Tow trucks are heavy and hard to control. A slight mistake can lead to a life-altering collision. If you were hurt in a tow truck accident, you could face long-term treatment, a disability, and the risk of losing your job. All these consequences are bases for a personal injury claim. Recovering damages in tow truck accidents in Orangeburg can be a complicated process. If you want to protect your rights, consider consulting a seasoned truck accident attorney. A legal team could help you navigate the case and achieve a fair settlement.
Common Causes of Tow Truck Accidents
Driving and maintaining a tow truck requires a specialized approach. Be it at high speeds on I-95 or while driving slowly on Lakeside Dr, the driver must exercise caution. Failing to act safely can lead to a variety of dangerous situations.
Some of the most common causes of tow truck crashes in Orangeburg are:
- Driver Fatigue: Tow truck operators often work long or irregular hours, especially during emergencies. Fatigue can slow reaction time and increase the likelihood of serious accidents.
- Improperly Secured Loads: If the towed vehicle is not properly attached, it can shift or detach while in motion. This could cause collisions and rollovers.
- Speeding: Driving above the speed limit, especially with a heavy load, reduces the driver’s ability to brake and navigate turns.
- Inadequate Driver Training: Tow truck drivers need special skills to handle such vehicles. Lack of proper training can lead to poor decision-making and loss of control.
- Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, worn tires, or malfunctioning hydraulic systems can lead to devastating accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Using mobile devices, GPS systems, or eating while driving can take the driver’s attention off the road and increase the risk of collisions.
- Reckless Driving in Poor Conditions: Bad weather and narrow roads demand extra caution. Aggressive driving in these conditions can easily cause a tow truck to skid or jackknife.
The majority of these causes are related to someone’s negligent actions. If you can prove this negligence, you can claim compensation.
Who Is Liable?
While drivers may seem like the obvious people to blame for Orangeburg tow truck accidents, they are not the only ones carrying liability. Another responsible party could be the tow truck company that did not arrange proper vehicle maintenance or hire an inexperienced driver.
Third-party traffic participants, such as a jaywalking pedestrian or a lane-spitting motorcyclist, could create a dangerous situation that leads to a crash. Meanwhile, federal or local government entities could also be responsible if they do not maintain the roads properly.
An experienced attorney could help identify all liable parties and file relevant claims against them. It may be possible to recover damages from everyone who contributed to the collision.
Discuss Your Accident With a Tow Truck With an Experienced Attorney in Orangeburg
Tow truck accidents in Orangeburg can lead to serious injuries. If you were hurt in a collision with a tow truck, you can seek compensation. The amount you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries and the skills of your attorney.
At Whetstone Perkins & Fulda, we have many years of experience helping people navigate tow truck accidents. We can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and build a strong case against the at-fault party. Contact us to schedule a free case review at any time.
