Tow truck accidents can cause immense damage due to the size and weight of these vehicles. A collision with a tow truck could result in serious injuries to all involved parties, but the people in the smaller car are more likely to suffer the worst of the harm.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a tow truck accident, hiring a San Antonio truck accident lawyer can help you hold someone accountable.
How Do Tow Truck Accidents in San Antonio Happen?
Tow trucks are necessary for transporting broken-down vehicles that can no longer be driven to repair shops or junkyards. Each tow truck has a flatbed designed to carry other vehicles, as well as hooks, chains and wheel lifts to lift vehicles off the ground and secure them in position on the truck.
Any of the following issues could cause a tow truck accident in San Antonio:
- Truck driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving
- Speeding
- Improper brake usage
- Poor tow truck maintenance
- Improperly loaded and secured vehicles
Tow truck drivers should be trained on how to properly use all of the truck’s equipment and operate the vehicle safely. If a tow truck company does not adequately train its workers or a driver makes a careless mistake, this can compromise the safety of the vehicle and result in a traffic accident.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Tow Truck Accident in San Antonio?
Tow truck accidents can cause severe to catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the size of the trucks involved. Common injuries include bone fractures, traumatic brain injuries, spine injuries, whiplash, burn injuries, soft-tissue injuries and lacerations. Tow truck companies and their drivers have a responsibility to prevent accidents as much as possible.
A tow truck company can be held directly liable, or financially responsible, for an accident that arises as a consequence of poor company management, such as a negligent lack of truck driver training or tow truck maintenance. If the tow truck driver is at fault for causing the crash, the company can be held vicariously liable as the employer.
Steps to Take After a Tow Truck Accident
If you get involved in a tow truck accident in San Antonio, take the following actions to protect yourself:
- Pull over immediately at the scene of the crash and check for injuries.
- Notify the police about the crash and request an ambulance, if necessary.
- Get the tow truck driver’s name and insurance information.
- Write down the name of the tow truck company and the truck’s license plate numbers.
- Take photographs at the scene of the accident.
- If there are any witnesses, write down their information.
- Speak to the police about what happened and obtain your police report number.
- Contact the tow truck company to report the crash and file an insurance claim.
- Do not accept a fast settlement offer by an insurance company.
- Consult with a San Antonio personal injury attorney for assistance collecting fair compensation.
Do not admit fault for the tow truck accident. Contact a lawyer who can investigate the crash and collect evidence to support your claim as soon as possible.
The Importance of Hiring a Tow Truck Accident Lawyer in San Antonio
Accident cases involving tow trucks are complex. They often involve complications such as severe or permanent injuries, trucking safety regulations, employer liability, maintenance and part failures, and third-party liability. The most effective way to protect yourself after a tow truck accident is by hiring an attorney with experience. For a free tow truck accident case evaluation in San Antonio, contact the Law Offices of Maloney & Campolo.