Hurt in Houston- Tow Truck Accidents
You think of tow trucks as saving you after an accident. However, tow trucks are responsible for more than their fair share of accidents. They often rush to the scene of an accident. They may speed, drive recklessly, or break other traffic rules. The result is that they may hit other cars, pedestrians, or cyclists.
In addition, tow trucks can cause other types of accidents. If the driver improperly secures the towed vehicle, it can break loose and damage other cars.
Tow Trucks Are Commercial Vehicles
Though their drivers may be owner-operators, tow trucks are commercial vehicles. Drivers use them to conduct business. Drivers can be self-employed or work for a company. In some areas, the government might employ or contract tow truck drivers.
Types of Tow Trucks
There are different types of tow trucks. Some are specialized, while others are general use.
Light duty trucks can haul 5 to 10 tons. They tow passenger cars, trucks, and vans.
Heavy duty trucks can tow 50 to 75 tons and haul large commercial vehicles like semis or buses.
The most common types of tow trucks are
- Wheel lift
- Hook and chain
- Flatbed
- Integrated
- Rotator
What Causes Tow Truck Accidents?
In most cases, driver error causes tow truck accidents. Drivers work long hours. They travel quickly to accident scenes. They also have to juggle lots of information. All of those factors can mean
- Aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
- Sleep driving
- Reckless driving
In addition, drivers who do not maintain their vehicles have a higher accident risk.
Types of Tow Truck Accidents
There are two main types of tow truck accidents. The first is when the tow truck is in an auto accident. In the second, the towed vehicle causes an accident.
Regular auto accidents can happen with tow trucks, including
- Sideswipe
- Head-on
- T-bone
- Rear-end
While these accidents are familiar to most drivers, they can be much more severe when a tow truck is the other vehicle. Tow trucks are heavier than passenger vehicles, which can do more damage.
The other type of accident involves a towed vehicle. If loaded improperly, towed vehicles can get loose from the tow truck. The driver is responsible for securing those vehicles.
Tow Truck Insurance
Texas recognizes that tow trucks can be hazardous. To get a tow truck permit, a driver must show insurance. The insurance varies based on the type of work the driver does. However, it is more than general liability coverage.
While smaller commercial vehicles are not as dangerous as larger ones, they have many of the same challenges for plaintiffs. So, even if a driver is in a passenger truck or car, you might need a lawyer to handle your claim.
