Tow trucks, also called wreckers, range from compact to carry small passenger cars to much heavier and equipped to tow buses and tractor-trailers. People and businesses use them for various purposes, and many travel on roadways during the day and at night.
The significant number of wreckers increases the probability of a crash occurring., When you are injured in a collision with a tow truck, a compassionate truck accident attorney could help you understand the proper steps to take in the aftermath. This is essential for collecting damages from tow truck accidents in Houston.
Dangers of Crashes with Tow Trucks
Many wreckers are much larger and heavier than other vehicles, increasing the risk of catastrophic consequences. They also travel faster than other traffic, much of the time, to reach accident scenes.
Some examples of bodily harm include crush injuries, broken bones or traumatic amputations, and neck and back injuries, including spinal cord damage. Collisions with large tow trucks traveling at high speeds commonly lead to extensive property damage.
Causes of Crashes
Examples of the common causes of tow truck crashes include the following:
- Driver error
- Inadequate driver training
- Improper securing of towed vehicles
- Defective parts and equipment failure
- Fatigued wrecker operation from long hours and overnight shifts
- Poorly maintained vehicles lead to problems like brake failure and tire blowouts
- Failure to check each of the wrecker’s blind spots before making maneuvers
- Speeding and reckless driving practices, such as weaving in and out of traffic or traveling on the median
A Houston attorney seasoned in tow truck crash claims could investigate to determine the cause and liable party.
Compensation for Damages and Losses
When negligent truck operators or issues such as defective vehicle parts harm others on the roadways, they may pursue a settlement to cover damages and losses. The court may award a settlement to cover damages, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring, disfigurement, and disabilities
- Medical care and all healthcare expenses related to the accident
- Loss of salary and benefits while the injured party is at home recovering
- The effects of trauma, such as anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorders, related to the collision
- Loss of enjoying life and participating in the same activities they did before the accident
Settlement amounts and recoverable damages can vary significantly, depending on the extent of the plaintiff’s injuries, how they will continue to affect them in the future, and other case specifics. After reviewing the case, a lawyer skilled in handling claims involving Houston tow truck collisions could answer specific questions about the process and compensation.
Driver Training and Operation Requirements
The Texas Tow Act provides three classifications of heaving commercial vehicles used for towing operations. Each classification requires the operator to obtain special licensing granting them the authority to operate the wreckers. According to information provided by the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition, drivers can select one of the three certification programs offered by The Towing and Recovery Association of America.
Drivers must successfully complete development and safety courses to be approved for licensing and permission to operate the tow trucks. Each classification also requires various safety equipment and types of commercial auto insurance to cover damages when the operator is liable. Consult a Houston attorney to learn more about tow truck wreck damages.
Schedule to Meet with a Houston Attorney About Tow Truck Collisions
Tow trucks have many purposes and travel around you on roads and highways all day and all night. Large vehicles used for towing are much larger and heavier than passenger cars and often carry another vehicle behind them.
When negligent wrecker operators or defective mechanics or equipment cause accidents, the injured parties have every right to expect the at-fault parties to pay for the monetary damages. Schedule a consultation to review your case with a hard-working lawyer experienced with claims resulting from two truck accidents in Houston.