Tow Truck Accidents

Tow trucks are usually called to a location to aid someone who has been involved in a collision or is otherwise dealing with a broken-down vehicle. Although these trucks are usually there to offer assistance, sometimes they can be the cause of accidents or injuries. Given its unique nature, a tow truck can be especially dangerous and cause a great deal of harm if it is not operated properly. The Miami tow truck accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon offer dedicated legal representation for victims throughout South Florida who have been injured by a careless tow truck driver.

Tow trucks must navigate highways and streets to arrive at the scene of a broken-down vehicle, and they also may need to maneuver in tight spaces or at awkward angles. In addition, the process of towing a vehicle comes with its own set of dangers. Making sure that drivers who are entrusted with these massive and complicated vehicles are properly trained and supervised is essential to ensuring the safety of those who rely on them, as well as others on the road.

A tow truck also has unique components that allow it to perform its function of towing. If, for instance, the cable that attaches a vehicle to the truck malfunctions or is improperly handled, the vehicle being transported can come loose, causing a serious accident. Another risk may arise if a driver fails to properly connect the transported vehicle’s brake lights to the tow truck’s braking system, leaving others on the road susceptible to sudden stops without warning. If you have been injured in an accident involving a tow truck, the driver’s employer, insurance companies, and other parties may be extensively involved. Knowing your rights and enlisting a dedicated legal advocate may be vital to aggressively pursuing your claim.

Injuries sustained in a tow truck accident can change a victim’s life forever. Making sure that those who have contributed to causing the injuries are held financially and legally responsible can help ease the resulting burdens. A victim may pursue a personal injury claim to seek damages for medical costs, income loss, and lost earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering. To receive compensation, a plaintiff must show that the defendant was negligent in that they breached a duty of reasonable care that was owed to the victim. Since all motorists owe others a duty to act as a reasonable and prudent person would act in similar circumstances, a breach may take the form of various actions or inactions. For instance, a tow truck driver’s failure to comply with proper procedures in operating the truck or making required inspections could be evidence of a breach. A plaintiff must also show that the breach proximately caused his or her injuries and resulted in reasonably quantifiable damages.

A driver’s employer may be vicariously liable for an employee’s negligence if that employee was acting within the scope of employment at the time of the careless conduct. Thus, a tow truck driver performing towing duties on behalf of his or her company is within the scope of employment if an injury occurs at that time.

The aftermath of a truck accident can be an overwhelming time, filled with doctor’s visits, possible adjustments at work, and other logistics to address. Enlisting a seasoned motor vehicle collision attorney can ease part of that burden. If you have been injured or lost a loved one, the Miami tow truck accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Robert Dixon can assist you with pursuing a legal claim. Call 877.499.4878 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation regarding your case. We also represent people in Miami, West Palm Beach, and other cities in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties.