Omaha Tow Truck Accident Attorneys

Legal Help for Victims of Tow Truck Accidents in Omaha

Tow trucks are large, heavy vehicles that can cause severe injuries to pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorists in a collision. Often, tow trucks are hauling other vehicles. Crashes can occur due to negligent driving, improper maintenance, or faulty equipment. If you have been in an accident involving a tow truck, call an experienced Omaha tow truck accident attorney.

What Types of Accidents Can Happen With Tow Trucks?

Tow trucks pose a greater risk on the roadways than other vehicles. Accidents involving tow trucks commonly occur in the following ways:

• Towed vehicle disconnects from the tow truck: Tow trucks are mainly used to tow other vehicles. When the cables securing a car in the back of a truck break loose, the car can fall off the truck bed, hitting a pedestrian or cyclist or creating a dangerous obstacle in the road.
• Negligent tow truck driver causes a crash: Tow truck drivers make errors the same as other drivers. They may be distracted, under pressure from their employers, speeding, or making unsafe lane changes. A collision with a tow truck can do major damage to a passenger vehicle and its occupants.
• Brake lights are not visible on the tow truck: Brake lights are essential to signal drivers following a vehicle to slow down or stop. When a tow truck’s brake lights are obstructed or not functioning properly, it can lead to a rear-end collision.
• Tow truck equipment malfunctions: Tow truck companies and their drivers have a duty to ensure their trucks are safe on the roads. This requires regular inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Equipment failure on a tow truck can lead to a deadly crash.

What Are the Dangers of Tow Trucks to Pedestrians and Bicyclists?

Tow trucks can be dangerous for everyone sharing the road. An improperly secured vehicle being towed on a truck can crash into a pedestrian or cyclist on the road. Tow trucks are large vehicles that take up significant space in traffic lanes, creating added risk for cyclists. A tow truck driver executing a right turn on a green light may fail to yield the right of way, hitting a pedestrian in the crosswalk. Drivers who fail to carefully check large tow truck blind spots may fail to see and hit cyclists. When a large, heavy tow truck hits an unprotected cyclist or pedestrian, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Who Is Liable for Tow Truck Accidents?

There may be multiple potentially liable parties for a tow truck accident. If truck driver negligence caused the crash, the driver may be responsible. The tow truck company may also be liable if it hired an untrained driver, failed to perform proper vehicle maintenance, or required a driver to disobey the rules of the road. If faulty equipment caused the crash, a manufacturer may be liable.

What Types of Compensation Are Available?

If you have been injured in a tow truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. Each case is different. Damages will depend on the circumstances and the nature and severity of your injuries. Common damages in truck accident claims include past and future medical expenses, lost income, loss of future earning potential, and pain and suffering. Our experienced Omaha truck accident lawyer can assess the full extent of your losses and aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve.

At Bottlinger Law, L.L.C., we are compassionate listeners and effective litigators. Founding attorney Jason Bottlinger is a former insurance defense lawyer, which gives us insight into how the other side works. We have recovered millions in settlements and awards for our clients. Contact us at (402) 505-8234 to schedule a free consultation.