An accident with a tow truck in Valdosta can mean horrific injuries, costly medical bills, and trauma. If you suffered injuries, you have rights.
Our Valdosta tow truck accident lawyers are here to help. At John Foy & Associates, we help accident victims recover money for what they’ve lost. If you didn’t cause your accident, you shouldn’t have to pay for the damages. For a free consultation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Determining the Cause of Your Accident Is Necessary to Prove Fault
Tow truck-related accidents are often severe. It can be challenging to sort out the details in the aftermath, but it’s essential to gather information. If you’re to seek compensation for your damages, you’ll need to know who’s at fault.
Our lawyers can work backward to determine the cause of your crash. While every case is different, here are some common causes.
Driver Negligence
People need tow trucks at all times of the day and night. As a result, drivers work odd hours. Tow truck services are available 24/7, so drivers are often on-call and working around the clock.
Overworking can easily lead to mistakes on the road. Accidents can happen because of:
- Driver fatigue
- Texting or talking on the phone while driving
- Speeding
- Ignoring traffic signals
- Poorly-loaded vehicles
Drivers must coordinate locations with customers as they tow vehicles. This can lead to a lot of time on the phone while driving on busy roads. The risk of an accident goes up tremendously when a driver is distracted.
Tow truck drivers might also compete to arrive at a site first. A driver could speed to complete jobs faster, leading to speeding-related crashes.
The Tow Company
Towing companies typically care most about profits. They might pressure drivers to perform services quickly and haul a large number of vehicles. Companies might also cut corners to complete more jobs each day.
If the driver is an employee, the company is probably responsible. Employers are generally at fault for accidents that happen on the job. You would probably have a case against the company.
Some drivers work as independent contractors. If that’s the case with your accident, the tow truck driver could be personally liable.
Truck Mechanics
Tow trucks need regular maintenance. They routinely carry large, heavy vehicles throughout the city and state. If something breaks down or doesn’t work, it can cause a terrible accident.
Mechanics that work on tow trucks should perform the correct maintenance. If there are errors, an accident might happen.
Manufacturing Companies
Some crashes occur because of defective truck parts. For example, a truck might not latch properly when towing another vehicle. If that vehicle falls off, the damages can be catastrophic.
If a defect caused your accident, the manufacturer of the part might be at fault.
Other Drivers on the Road
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), tow truck operators typically need special training. Drivers must get a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate large trucks.
Other drivers on the road will have less training. In some cases, a third-party driver is at fault for a crash with a tow truck. If you were injured in this type of accident, you still have rights.
You might have a personal injury claim against the other driver.
It’s not always obvious where you should bring a legal case. Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates can help you with the next steps. To discuss your case during a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
How to Make the Negligent Party Pay for Your Damages
In Georgia, you can bring a legal case against someone who caused you harm. Even if someone didn’t mean to cause your accident, they can still be held liable.
As an accident victim, you must prove what happened. You’ll also need to show that you suffered losses from the crash.
There are three parts of a personal injury claim:
- A person or party owed you a duty of care.
- The at-fault party breached their duty of care.
- The negligence led to your accident and injuries.
- You suffered damages because of the accident.
Everyone in Valdosta has a duty of care to others. Drivers must be cautious to avoid causing harm. If someone is careless, it means they’ve breached their duty.
A breached duty means negligence (also known as carelessness). When negligence causes an accident, the negligent party must pay. As the injured party, you have a right to seek compensation.
Damages to Include in Your Settlement Claim
Any losses you have from the accident are your “damages.” Personal injury damages should directly result from your accident injuries.
You’ll need to outline all damages when you file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Here are some common ones.
Medical Costs
Tow truck accidents are often serious. That means painful and costly injuries. Thankfully, you can include your total treatment costs in your claim.
Medical expenses may include:
- Doctor bills
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Future medical care
It’s best to see a doctor immediately after your accident. You’ll want to know the full extent of your injuries and the treatment you’ll need.
Lost Wages
You can claim any time you’ve had to miss work because of your injuries. This includes income you would have earned if you hadn’t suffered injuries.
Vehicle Repairs
Tow truck accidents often lead to totaled vehicles. Thankfully, you can claim your repair or replacement costs, as well.
Non-Economic Damages
The above damages have set dollar amounts. You can prove them through bills and receipts. However, some losses do not have a monetary value. Examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Anxiety or depression
- Mental anguish
Our lawyers can determine your pain and suffering damages. We know how to calculate a dollar amount for your claim.
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Distance is no obstacle. We work with clients across the country and make sure every one of them feels taken care of, no matter how far the call travels.
Contact Our Valdosta Tow Truck Accident Lawyers for Help Now
You might have severe injuries and costs after a tow truck accident. Don’t get stuck paying for a crash you didn’t cause. John Foy & Associates can help. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win cases.
To get started with a free consultation, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today. We are available 24/7.
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