyer, they can take over your case and protect your rights and best interests at all times. However, protecting your rights starts with you. What you do right after a tow truck collision can have a strong impact on your claim and ability to pursue damages.

Right After Your Tow Truck Accident

After a tow truck accident, seeking immediate medical attention is of utmost importance. Even if injuries appear minor, underlying issues may emerge later. Prompt medical care not only ensures your well-being but also establishes a crucial record of injuries for potential legal proceedings.

Additionally, delaying treatment can exacerbate injuries and complicate insurance claims.

Visit a healthcare professional or a hospital as soon as possible. Describe the accident and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Follow their recommended course of action, which may include examinations, tests, or treatment. Keep all records related to your medical care, including bills, prescriptions, and doctor's notes.

Remember, seeking medical care promptly not only safeguards your health but also supports any potential personal injury claim you may pursue. Don't hesitate; prioritize your well-being and seek medical attention immediately after a tow truck accident.

In the Days Following Your Two Truck Collision…

Getting follow-up medical care with a qualified physician is key in the days after your tow truck accident. A healthcare provider can examine you to paint a full picture of your injuries, which can ensure you get the proper treatment. Getting the continuing care you need can help you recover better and faster.

Never speak with insurance companies that might reach out to you. Often, if an insurer learns of an accident from a policyholder, it will try to discuss what happened with victims. Never give insurers details or accept a settlement before you consult with a truck accident lawyer.

Schedule your initial meeting with an accident lawyer as quickly as possible after your collision. It may take a few days to secure a meeting, so the quicker you contact a potential attorney’s office, the better.

What Happens if I’m an Injured Towing Employee?

Sometimes, tow truck drivers themselves are the victims of truck accidents. In fact, tow truck driving is one of the deadliest jobs.

If you’re a tow truck driver impacted by a truck accident while on the job, you can file a claim under workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp is a special type of insurance that protects employees who suffer injuries while at work.

A successful workers’ comp claim can help provide much-needed compensation and benefits, especially if you suffer from a short or long-term disability. When employees pass away after a job-related accident, workers’ comp can provide monetary recovery to families of victims.

Workers’ comp protects employers from liability, so filing a personal injury lawsuit will not be an option unless a third party played a role in the accident. A personal injury attorney can review the specifics of your accident, assist with filing a strong claim, and help ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to.

Is Hiring an Accident Attorney Necessary After a Tow Truck Accident?

Tow truck collision claims are challenging to handle, especially if you don’t know how to handle collision claims. You’re likely to make mistakes, and these errors can cost you.

Hiring an attorney can help put your mind at ease. You won’t have to worry about doing anything for yourself, as your lawyer will do everything for your case. From calculating your damages and establishing liability to negotiating for a settlement and representing you in court, an attorney can do it all so you don’t have to.

How Long Do I Have to Take Action on My Tow Truck Collision Case?

After a tow truck accident, you have a limited amount of time to take action. If a lawsuit is required to pursue compensation, your state’s statute of limitations imposes a strict time restriction on filing your case in court.

Depending on your state’s laws, the statute of limitations might be anywhere from one to six years to file your claim. Failing to file your lawsuit within the prescribed time can result in your case being thrown out and losing your ability to obtain fair financial recovery for your accident injuries and losses.

Having legal representation can make certain you don’t miss your deadline. However, it’s up to you to take the first step and hire an attorney before it’s too late.

After a Tow Truck Accident, Don’t Wait to Consult with an Experienced Lawyer

Christopher D. Alas, Lawyer for Truck Accident in Miami — **Christopher D. Alas, Truck Accident Attorney**

No one understands the struggles you face after a tow truck collision than an accident attorney. Seasoned accident lawyers aim to give you the care, kindness, and support you need during a trying time while also aggressively fighting to reach the most beneficial case result.

Because time is limited, don’t hesitate to speak with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident. Getting started on your case right away can help avoid any potential issues and get you on the road to compensation quickly.