Tow trucks play an invaluable role in clearing disabled vehicles off busy roadways. But in certain circumstances, and if the tow driver isn’t paying attention, these large vehicles can pose a threat to nearby motorists.
Collisions with tow trucks on Dallas roads can have catastrophic consequences. Victims may suffer major injuries, property destruction, lost income, and other damages.
If you are the victim of a tow truck crash, contacting a Dallas tow truck accident lawyer right away is crucial.
UNDERSTANDING TOW TRUCK ACCIDENTS
An accident with a tow truck differs significantly from a standard car collision in terms of size and power. These large, powerful vehicles typically weigh 20 times more than passenger cars and require special training to operate safely.
Some common scenarios involving tow trucks include:
- Rear-End Collisions: Towing disabled vehicles adds considerable weight, necessitating extra stopping distance. When tow truck drivers fail to leave enough stopping room, catastrophic rear-end accidents can ensue.
- Jackknife Accidents: Quick turns or sudden brake stops may lead to accidents known as “jackknife wrecks,” in which both the tow truck and the towed vehicle bend at dangerously sharp angles, potentially crossing multiple lanes at high speed and colliding with vehicles into other lanes.
- Rollovers: Tow trucks carrying substantial loads have an elevated center of gravity. This may result in sudden steering movements, high speeds, or uneven road surfaces that make control loss possible. This puts these tow trucks at greater risk of rolling over.
CAUSES AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
There are several potential causes of tow truck crashes:
- Traffic Violations and Reckless Driving: Tow truck drivers sometimes engage in dangerous behaviors like speeding, unsafe lane changes, distraction, impairment, and other violations. These errors greatly increase the risk of accidents.
- Inadequate Training of Tow Truck Operators: Operating tow equipment requires specialized abilities and training. Insufficient education of tow truck drivers can lead to mistakes when loading, securing, or maneuvering such large and heavy vehicles.
- Equipment Failures and Malfunctions: Tow trucks have many mechanical components that can break or fail without proper maintenance. Malfunctioning equipment often contributes to tow truck crashes.
CONSEQUENCES OF TOW TRUCK ACCIDENTS
Whether personal injuries or property damage, the consequences of tow truck crashes can be severe.
Due to their size and scale, tow truck accidents often lead to severe personal injuries, including head/brain trauma, spinal damage, broken bones, and organ damage—often with lifelong effects or even fatality as a result.
Aside from personal injuries, vehicles struck by tow trucks are vulnerable to being completely totaled and may experience further damage during transport. Minor incidents are simply less common when tow trucks are involved, with more at stake for all parties involved.
THE ROLE OF A DALLAS TOW TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER
If you have been injured in a tow truck crash in Dallas, consulting a Dallas tow truck accident lawyer should be your top priority. They will protect your rights while working diligently to recover any possible damages for which compensation might be available.
Tow truck accidents differ significantly from standard vehicular crashes and require specific legal knowledge to make an effective case for them. An attorney who understands their unique causes, rules, and procedures is key in building the strongest case possible. Seasoned attorneys know how to establish liability while handling complex multi-vehicle incidents.
A thorough investigation forms the backbone of any strong claim. Your truck wreck lawyer in Dallas should work swiftly to gather evidence—such as police reports, photos of damage caused to vehicles, and footage captured from traffic cameras or commercial trucks—as well as eyewitness statements to reconstruct what occurred and ascertain responsibility. Reconstructing events helps establish fault.
LEGAL PROCESS IN TOW TRUCK ACCIDENT CASES
If you or a loved one has been harmed in a tow truck accident, you have the right to hold the responsible parties accountable. Here is what to expect in the legal process.
After promptly seeking medical care, your first call should be to an experienced Dallas tow truck accident lawyer. Your lawyer can initiate claims and investigate the wreck while the details remain fresh. Evidence gathering is crucial to demonstrate how the actions or inactions of the tow truck driver, company, or even vehicle manufacturers directly caused your injuries and damages.
Armed with a strong case file, your attorney will first attempt to negotiate a fair settlement through informal talks with insurers, tow operators, and other stakeholders. However, companies often lowball victims or deny reasonable claims. If good faith negotiations fail, your lawyer will not hesitate to take the case to court by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
During litigation, both sides exchange evidence and make arguments before a judge. This process can be complex in truck accidents involving multiple defendants and intricate liability questions. A trained attorney knows how to establish negligence, manage hearings and motions effectively, and prepare witnesses before witness testimony is collected.
If a settlement cannot be reached, your case could move toward trial before a jury. Your commercial vehicle lawyer will argue the merits of your case before jurors with hard evidence and expert witness testimony as you demand full compensation under the law.
No amount can undo your pain and suffering. However, holding negligent parties accountable through legal channels allows for the recovery of damages that will pay your medical expenses, replace your vehicle, and compensate you for lost income as well as other hardships.
GETTING THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tow truck crash, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your losses and suffering. However, calculating fair damages can be tricky.
An experienced Dallas tow truck accident lawyer will assess both your tangible and intangible losses using their expertise. Compensation may be available for:
- Medical expenses from accident-related injuries, both immediate and ongoing care
- Loss of income due to missing work during recovery
- Repairs or replacement for your damaged vehicle
- Property losses like a destroyed bicycle or laptop in your car
- Pain, suffering, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life
The specific amount you receive hinges on factors like the severity of your injuries, length of treatment and recovery time, extent of property damage, and estimated impact on your finances and personal life. More serious wrecks warrant higher payouts.
Your attorney will fight for the maximum fair compensation you are entitled to under Texas law, thoroughly documenting your losses and needs. This includes negotiating persistently with insurance providers. If they attempt to deny reasonable claims or make unfairly low settlements, your lawyer can take the case to court and demand a jury determine damages.
To find out how much your case may be worth, use our easy-to-use online case calculator.
CHOOSE REYES BROWNE LAW AS YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER
If you were the victim of a tow truck crash, you want an experienced truck wreck lawyer in Dallas on your side. Tow companies and insurance agencies will try to deny or minimize your claim. An experienced lawyer has the expertise to build your case, determine liability, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
The Dallas tow truck accident lawyers at Angel Reyes & Associates have helped clients recover over $1 billion in compensation after wrecks with tow trucks and other commercial vehicles. Our team will handle the legal process from start to finish while you focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
Contact our friendly team at Angel Reyes & Associates if you need a high-caliber commercial vehicle lawyer for your tow truck case.
