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North Carolina Tow Truck Accident Lawyer | Tatum & Atkinson

North Carolina Tow Truck Accident Lawyer

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A loaded tow truck drives down a North Carolina highway.

When a car breaks down or is damaged, tow trucks are a vital resource for drivers. Local agencies benefit from the assistance of qualified and cautious tow truck drivers who watch out for automobiles blocking lanes of traffic or parking improperly. However, these intricate and massive vehicles carry the same risk of severe injury as ordinary commercial trucks. Since they frequently transport another vehicle, tow trucks are particularly risky, and a negligent driver or a defective truck could have disastrous effects on everyone in the nearby vicinity. Here at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ we are prepared to assist you with your tow truck accident case.

Who Do I Need a Tow Truck Accident Lawyer?

Our North Carolina legal team welcomes you to call us for legal assistance if you require the services of a knowledgeable tow truck accident attorney. An experienced tow truck accident lawyer will represent you in negotiations with the insurance company, explain your legal rights, respond to your inquiries, and seek the best possible outcome for your case. In addition, at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ you owe us nothing unless we win.

Holding a Negligent Company or Driver Responsible for a Tow Truck Accident

Tow trucks are managed by private companies or by governmental organizations, which may either operate their trucks directly or hire private operators to drive their trucks.

Several factors, such as an incorrectly loaded truck, driver error, or a failure to account for potential hazards on the road, can lead to tow truck accidents. In addition, if drivers fail to exercise reasonable judgment and adhere to safety regulations, they may be held legally liable for any harm. Therefore, analyzing several variables is necessary to demonstrate negligence or carelessness in a collision involving a tow truck.

Failure to exercise reasonable care is referred to in law as negligence. A tow truck driver who fails to pay attention to the road and causes an accident may be held responsible for the injuries the accident causes. Among other behaviors, driving at an unsafe speed or while distracted can result in the driver losing control of their truck. Drivers must use extra caution on the road since tow trucks are heavier and bulkier than typical motor vehicles. The tow truck company and its owners may also be held liable for injuries sustained by a tow truck collision. Safety regulations must be followed by both the tow truck company and the driver to guarantee that towed vehicles are securely fastened to the tow truck. Regular checks should be made to ensure the cable and attachment mechanisms are properly functioning.

What to Do Following a Tow Truck Accident

There are a few things you should do right away if you were involved in a collision with a tow truck to provide us with the proof necessary to support your claim:

  1. While at the scene of the accident, take numerous pictures of the road from various perspectives. These pictures need to show both the vehicles and the road itself. Our legal team has used this kind of evidence in a number of cases. If possible, take additional photographs of the surrounding area and photographs of any physical injuries sustained.
  2. Make a call to a tow truck accident attorney right away. It is advisable not to speak with any insurance adjusters prior to consulting with an attorney, as these statements may be used later against you to diminish the value of your claim.
  3.  Seek medical attention. Many accident injury victims are unaware that some injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, may present symptoms over time rather than immediately following the accident. However, without proper evaluation from a medical professional directly following the accident, the opposing party(s) may argue that you were not injured due to a delay in treatment. Therefore, the best thing to do is to seek medical attention immediately following an accident to be appropriately diagnosed for any injuries and to preserve the integrity of your claim.

Tow Truck Accidents

A significant portion of the estimated 500,000 truck accidents that occur in the US each year involve tow trucks. Several factors may explain the high number of tow truck collisions and fatalities. The following is a partial list of some of such factors, but it is not all-inclusive.

Unreliable Vehicle Hookups

There is a chance that the towed vehicle will fall onto the road or another car and cause a collision if it is not adequately secured.

Inappropriate Speed

A vehicle’s stopping distance increases with increasing speed. A tow truck is a large, powerful vehicle. A tow truck may need to travel a long distance to stop if the weight of the car being transported is considered. The extra weight must be considered in addition to other elements, including the road’s gradient, the weather,  and other variables. Due to these factors, it is more challenging for tow trucks to slow down in time, increasing the likelihood of a rear-end collision.

Vehicle Maintenance Issues

Many tow trucks are privately owned. Most of the others are run by mom-and-pop businesses with a modest fleet of tow vehicles. These independent contractors and small businesses lack comprehensive safety protocols. They frequently do not conduct regular safety inspections and push the vehicles to their breaking point by using out-of-date parts, worn-out components, and tires with wear.

Finding Liable Parties in Tow Truck Accidents

Beyond the obvious fault of a careless tow truck driver, it’s critical to look for any corporate accountability. As a result, we carefully check to see if we have a solid case against company officers, managers, or the business body itself. Call us to discuss how we can assist you in maximizing your tow truck accident recovery and receive a free, no-obligation examination of your claim.

Types of Tow Trucks

Tow trucks come in various widely used varieties. Each carries particular risks. Depending on the tow truck involved and how the accident occurred, a varying level of industry-specific knowledge may be required to establish liability. For instance, if the tow vehicle were to become detached from the tow truck and cause an accident, specialized knowledge of the tow truck’s particular mechanism would be required. The most typical types of tow trucks are listed below:

Tow Trucks with Hooks and Chains

These tow trucks are the most commonly found. They lock in and lift the wheels of the car being towed, placing a device below it that frequently resembles a cross. Insofar as the tow truck driver is adept at safely navigating curves and lane changes with the added load, this sort of towing is less likely to cause an accident if appropriately secured. Learn more about hook and chain tow trucks.

Tow Trucks with Flatbeds

These are tow trucks that resemble larger tractor-trailers, as they both have flatbeds. A flatbed is used to transport the towed vehicle. The hauled vehicle can be secured with little difficulty and  little chance of error.

Boom Tow Truck

Compared to other types of tow trucks, boom trucks are considerably bigger and heavier. As a result, operating them securely requires more skill. Large vehicles, such as other commercial trucks, are towable and rescued using them. They have more expansive blind areas and a higher risk of accidents due to their larger size.

What Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Tow Truck Accident?

The total amount of the following damages will determine how much you are eligible for if you have sustained injuries resulting from a tow truck accident:

  • Medical expenses
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages from attending to your injuries
  • Personal belongings in your car that are damaged
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • And more

A knowledgeable attorney will assess every aspect of your case and devise strategies for compensating you for damages beyond what your medical expenses or lost wages reflect.

Injuries from Tow Truck Accidents

When a tow truck is involved in an accident, the injuries are frequently severe or catastrophic due to their massive size, weight, and the load they are carrying. These injuries may consist of:

North Carolina Tow Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been injured by a tow truck, do not hesitate to contact an experienced tow truck accident lawyer at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ by calling (800) 529-0804 or contacting us online to schedule your case evaluation today. An experienced tow truck accident attorney will represent you in negotiations with the insurance company, explain your legal rights, respond to your inquiries, and seek the best possible outcome for your case.