Tow Truck Car Accidents
We rarely think about tow trucks as source of harm. We call them to help us out when we’re stuck on the side of the road or our cars won’t start. Yet like other vehicles out there, accidents can happen. That’s where the Brooklyn, NY attorneys of Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C. can help.
Our law firm would like to cover some of the basics on auto accidents caused by tow trucks. We’ll examine the basic dangers of these crashes and who should be held liable for a collision if one occurs.
Crashes with Tow Trucks
Collisions with tow trucks can happen for a variety of reasons, including the common causes of regular vehicle crashes. This may include any of the following:
- Speeding
- Running red lights
- Reckless driving
- Cellphone use behind the wheel
- Driver distraction
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Vehicle maintenance problems
- Tire failure
- Poor weather
- Bad road conditions
Issues with Obscured Brake Lights
When a tow truck has a vehicle being pulled behind it, the brake lights may be difficult to see. In some cases, the brake lights may be totally obscured. If you are unable to see the brake lights or tail lights on a vehicle, you may not know when to slow down or if the vehicle is making a turn. This can lead to rear end crashes as well as sideswipe collisions.
Towed Cars Coming Loose from the Truck
Towed vehicles coming loose is one of the biggest dangers to consider when it comes to tow truck accidents. The vehicle becomes a major obstacle in the road, endangering motorists directly behind the tow truck. In addition, cars may swerve out of the way to avoid the vehicle that’s come loose, resulting in collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Cars Falling off the Flatbed of a Tow Truck
Some tow trucks don’t drag the vehicle behind it. These tow trucks have a flatbed on which the vehicle is secured. If the car being towed isn’t properly in place, it could fall off the flatbed, resulting in a hazard on the road and the same kinds of dangers for motorists near the tow truck.
Dangers from the Truck’s Tow Hook
Even when no vehicle is being towed, the truck’s tow hook could pose a danger. The tow hook may hand loose or lower than it should. This could lead to damaged hoods or even windshields for vehicles behind the truck. Worse, the tow hook may drop to the ground, causing various hazards to vehicles behind and to the sides of the tow truck.
Who Is Legally Liable in an Accident?
In tow truck accidents, liability can vary based on the incident. The driver of the tow truck may be liable for injuries and vehicle damage if their negligence was what caused an accident to occur. If the tow truck driver is employed by a larger company, the company could be held liable for poor maintenance of its towing vehicle or hiring a driver who is unfit to operate a tow truck.
Our team of lawyers can consider the evidence in your case and provide expert representation. We will help you seek damages following a tow truck collision.
Contact Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C.
For more information about your legal rights and options following a tow truck accident, it’s important that you contact out team of auto accident lawyers. The attorneys of Gary A. Zucker & Associates, P.C. are here to help you in your time of legal need. You can reach our office by phone at (718) 624-1211.