Tow trucks are large vehicles that are often carrying one if not multiple vehicles. They may also be in a hurry to get to the scene of a vehicle in need. When a tow truck causes an accident, victims can suffer significant injuries and property damage.
If you were hurt in this type of accident, a White Plains tow truck accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to represent you. Our firm handles insurance claims, settlement negotiations, and personal injury lawsuits on behalf of our clients. We may be able to help you recover compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, and more.
Contact Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a free case evaluation with a member of our team. We may be able to provide you with representation on a contingency-fee-basis with no advanced payments required.
Causes of Tow Truck Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were an estimated 87,000 injury accidents in 2015 involving large trucks.
Tow truck accidents can happen when a tow truck operator is transporting another vehicle or driving unloaded. Tow truck accidents could be caused by anything from environmental factors to driver error.
If another party’s negligence caused your tow truck accident, they may be liable for your damages. Negligence may be a factor in two truck accidents involving:
Violations of Traffic Law
Even though they are professional drivers, tow truck operators may be guilty of breaking a traffic law just like any other motorist. This can include things like:
- Speeding
- Failure to yield
- Illegal turn or lane change
- Running a red light or stop sign
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
If a vehicle is not adequately maintained, the vehicle can cause an accident. The brakes could go out, causing the driver to fail to stop. This could result in a serious accident.
Unsecured Vehicle
Tow trucks carry other vehicles. If the vehicle they are carrying is not adequately secured, the vehicle could fall off the tow truck and strike another vehicle or pedestrian.
Inexperienced Driver
A tow truck is a larger vehicle than most people are used to driving. It may require a special driver’s license and training to operate this type of vehicle safely.
Intoxicated Driver
Drunk driving is never safe. If a tow truck driver is driving while intoxicated, they may be liable for any accident they cause.
Potentially Liable Parties in a Tow Truck Accident
Depending on how your tow truck accident was caused, the following parties may be liable:
- The tow truck driver
- A towing company
- A negligent mechanic
- A negligent vehicle component manufacturer
- A negligent municipality
A White Plains tow truck accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm may be able to investigate your accident and identify the liable party when we represent you.
If you believe someone else’s negligence caused your accident, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800 for a free, no-obligation consultation on your case with a member of our team.
Working with Morelli Law Firm on Your Case
When you work with a White Plains tow truck accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm, you can focus on recovering from your injuries while we handle the legal work in your case. In general, our services may include:
- Answering your questions, providing legal advice, and keeping you updated on the progress of your case
- Communicating with all parties on your behalf, including the insurance companies or their lawyers
- Identifying the liable party and collecting evidence of their liability
- Examining your damages and collecting evidence of their value
- Filing your insurance claim and/or personal injury lawsuit
- Negotiating with the responsible party’s insurance company
- Taking your case to trial if they refuse to make you a fair settlement offer
Potentially Recoverable Damages in a Tow Truck Accident
A car accident can cause serious disruptions in your life. A personal injury lawsuit may allow you to recover compensation for the various ways the accident harmed you financially, physically, and mentally.
Although the types of damages you may be able to recover depend on the details of your accident and your injuries, in general, they may include:
- Both current and future accident-related medical care
- Loss of wages for the time that you missed at work during your recovery
- Repairs to your vehicle or replacement of your vehicle
- Decreased earning capability
- Pain and suffering
The Statute of Limitations on Your Case
There is a limited time to sue for car accident injuries in New York. New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CVP) §214 imposes a general three-year statute of limitations on personal injury lawsuits. If you fail to take legal action before this deadline expires, your lawsuit may be dismissed.
When we represent you, Morelli Law Firm can help you protect your right to sue by meeting the deadlines in your case. Contact us today to learn more about what specific deadlines pertain to your case.
Call Morelli Law Firm Today
You do not need to face an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit alone. To reduce the amount of time and stress you spend on your claim, a White Plains tow truck accident lawyer from Morelli Law Firm can coordinate all aspects of your case when we represent you.
Morelli Law Firm represents clients on a contingency-fee-basis with no up-front payments required. Our clients have no obligation to pay us attorney fees unless and until they win their case and recover compensation via a settlement offer or court award.
To receive a free consultation on your case with a member of our team, call Morelli Law Firm today at (212) 751-9800.
