When you see a tow truck on the side of the road, you expect it to be assisting other vehicles that have been damaged or disabled. While this is usually the case, there are times when the tow requires assistance itself. Just like any other vehicle on the road, tow trucks can be involved in car accidents.
Car accidents often result in significant property damage and serious personal injuries, but the damages are likely to be even greater when a tow truck is involved. Tow trucks are large and heavy (especially if they have another vehicle in tow), so they create an extreme impact in an accident.
Victims of car accidents involving tow trucks in the Oakland, CA area can work with the experienced attorneys at Bowles & Verna LLP to ensure they are justly compensated for all damages stemming from their accident.
Common Causes of Tow Truck Accidents
There are many different factors that contribute to tow truck accidents. The cause of the accident is often directly related to accident liability, so it is important for our attorneys to find out exactly what led up to the accident.
Some of the most common causes of tow truck accidents include:
- Driver error: As with other car accidents, the most common cause of a tow truck accident is driver error. Driver error may include making an illegal maneuver, failing to properly calculate the distance vehicles, or speeding. Distracted driving is also classified as driver error. Examples of distracted driving include texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving.
- Mechanical malfunction: Mechanical malfunctions are another common cause of tow truck accidents. Issues with the tow arm can be particularly dangerous. For instance, if the tow arm drops onto another vehicle or if a towed vehicle is released, serious accident damages can occur.
- Improper maintenance: Every tow truck needs to be regularly inspected and maintained. If a tow truck company neglects to properly maintain a vehicle, a failing brake light or worn tire can increase the risk of an accident.
Liability for Damages
Liability in a tow truck accident is determined largely by looking at what caused the accident. If improper maintenance or driver error linked to inadequate training led to the accident, the tow truck company may be held liable for damages.
The driver may be responsible if he or she was driving recklessly or negligently.
A manufacturing company may be held accountable if one of the parts malfunctioned.
Because liability in a tow truck accident can be complex (and may be shared by more than one party), it is important to work with an experienced attorney. The attorneys at Bowles & Verna LLP will gather the evidence necessary to prove liability so that our clients can be compensated for the full extent of losses, including lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.
Learn More
If you have been injured in a car accident involving a tow truck, you may be dealing with mounting medical bills, in addition to pain and suffering. To learn more about your right to financial compensation for damages, contact us at your earliest convenience. Call (925) 935-3300 to set up a personal consultation with one of the experienced attorneys at Bowles & Verna LLP.