Los Angeles Tow
Truck Accident Lawyer

Whether you’re driving along the busy highways of Los Angeles or stopped on a residential street, a tow truck can cause severe damage to your car, lead to serious injuries, or, in some tragic cases, take lives. In this piece, Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC will explain important information about each type and cause of tow truck accident, the legal options available to victims, the possible types of financial compensation you can receive, and how a tow truck accident lawyer can fight on your behalf to obtain compensation and justice.

About Tow Trucks

Tow trucks are specialized vehicles designed to transport disabled, damaged, or illegally parked cars from one place to another. They come equipped with tools, like a hook, chain, or flatbed, to safely lift or pull vehicles that can’t be driven. Tow trucks are often called to the scene of accidents, breakdowns, or when a car needs to be moved due to parking violations. They play a big role in keeping roads clear and helping people who are stuck with a broken-down vehicle. There are different types of tow trucks, such as flatbeds and wheel-lift trucks, depending on the job. Tow truck drivers are trained to carefully handle cars to avoid further damage during the towing process.

Some of the top tow truck manufacturers include:

• Miller Industries – Known for brands like Century, Vulcan, and Chevron, Miller Industries is a leading manufacturer of towing and recovery vehicles.
• Jerr-Dan – Specializes in a wide range of towing equipment, including flatbeds, wheel-lift, and heavy-duty tow trucks.
• International Trucks – Produces heavy-duty tow trucks with powerful engines and durable designs.
• Ford – While not specifically a tow truck manufacturer, Ford’s heavy-duty trucks are often used as a base for tow truck conversions.

Types of Tow Truck Accidents

• Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of tow truck accidents. This can happen when a tow truck driver fails to stop in time and crashes into the vehicle ahead. The weight and size of the truck make rear-end collisions particularly dangerous.
• Side-impact accidents, or T-bone crashes, occur when a tow truck hits the side of another vehicle, typically at intersections. These accidents can be devastating due to the force of the impact, especially for the vehicle struck on its side.
• Rollover accidents can happen if a tow truck tips over while trying to maneuver a turn or while speeding. The high center of gravity of tow trucks makes them prone to rollovers, especially when carrying a heavy load.
• Jackknife accidents involve the tow truck folding in on itself like a pocketknife, which can happen when a driver brakes suddenly. These accidents are dangerous because the tow truck can take up multiple lanes and collide with other vehicles.
• Underride accidents are particularly tragic. In these cases, a smaller car may slide underneath the rear or side of a tow truck, especially if the truck stops suddenly or doesn’t have proper safety bars installed.

Causes of Tow Truck Crashes

• Driver fatigue is a common cause of tow truck accidents. Tow truck drivers often work long hours, and the fatigue that comes with extended shifts can impair their ability to react quickly and safely to road conditions.
• Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio, is another frequent cause of accidents. A tow truck driver not paying full attention to the road can quickly cause a devastating crash.
• Poor truck maintenance can lead to accidents. When companies fail to properly maintain their tow trucks, faulty brakes, worn tires, or steering issues can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
• Inadequate training is a major issue, too. Some tow truck drivers may not receive the necessary training to operate such a large vehicle safely, especially under stressful conditions or in busy traffic, which can lead to accidents.
• Overloaded trucks can cause accidents too. Tow trucks often haul heavy loads, and when they exceed weight limits, it can make it harder to stop, cause brake failure, or lead to rollovers.

Accident Hotspots in Los Angeles California

Tow truck accidents can happen anywhere in Los Angeles, but certain areas are more prone to these types of accidents. Busy highways like the 405, 10, and 101 are hotspots for collisions due to the heavy traffic and high speeds. Tow trucks are often dispatched to these areas to assist with other accidents, but their presence can sometimes lead to additional accidents.

Intersections in densely populated areas like Downtown LA, Hollywood, and the Westside are also common places for tow truck accidents. The heavy congestion and frequent stops can create dangerous conditions for both tow truck drivers and other motorists.

Parking lots or on-street parking zones, especially near popular areas like shopping centers or stadiums, are another location where accidents can happen. Tow trucks removing illegally parked vehicles can create hazards when they enter or leave these areas.

Identifying Liable Parties

Several parties could be liable in a tow truck accident. The driver of the tow truck may be responsible if they were negligent, such as driving while distracted or fatigued. If the driver was working for a towing company, the company could also be held liable for improper hiring practices, lack of training, or poor truck maintenance.

The truck manufacturer might be liable if a defect in the truck contributed to the accident. If the accident was caused by faulty brakes or other mechanical failures, the company that manufactured the truck or its parts could be held accountable.

In California, “vicarious liability” means that the towing company could be liable for the actions of its employees if the driver was acting within the scope of their employment.

Filing a Tow Truck Injury Case

Filing an insurance claim after a tow truck accident can feel overwhelming, but it’s a necessary step to recovering damages. You’ll need to file a claim with the tow truck company’s insurance provider, but these companies often try to minimize payouts. It’s important to provide thorough documentation, including medical records, police reports, and any other evidence you have that shows the extent of your damages.

If the insurance company denies your claim or offers an inadequate settlement, you may need to file a lawsuit. You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim in California.

The types of damages you can recover in a tow truck accident case typically include medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. In cases where the accident caused severe emotional distress, you may also be entitled to compensation for that as well.

If the tow truck accident results in a wrongful death, the family of the victim can file a lawsuit to recover damages. These damages can include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of future earnings.

Tow Truck Injury Attorney’s Role

An experienced tow truck injury lawyer can make all the difference in your case. They know how to investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify who is truly responsible for your injuries. Whether it’s negotiating with the insurance company or representing you in court, your lawyer’s goal is to get you the compensation you deserve. Tow truck companies and their insurers have teams of attorneys working to minimize payouts. You need someone on your side who understands the legal process and can push back against unfair settlements.

Contact The Los Angeles Tow Truck Accident Attorney Samer Habbas

If you’ve been involved in a tow truck accident, the road to recovery can be long and difficult, but Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC is here to help. Our attorneys understand the challenges you’re facing and are prepared to fight for you. You don’t have to deal with insurance companies or worry about legal procedures on your own. Let us handle that while you focus on healing. Contact Law Offices of Samer Habbas & Associates, PC by calling 949-727-9300 or contacting us online for a free consultation with a truck accident attorney. You’ll learn about your rights, your options, and what steps to take next to protect your case.

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