Having your vehicle towed is stressful enough, but the situation becomes far more serious when a towing-related accident results in personal injury. Negligent towing practices can lead to severe injuries for drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. Understanding your legal rights and options is essential if you or a loved one is hurt due to a towing accident in Monmouth County.
How Towing Can Lead to Car Accident Injuries
Towing accidents can happen in various ways, often creating dangerous situations on the road:
- Collisions Caused by Tow Trucks: Tow truck drivers may be speeding, distracted, or improperly handling their vehicles, leading to collisions with other cars or pedestrians.
- Vehicle Detachment or Shifting: A car that is not securely fastened to a tow truck can shift, detach, or fall, potentially striking the driver, passengers, or other vehicles.
- Roadside Accidents: Tow trucks often operate in congested areas, such as highways or busy streets, increasing the risk of multi-vehicle collisions.
- Chain-Reaction Accidents: A poorly secured vehicle can slide or sway, causing nearby drivers to swerve or crash, resulting in injuries.
Common Injuries From Towing-Related Car Accidents
Car accidents during towing can cause a range of injuries, including:
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Sudden stops or collisions can strain muscles and ligaments in the neck.
- Back and Spinal Injuries: Slips, falls, or crashes may result in herniated discs or spinal cord damage.
- Broken Bones and Fractures: Collisions or falling vehicles can break arms, legs, ribs, or other bones.
- Head Injuries: Concussions or traumatic brain injuries may occur from impact during a towing-related accident.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Bruises, sprains, and strains are common even in lower-impact accidents.
Some injuries may not appear immediately, so it is critical to seek prompt medical evaluation after any accident involving a towed vehicle.
Who May Be Liable for Injuries
Liability depends on who acted negligently:
- Tow Truck Company or Driver: Failure to follow safety procedures, improper securing of vehicles, speeding, or distracted driving can make the towing company liable.
- Other Drivers: If another motorist causes the accident while the vehicle is being towed, they may share responsibility.
- Vehicle Owner: If a vehicle was improperly prepared for towing, shared liability may exist in some cases.
Steps to Protect Your Rights After an Injury
- Seek Immediate Medical Care: Document all injuries and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
- Document the Accident: Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and tow equipment. Collect witness contact information.
- Report the Incident: Notify law enforcement and the towing company of the accident and your injuries.
- Consult an Experienced Attorney: A skilled car accident lawyer can help investigate the accident, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How Our Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. Can Help
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a towing-related car accident, the Monmouth County car accident lawyers at Lombardi & Lombardi, P.A. can help. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling personal injury claims involving negligent towing, insurance disputes, and vehicle accident liability. We are located in Brick, Freehold, Edison, and Toms River, NJ. Call us today at 732-906-1500 or fill out our online form for a free consultation.
