Most commonly we expect tow trucks to provide relief after an accident or when a vehicle breaks down, unfortunately these types of trucks can also the cause of an accident.
Weighing in at thousands of pounds a tow truck is just as dangerous as many heavy duty trucks.
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT), more than 48,200 truck collisions were reported in 2011 which resulted in more than 200 fatalities. Furthermore, the AZDOT notes that 132 collisions involved tow truck specifically.
There are several different types of tow trucks in the towing industry, commonly on the road drivers will see:
- Hook/Chain Chains are hooked around the vehicle frame or axle and the vehicle is drawn up by a hydraulic pulley to rest against the truck, the vehicle is towed used the other axle.
- Wheel-Lift The vehicle is pulled onto the tow in a similar fashion to that of a hook/chain tow truck, however a metal apparatus is situated under the front or rear wheels to cradle them thus preventing the bumper from getting scratched while being towed.
- Flatbed A hydraulically inclined tow truck bed along with a hydraulic pulley is used to situate the vehicle on the back of the truck.
- Integrated These lighter duty trucks are often used to repossesses vehicles or move illegally parked cars. These types of trucks integrate a wheel-lift and hydraulic pulley, and oftentimes the controls are inside the cab of the truck.
Although tow trucks are often thought to be a vehicle that provides help, one simple misstep could lead to a tow truck accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a tow truck accident, the victim may be entitled to compensation for property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
For a free, no-obligation evaluation of your accident claim, fill out the FREE CASE REVIEW form to your right its completely confidential.
Tow Truck Accident Causes
In Arizona, one of the leading causes of all accidents was failure to yield right of way which could undoubtedly occur with a tow truck. These types of trucks are often on the shoulder of the road and have to be very careful when attempting to get back into onto the main road with a vehicle in tow.
Some other common causes of tow truck accidents include:
Many tow truck services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and therefore could lead to fatigued drivers and some who may be under the influence while operating their wrecker.
Types of Tow Truck Accidents
Similar to that of a large truck, the type of accident a tow truck can be involved in is similar due to the weight and size of the truck. The different types of equipment available on a tow truck can also affect what type of accident could occur.
Some common types of tow truck accidents include:
Tow trucks can also experience an incident similar to that of a runaway trailer. If the vehicle being towed is not properly hooked up it may slide off and onto already flowing traffic. Motorists should try to allow additional room between themselves and a tow truck should the loss of cargo occur.
Contact our Phoenix Tow Truck Accident Attorneys
Tow trucks can be very hazardous to motorists sharing the road with them, if you or a loved one is seeking legal counsel after being injured in a tow truck accident our lawyers are here to help.
At Phillips Law Group we are committed to representing accident injury victims and making sure that the individuals who caused the accident be held responsible for their actions. For years, our personal injury lawyers in Phoenix have been assisting accident victims throughout Phoenix fight for the MAXIMUM amount of compensation they deserve.
We have two main offices located in Phoenix and Tucson and proudly serve the following areas:
- Chandler
- Mesa
- Lake Havasu City
- Tempe
- Flagstaff
For a free initial consultation about your accident incident, call 602-222-2222 to speak with one of our knowledgeable truck accident attorneys. Our intake staff members are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will connect you with one our lawyers who is best suited for handling your claim after a few initial questions about your case.
If you prefer to contact us online, simply fill out the FREE CASE REVIEW form at the top right hand corner of this page and your claim will be reviewed right away.
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