Any driver has the potential to cause or experience an accident as a result of negligent operation. Negligence refers to a legal term that means failure to use reasonable care. Illinois law allows victims of accidents to hold the responsible parties accountable for damage caused by bringing a personal injury claim against them.
If you suffer from serious injuries as a result of a tow truck accident caused by someone else, filing a lawsuit may provide an option for you to recover fair compensation to cover the costs of your losses and for future medical expenses resulting from the collision. You may even qualify for other types of compensation.
A Joliet tow truck accident lawyer may advise you on appropriate legal action. If you would like a free case evaluation, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444.
Laws Regulating Tow Trucks
Tow trucks provide a valuable service transporting stranded vehicles to safe locations. They classify as first responders at accident scenes and broken-down vehicle calls, and they must follow Illinois’ overweight truck laws. Drivers must know the weight of their truck and the load of the disabled towed vehicle. The overall combined weight must satisfy the limits established by Statute 625 ILCS 5/15-112.
Other factors add risk to safely operating a tow truck, such as how drivers load and secure disabled vehicles and how different sized vehicles can affect the driver’s blind spots. Specialized training and the appropriate licenses must also come before operating this type of vehicle.
Due to the mass of tow trucks, injuries from tow truck collisions may prove much more severe than those from collisions with smaller vehicles. Some accidents can lead to life-long health problems and reduced confidence about financial security.
Why Tow Truck Accidents May Prove More Deadly
Tow trucks can help clear accident scenes quickly, but negligence on the part of the truck operator can lead to complicated injuries. Examples of driver negligence can include distracted driving, tiredness, reckless driving, or even driving under the influence. Other factors may equally contribute to a tow truck accident, including:
Inexperienced Drivers
Most states require people to pass a series of tests and licensing programs before they can drive and operate a tow truck. They must have a clean driving record and be able to pass a physical ability test, a vision test, and a drug test. Employers should also run a criminal background check.
Regardless, drivers in the hauling industry may fail to adhere to the federal regulations governing hours of service, rest periods, size and weight limits, and safety standards. When companies employ drivers without proper training, the results can prove devastating.
A Joliet tow truck accident lawyer may help you to check the credentials, license, qualifications, and background of the driver responsible for your accident.
Mechanical Failure & Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Even a minor mechanical failure can increase the risk of a serious accident, posing a significant hazard to everyone sharing the road with a tow truck. Some mechanical tow truck issues attributed to poor vehicle maintenance may result in:
- Brake failure
- Tire blowouts
- Impaired driver vision due to blunt windshield wipers
- Hazardous driving as a result of faulty headlights or tail lights
- Engine or transmission problems
- Faulty loading mechanisms
Establishing negligence can prove challenging, especially when attempting to obtain evidence from the tow truck company, for example. They will act on advice from their legal team and serve their specific interests rather than yours. Seeking help from a Joliet tow truck accident lawyer may ensure your rights in the legal process.
The legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm handles tow truck accident cases and offers a free case evaluation to prospective clients. Reach out today.
For a free legal consultation with a Tow Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Joliet, call (800) 794-0444
Other Parties Responsible for Your Accident
If you are injured in a tow truck accident, you may have a claim against the driver, but in order to bring a claim, you will need to prove who the responsible party is. If a defective tow truck part causes the collision, for example, its manufacturer may also be liable. Other involved parties could be the towing companies that have failed to check the background of the driver or have failed to maintain the vehicle properly in the first place.
In the event of an accident, it may be necessary to conduct a thorough investigation to help you prove who the negligent parties are. A Joliet tow truck accident lawyer can be a valuable ally in helping you discover what went wrong and get answers for you.
Joliet Tow Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Use Caution When Responding to Insurance Adjusters
As soon as you can, contact your insurance company and inform them you have been involved in an accident with a tow truck. It is essential to use caution and simply provide details of the accident, avoiding any discussion about the cause.
If you have any concerns about what to say to an insurance company, consulting with a tow truck accident lawyer to negotiate with adjusters on your behalf may help represent your interests and protect your rights.
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Pintas & Mullins Law Firm May Help You Achieve a Fair Settlement
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, our legal team wants to advocate for victims of tow truck accidents by helping them with insurance claims or lawsuits. We may help you to recover compensation for your losses, including hospital bills, lost wages, and potential future earnings if you remain disabled following an accident.
You should act quickly to secure legal advice as the Illinois statute of limitations can impact your right to a claim. We want you to have the opportunity to protect your rights, and we may fight for a fair settlement for you. Call us at (800) 794-0444 and review your case with our team.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form