Accidents with tow trucks can easily happen, especially when the truck is towing a vehicle. A tow truck driver may have limited visibility when towing, or equipment can fail and cause a vehicle to come off the truck, for example.
Tow trucks, just like other commercial trucks, are heavy and large vehicles and can be difficult to maneuver. They need a relatively long distance to come to a stop, and might have to take wide berths when turning, especially when towing another vehicle.
Since tow trucks are such powerful, heavy, and large vehicles, any accidents can cause considerable injuries and property damage.
An accident with a tow truck can also differ from other truck accidents, especially when they happen at an accident scene, as tow trucks are considered first responders. Not moving over, or not slowing down when driving past an accident scene with a tow truck, is illegal in all 50 states according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Since the laws and regulations around accidents with tow trucks are complex, consulting with a Bartlett tow truck accident lawyer can be helpful for understanding your legal rights and options. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 to determine whether you have a case. The call is free and there is no obligation.
Tow Truck Driver Responsibility
A tow truck driver has the responsibility to drive safely, unimpaired, and with regard to road conditions as well as other road users. Unfortunately, the reality can be different. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), speeding, alcohol, and distracted driving are some of the main causes of truck accidents. The agency found that in 87% of all cases, a driver was responsible for an accident due to reasons such as falling asleep at the wheel, a medical event (for example a heart attack), inattention, or driving too fast for road conditions, among other reasons. According to the study, the other 13% of accidents were attributable to vehicle defects and environmental conditions.
Establishing Tow Truck Company Negligence
While driver distraction or fatigue can cause accidents, not all accidents happen due to a driver-related cause. Sometimes, a tow truck company may be negligent and responsible for accidents by not servicing vehicles adequately or rushing drivers. A tow truck company could be responsible due to a number of reasons such as:
Hours of driving violations. The company can alter logbooks fraudulently or encourage drivers to work overtime, potentially resulting in driver fatigue and inattention.
Vehicle service and maintenance. A tow truck company might want to maximize profits by skipping regular maintenance and vehicle checks. This can contribute to accidents due to equipment failure.
Negligent hiring. A tow truck company may neglect checking a new hire’s qualifications or background.
There can be other examples of a tow truck company’s negligence. Also, accidents can be the result of a combination of factors, for example, manufacturer’s fault and tow truck company negligence. A sub-contractor or third-party could also be responsible, such as a company contracted for servicing of the trucks and truck parts. All these variables can make it challenging to establish who is at fault and negligent in accidents with a tow truck in Bartlett.
Speaking to a Bartlett tow truck accident lawyer can be a good first step in order to find out whether you have a case and could hold a negligent driver or company accountable.
If you suffered injuries in an accident with a tow truck, we are here to help. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to find out if you have a case and could receive compensation for your injuries.
For a free legal consultation with a Tow Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Bartlett, call (800) 794-0444
Statute of Limitations in Illinois
If you are considering filing a lawsuit against a negligent tow truck driver or company, we advise you to act swiftly. Not only will it be easier for you and your lawyer to gather the necessary evidence and witnesses immediately after an accident, you will also be within the Illinois statute of limitations (735 ILCS 5/13 202) time limit for filing personal injury cases. You can generally file suit within two years from the date of the accident. Missing the deadline, however, could bar you from bringing a suit to court and recover any compensation for your injuries and property damages.
It can be helpful to speak to a Bartlett tow truck accident lawyer as soon as you can after an accident with a tow truck. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now for more information on protecting your rights and taking the next steps to build a case.
Compensation in Tow Truck Accidents
If you can prove that negligence of a tow truck company or driver led to the accident that caused your injuries or the death of your loved one, you could have legal recourse and receive compensation. The amounts and types of compensation can vary from case to case but could entail economic as well as non-economic damages.
Economic damages intend to compensate victims for any monetary losses such as medical and hospital bills, lost wages, and property damage, to name just a few. You could also receive non-economic damages. These types of damages are not easily quantifiable in dollar amounts and can include awards for physical pain and suffering, emotional anguish, loss of quality of life, and others. In some instances, you could additionally receive punitive damages, depending on whether the defendant was particularly reckless in causing your injuries.
Consulting with a Bartlett tow truck accident lawyer can help you find out about your legal options and the types of damages you could receive with a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
We can help you with all aspects of a case including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting expert witnesses if needed. Do not let valuable time pass by. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to speak to a member of our team and find out about your next best steps to possible financial recovery. Call (800) 794-0444 for a free case evaluation.
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