Tow trucks are often seen as roadside saviors of stranded drivers after breakdowns or devastating accidents. But what happens when a vehicle meant to help causes more harm?
Tow truck accidents are more common than many people realize, and when these heavy-duty vehicles are involved in collisions, the consequences can be severe. Victims may be left dealing with physical injuries, damaged vehicles, and unanswered questions about who’s responsible. If you were injured due to a negligent tow truck driver in Cleveland, let us help you file a car accident claim today.
Common Causes of Tow Truck Accidents
Tow trucks are large, powerful vehicles often operated in high-pressure, chaotic environments. From busy highways to dark rural roads, these vehicles must be driven quickly and often under dangerous conditions.
When a tow truck is enroute to support you or another distressed motorist during a difficult time, one careless decision by its driver can dramatically increase the danger.
- Negligent driving is one of the most common causes of tow truck accidents. Tow truck operators may be in a rush to reach the next call, leading to dangerous maneuvers like speeding or abrupt lane changes.
- Fatigue is another contributing factor to tow truck accidents. Many drivers work long hours, which makes it difficult for them to handle changing road conditions.
- Improperly secured loads are also a major risk. A car improperly or insecurely connected to a flatbed or hook-and-chain tow truck can become loose, creating a serious hazard for other motorists.
Routine maintenance is critical for preventing tow truck accidents. For example, mechanical issues such as brake failure or malfunctioning lights may go unnoticed if the vehicle isn’t properly maintained.
Your Right to Pursue Legal Action After a Tow Truck Accident
Ohio is an at-fault state, which means the driver or company responsible for causing an accident is legally liable for the resulting damages. If a tow truck driver was negligent, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to recover your losses.
This includes the full value of your losses, such as your medical bills and pain and suffering. Other factors that may be considered include lost wages and future medical expenses resulting from the injury.
To succeed in a negligence claim, you must show that the tow truck driver or their employer failed to act with reasonable care and that their actions directly caused your injuries. Evidence such as photographs, witness statements, dashcam footage, and police reports can play an important role in proving fault.
Because commercial towing companies operate many tow trucks, these cases may involve larger insurance policies and additional legal considerations. The towing company, its insurer, or even a third-party dispatcher may share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the accident. That is why it’s important to seek legal guidance early.
If you were hurt in a collision with a tow truck through no fault of your own, you shouldn’t be financially responsible for someone else’s negligence. Pursuing a civil suit may be your path to fair compensation and a stronger recovery.
Who Is at Fault?
Determining fault in a tow truck accident can be complicated, especially if the crash occurred in the aftermath of another collision. In Ohio, liability is based on negligence, and multiple parties can be held responsible if their actions contributed to your injuries.
If you were already involved in an accident and a responding tow truck subsequently collided with your vehicle, you may have claims against more than one party. You could pursue compensation from the driver or party who caused the initial crash, as well as the tow truck operator or towing company, if their actions made matters worse.
For example, a tow truck driver who exceeded the speed limit, failed to secure the accident scene, or operated their vehicle carelessly could be liable for additional injuries or property damage.
In some cases, towing companies may also be at fault for failing to properly train their drivers or maintain safe equipment. If defective parts or mechanical failure played a role, a third-party repair shop or manufacturer could be part of the claim as well.
Holding all responsible parties accountable is essential to securing full compensation for your losses. A thorough investigation can help identify every source of liability and ensure no negligent actor escapes responsibility.
Talk to Nurenberg Paris After a Tow Truck Accident
If you have been injured in an accident by a tow truck driver, you have legal options in front of you. This is true whether you were struck while driving or if the tow truck caused further damage after responding to your accident. In either of these scenarios, a car accident lawyer from our firm is here to help.
At Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy, we can serve as your advocates during this challenging time. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
