Tow trucks provide a vital service to stranded Sacramento motorists. A tow truck transports disabled vehicles to repair shops due to damage from car accidents or breakdowns. But what happens when the tow truck causes a crash? Anyone injured in the collision could be entitled to compensation.
Victims often experience challenges while seeking compensation for their losses after a tow truck accident. The trucking company or its insurer will likely dispute any request for a fair settlement. If other parties share responsibility for the crash, each insurance company will try to shift more blame onto others. At Demas Law Group, our job is to ensure injured people get the money they deserve. If you’ve been hurt, call or contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Sacramento truck accident attorney.
Understanding Tow Truck Accidents
Tow trucks are heavy, large, and loaded with specialized equipment, making driving them cumbersome. Truck drivers should consider these factors and proceed with caution on the roads. If they fail in their duties and cause an accident that hurts another, truck drivers can be liable for their negligence.
Negligence is a failure to use reasonable care. Many tow truck accidents happen from negligent acts common in all types of truck accidents. Other causes are more unique to the features of the tow truck itself.
The most common causes of tow truck accidents include:
- Blind spots – All vehicles have blind spots, but the ones on trucks are much larger. If a tow truck is transporting another vehicle, these areas may be even more pronounced and limit visibility.
- Speeding – Driving too fast increases the force of impact in a collision. A tow truck accident caused by speeding will likely result in serious injuries.
- Following too closely – Tow trucks need extra time to stop due to their larger size and weight. Tailgating can lead to catastrophic crashes if operators do not account for the need for extra stopping distance.
- Improper loading – Tow trucks carry dangerous cargo. If a driver fails to hook up a vehicle properly or a cable or hook malfunctions, a car could detach from the tow truck, striking anyone in its path.
- Blocking traffic – Driving a tow truck is a dangerous profession. Drivers must pull off the road as safely as possible but may need to remain in traffic to load a disabled car. If they fail to park safely, another vehicle could strike the tow truck, its driver, or other surrounding motorists and first responders.
- Mechanical or equipment failures – Tow trucks need specialized equipment to load and haul cargo away. A victim might have a valid personal injury claim against an automaker or parts manufacturer if a defect causes the tow truck to fail. The victim could also take legal action if a trucking company or repair shop failed to maintain the tow truck.
A Sacramento truck accident lawyer will investigate the causes of the collision to ensure all responsible parties are held financially accountable for the wreck.
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Typical Tow Truck Accident Injuries
The larger the vehicle, the greater the likelihood of severe injuries. Common injuries from a tow truck accident include:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and abrasions
- Concussion and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Spine and spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
Immediate Steps After a Tow Truck Accident
It’s normal to feel shocked and disoriented in the moments after a crash. If you can, take these steps to protect your health and legal rights. You should:
- Ensure everyone’s safety – Check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 to bring police and paramedics to the crash site.
- Gather evidence – You need solid evidence for a strong truck accident claim. Take photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries. Get shots of the position of the vehicles from different angles, as well as skid marks or any broken glass on the pavement. Write down the names and contact information of witnesses. Exchange insurance information with the tow truck driver and anyone else involved in the crash.
- Report the accident – California law requires reporting accidents causing injury or death to the California Highway Patrol or Sacramento police within 24 hours. The DMV must be alerted of accidents causing injury, death, or property damage over $1,000 within 10 days. Employees driving company vehicles must report the crash to their employers within five days.
- Seek medical care – Always see a doctor after a tow truck accident, even if you feel OK. This step is crucial for your health and your personal injury claim.
- Call a tow truck accident lawyer in Sacramento – Seek legal guidance from an attorney as soon as possible. The truck company will start investigating and building a defense right away. Your attorney can begin collecting evidence while it’s fresh and handle negotiations with the insurance company.
Your well-being is the priority after a tow truck accident. An attorney will manage the legal aspects of your case while you recover from your injuries.
Navigating Insurance Claims After a Tow Truck Accident
The process of filing a personal injury claim starts by notifying the at-fault party’s insurance company of your request for compensation. The insurer then reviews your claim and decides whether to accept it, deny it, or make a counteroffer to your settlement demand.
Expect the insurance company to dispute your claim. They will look for holes in your story to weaken your claim for compensation or push the blame onto you or any other parties involved. If the insurers succeed, that means less money in your pocket. A truck accident attorney can be a valuable ally to help you recover maximum compensation.
When to Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer
Talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after a tow truck crash. California has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, but the deadlines are shorter if you have a claim against a government entity. Failure to meet these deadlines could bar you from pursuing compensation forever, so reaching out to a lawyer quickly is always in your best interest.
How Demas Law Group Can Help
Demas Law Group is a full-service personal injury law firm representing clients in Sacramento and the surrounding communities. Our trusted truck accident attorneys can manage every aspect of your injury claim so you don’t have to. We will investigate the case, file all necessary legal documents, identify liable parties, and fight for every penny you are owed.
Our legal team can get started on your case now. Call or contact us for a free consultation.
