Tow trucks are large and heavy commercial vehicles that can cause extensive damage when involved in accidents with others. If you were recently involved in a crash with a tow truck in San Antonio, you may have the right to file a claim against one or more parties in pursuit of financial compensation. Working with the right personal injury lawyer in San Antonio can make the claims process easier and more effective.
What Should You Do After a Tow Truck Accident in San Antonio?
If you get hurt in an accident involving a tow truck in San Antonio, try to remain calm and call 911 to report the collision. Get medical care for your injuries right away. Exchange information with the tow truck driver and take photos of the crash scene before you leave. Contact your own car insurance company to report the accident. Then, consult with a truck accident lawyer in San Antonio near you for advice about your physical and financial recovery.
Top Causes of Tow Truck Accidents in Texas
Tow trucks are designed to pick up and haul other motor vehicles that have become disabled. When hauling vehicles, tow trucks can weigh 30,000 pounds or more. Tow truck drivers need considerable knowledge, skill and experience to safely drive these trucks and operate the towing equipment.
Some of the most common causes of San Antonio tow truck accidents include:
- Truck driver error
- Driving under the influenceÂ
- Distracted drivingÂ
- Drowsy drivingÂ
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Unsafe reversing
- Poor driver hiring or training practices
- Failing to properly secure a vehicle on the tow truck
- Inadequate tow truck maintenance
- Faulty or defective equipment
- Violations of state or federal trucking laws
If the tow truck driver or company he or she works for did not take the proper actions to prevent an accident, they can be held responsible for injuries suffered by motorists, their passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists or pedestrians. A successful claim could lead to financial compensation for the victim’s injuries and losses, including medical bills and property damage.
Who Is Responsible for a Tow Truck Collision?
A tow truck is a commercial vehicle that must comply with various federal rules and regulations. Tow truck drivers must take care to operate their vehicles safely and in accordance with all applicable laws to prevent collisions with other road users.
If the driver of the tow truck or anyone else involved in the operation of the truck – such as the tow company, truck owner or maintenance crew – is negligent, this could lead to a preventable accident. Negligence means the failure to act with a normal or reasonable amount of care.
Proof of negligence could give an injured victim the right to bring a claim against the at-fault party. A towing company in San Antonio can be held vicariously liable, or financially responsible, for the mistakes of an on-duty tow truck driver.
How Can an Attorney Help With a Tow Truck Accident Case in San Antonio?
In Texas, fault must be proven to qualify an individual for financial compensation in an automobile accident case. Proving a case against a tow truck driver or towing company in San Antonio requires clear and convincing evidence, such as a police report, eyewitness statements, medical records, and photos and videos, all which a car accident lawyer in San Antonio can help you with.
An experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to take over your claim, identify the cause of the tow truck accident, collect evidence and negotiate a fair settlement with an insurance provider on your behalf. A lawyer will understand the federal laws that apply to your case and how to handle various challenges, such as going up against powerful adversaries.
Having Hill Law Firm Accident & Injury Lawyers on your side during a tow truck accident case can result in the best possible case outcome without the stress. Contact us today for a free case evaluation in San Antonio.