Tow trucks provide essential services in Alpharetta. Anyone who has been stranded or dealt with an illegally-parked vehicle knows the benefits of towing. However, tow trucks can be dangerous too.
Tow trucks are enormous, bulky vehicles. If they get into an accident, the damage can be terrible. If you or a loved one were injured in a tow truck accident in Alpharetta, we can help.
At John Foy & Associates, our lawyers have 20-plus years of experience helping accident victims. We are not afraid to fight for the compensation you deserve. Plus, you don’t have to pay anything unless we win your case.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Types of Tow Trucks
Tow trucks come in different varieties, depending on their functions. The most common types of tow trucks include:
- Hook and chain tow trucks
- Oversized tow trucks
- Flatbed tow trucks
- Integrated tow trucks
- Wheel-lift tow trucks
- Rollback tow trucks
Tow trucks first became popular during World War II, but they still have many uses. Many people call on tow trucks to get them out of unfortunate situations.
Despite the benefits, tow trucks can be hazardous during a crash. These vehicles are large, and they often have heavy cargo. When an accident happens, victims can suffer serious injuries and other damages.
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How Tow Truck Accidents Happen
If someone is negligent, a tow truck accident can happen at any time. Tow truck drivers often compete with one another, trying to get to an accident scene first. Fatigue on the job or late-night driving can also lead to careless driver actions.
Unfortunately, tow truck accidents are often catastrophic. If you were injured or a loved one was killed, you have rights. First, you’ll need to determine how the crash occurred.
Common causes of tow truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Reckless driving
- Drowsy driving
- Texting while driving
- Poorly-loaded cargo
- Parking in an unsafe area
- Speeding
- Defective truck parts
- Poor or faulty maintenance
Negligence is a lack of care towards others, and it’s key in an accident claim. If someone’s negligence leads to an accident, they are liable for the damages. Much of the time, driver negligence is what leads to an accident with a tow truck.
Some tow truck companies pressure their drivers to take as many calls as possible. This can lead to aggressive driving behaviors that cause accidents. Other times, tow truck accidents happen because of equipment failure to maintenance issues.
A poorly-loaded tow truck can also be hazardous. The cargo might shift or fall during transport, leading to a crash. Vehicles that fall off of a tow truck can strike other drivers or pedestrians or obstruct traffic.
What an Alpharetta Tow Truck Driver Can Do
A lawyer can investigate your accident to determine the cause. From there, you’ll know where to bring your legal case. Tow truck accident claims can be very complicated, so it’s best to contact a lawyer soon.
Contact a lawyer who has experience with tow truck cases in Georgia. Most law firms (like John Foy & Associates) start with a free consultation. You can get your case reviewed and learn your options.
At John Foy & Associates, we help our clients by:
- Gathering evidence from the accident
- Determining who is at fault for the accident
- Compiling proof of your damages
- Calculating all of your losses
- Building a strong claim to send the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Communicating and negotiating with the insurer
- Helping you take your case to court if it’s necessary
Working with us is risk-free. We work on contingency, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our fee is then simply taken from your settlement or court award (and you keep the rest).
Reach out to us today to discuss your case. We’ll go over your legal options and what you deserve in compensation. We can protect your rights through each step of the process.
Call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
Steps to Take After a Tow Truck Accident
It can be hard to know what to do after an accident. You might be in a lot of pain, and it might feel like you’re all alone. But thankfully, there are things you can do to protect your legal rights and start building a case.
Besides working with a lawyer, here are some important actions to help your situation:
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
- If someone needs emergency medical treatment, call an ambulance.
- If possible, move your car away from oncoming traffic.
- Call 9-1-1 to report the accident to the police.
- Take pictures of your injuries and the accident scene.
- Exchange contact information and insurance information with the tow truck driver. Get the driver’s permit information.
- Talk to any eyewitnesses. Ask for their contact information.
After you collect information, contact a lawyer. Your lawyer can investigate further and use what you’ve already collected. They will uncover any potential causes of the crash.
A lawyer can also protect your rights after the accident. The insurance company might contact you after the crash. It’s best to avoid talking to the adjuster until you have a lawyer. Your attorney can make sure nothing is used against you.
Statute of Limitations in Georgia
You have two years from an auto accident to bring an injury case, according to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33. If you miss the deadline, you probably won’t be able to recover damages. Also, some situations allow you even less time to bring legal action.
Get started on your case as soon as possible. You will need time to build your claim and negotiate for what you deserve.
Talk to an Alpharetta Tow Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Tow truck accidents are painful, complicated, and stressful for all involved. But you don’t have to handle the legal details alone. Our experienced lawyers will take care of your case while you focus on healing.
Contact us today to get a FREE, no-risk consultation. You don’t pay us unless we win you compensation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
