Florida Tow Truck Accidents
Often, people don’t think about tow trucks until their car is broken or involved in an accident. During these times, tow trucks act like heroes. However, sometimes, tow trucks are the cause of accidents. Categorically, tow truck accidents fall under truck accidents. For instance, 4,862 fatal truck accidents occurred in 2018 alone. As for injury-related truck crashes, 121,000 crashes were recorded in that same year, for which a fraction can be blamed on tow trucks. So, when you are involved in a tow truck accident, who do you hold liable? Read on to find out.
Types of Tow Trucks
When on Florida highways, you will most likely see four types of tow trucks, with each tow truck serving a specific purpose. These tow trucks are:
- Rollback or Flatbed tow trucks – These are a common sight on Florida roads. A rollback or flatbed tow truck utilizes a mechanical system to angle its bed like a ramp so that the vehicle needing a tow can be maneuvered on the bed.
- Integrated or heavy–duty tow truck – As the name suggests, these are tow trucks for heavy-duty transporting. Such tow trucks are mainly for towing other trucks or buses.
- Hook and chain tow trucks – These tow trucks are not a common sight on Florida highways. Generally, hook and chain tow trucks are used for towing unsalvageable vehicles because they are known to cause additional damage to the vehicles they tow.
- Wheel-lift tow trucks – These tow trucks use a metal yoke to hook a vehicle up by the front of its rear wheels.
Common Types of Tow Truck Accident Injuries
An accident involving any of the above-discussed tow trucks can result in several injuries. Among others, tow truck accidents can result in:
- Broken bones
- Contusions
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Shoulder and neck injuries
Common Causes of Tow Truck Accidents
Tow truck accidents can happen due to various reasons. However, negligent operations are the leading cause of tow truck accidents. Indeed, things such as mechanical or equipment failure do happen, but many times, tow truck accidents occur due to:
- Driving under the influence
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Unsecured vehicle (the one being towed)
- Maintenance neglect
- Driver error
- Fatigue
Who Do You Hold Liable for a Tow Truck Accident?
There are several parties or entities that can be held liable for a tow truck accident. They include:
- The tow truck driver
- The company that owns the tow truck
- The truck loader
- The truck manufacturer
- The company responsible for the maintenance of the tow truck
Legal Help Is Available
After a tow truck accident, it can be challenging to determine who to hold accountable. Nonetheless, liable parties must take responsibility for their negligence when a tow truck results in severe injuries. Our Miami personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help you identify liable parties after a tow truck accident. We can ensure every liable party takes responsibility for their negligence and you receive the compensation you deserve. If you’ve sustained serious injuries in a tow truck accident because of another party’s negligence, don’t wait to reach out to one of our attorneys, as waiting can affect your chances of recovering compensation. Contact The Pendas Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Ocala, Tampa, Orlando, Bradenton, Daytona Beach, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale areas.
Resource:
fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2018
