Tow Truck Accident Causes
Tow trucks play a vital role in helping stranded motorists and removing disabled vehicles from roadways, whether unlawfully parked, impounded, or involved in accidents. However, in a crash, tow trucks can cause severe damage due to their height, irregular shape, and size.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSA), most truck accidents occur due to driver-related reasons. Here are some of the most common causes of tow truck accidents:
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue can be a common tow truck accident cause. Long hours on the road, irregular work schedules, and the pressure to respond to calls as fast as possible can be exhausting. Fatigue affects reaction times, concentration, and decision-making skills, increasing the risk of accidents. Severely fatigued tow truck drivers may even fall asleep at the wheel, which can result in tragic consequences for them and others.
Distracted Driving
A split-second inattention can cause catastrophic tow truck accidents. The distractions behind the wheel in today’s digital age are seemingly endless. Cell phones, GPS devices, two-way radios, and listening to music can all distract a tow truck driver. Taking their attention off the road, even to eat or drink, can have severe consequences.
Improper Truck Loading and Securement
One of the leading causes of tow truck accidents is improper loading and securement. Failing to secure a towed vehicle properly can cause it to shift or become detached during transit, leading to accidents and potential injuries. Moreover, an incorrectly loaded tow truck can be tricky to maneuver in sharp bends and turns and may be prone to rollover accidents.
Reckless Driving
Tow truck operators can make more money if they work fast. They may also get pressured by their employer to reach destinations quickly. Time pressure can lead to speeding and other reckless driving behaviors, which endanger the truck driver and pose a risk to other road users.
Inadequate Truck and Equipment Maintenance
Towing companies are responsible for regularly inspecting and maintaining their vehicles and towing equipment. A tow truck can be prone to hydraulic equipment failure, engine problems, brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, and other dangerous issues. A towed car may even roll off the truck’s bed, causing a severe accident.
Adverse Road and Weather Conditions
Tow truck operators often work in challenging weather conditions. Rain, snow, ice, or fog can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Accidents can occur when drivers fail to adjust their driving techniques to accommodate poorly maintained roads or inclement weather. However, sometimes, municipalities and construction companies failing to maintain roadways adequately may also be responsible for an accident.
A tow truck crash can damage victims’ health and lives forever. Whether your accident occurred due to a driver’s inattention or a trucking company’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. It is best to seek legal advice as soon as possible and protect your rights to compensation.
Liability in Your Tow Truck Accident
Tow truck accidents can be complicated due to the likelihood of multiple at-fault parties, which can include:
- The tow truck driver
- A towing company
- The owner of the tow truck
- The truck or truck part manufacturer
- A maintenance and repair company
- Government entities maintaining roadways
Having several potential at-fault parties in your tow truck accident claim, each with its own insurance company can be challenging. On the flip side, it can allow you to pursue several avenues for compensation.
The Ammons Law Firm has handled countless truck accident claims, helping injured victims get full and fair compensation for their injuries and losses. We work with industry experts to analyze crashes comprehensively and exhaustively, determining all potentially responsible parties. Our focused attorneys can leave no stone unturned in holding those liable for your accident accountable, fighting for the maximum possible compensation.
What to Do When You’re Involved in a Tow Truck Crash
Knowing what to do after a tow truck accident can safeguard your well-being and legal rights. Here are steps to take following a tow truck accident:
- Call 911 for law enforcement and medical assistance if required
- Seek prompt medical care for any injuries
- Take photos and collect evidence at the crash scene
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact details
- Contact a tow truck accident lawyer for legal advice
Keeping your cool at the crash scene can be critical. Be careful not to say anything that could later be interpreted as admitting fault, such as “I did not see you coming.”
Contact The Ammons Law Firm for Help Today
A tow truck accident lawyer at The Ammons Law Firm can handle your legal claim from start to finish, leaving you free to heal from your injuries. We can:
- Thoroughly investigate the tow truck accident
- Identify the cause of the crash
- Determine all at-fault parties
- Gather evidence to build your claim
- Negotiate a fair settlement with the relevant insurance companies
- File a legal claim and fight your case in court
- Work for you on a contingency fee basis
Truck accidents don’t just leave victims with injuries and financial burdens; they can change entire lives. If you or a loved one experienced a severe or permanent injury in a tow truck accident, you need a skilled and dedicated attorney. We can put our experience and resources to work for you, level the playing field, and help you stand your ground against powerful insurance companies.
The time to file a compensation claim may be limited. Therefore, get started today and contact The Ammons Law Firm for a free consultation to learn about your rights and options.
Our Houston tow truck accident lawyers are here to help you. Contact us to learn how you can recover compensation after a tow truck accident.
