Tow trucks play a vital role on Texas roadways, helping clear crashes, remove disabled vehicles, and support emergency responders. But when a tow truck operator behaves negligently or companies fail to follow safety regulations, these massive vehicles can cause catastrophic accidents. Victims are often left with serious injuries, rising medical bills, and confusion about who is responsible.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a tow truck accident, understanding how these claims work can be critical to your recovery.
Common Causes of Tow Truck Accidents
Tow trucks carry heavy loads, use complex equipment, and often operate in high-stress environments. When something goes wrong, the results can be severe.
Frequent causes of tow truck collisions include:
- Improperly secured vehicles or cargo
- Driver fatigue from long shifts or on-call schedules
- Negligent reversing or loading practices
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving, including dispatch systems or phones
- Faulty or poorly maintained equipment
- Failure to use warning lights or safety signals
- Unsafe roadside procedures
Tow truck drivers must follow state and federal safety regulations, and violations of these rules can significantly strengthen your claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Tow Truck Accident?
One of the biggest challenges in a tow truck accident case is identifying the responsible party. Depending on the circumstances, multiple entities may share liability.
Potential at-fault parties include:
- The tow truck driver
- The towing company
- A contracted roadside assistance provider
- A repair or maintenance company
- The manufacturer of defective equipment
- Other negligent drivers
An investigation is often necessary to determine what happened, who caused the accident, and which insurance policies apply.
Types of Tow Trucks Commonly Involved in Accidents
Different trucks carry different risks. Accidents can involve:
- Flatbed tow trucks
- Hook-and-chain trucks
- Wheel-lift trucks
- Integrated tow trucks for heavy-duty towing
These vehicles may be transporting damaged cars, commercial vehicles, or heavy machinery — any of which can become dangerous if not secured correctly.
Steps to Take After a Tow Truck Accident
After any commercial vehicle accident, quick action helps protect your health and your legal rights.
- Call 911 and ensure a police report is created
- Document the scene with photos and videos
- Get witness names and statements if possible
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Do not speak to towing company insurance reps
- Save all bills, receipts, and accident-related documents
- Call an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible
Tow truck companies move quickly to protect themselves. An attorney can help preserve evidence before it’s lost.
Compensation Available to Tow Truck Accident Victims
Depending on your injuries and the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and long-term care
- Property damage
- Wrongful death damages, when applicable
These cases frequently involve significant damages because of the size and weight of tow trucks and the equipment they carry.
Why Choose Grimes & Fertitta After a Tow Truck Accident?
At Grimes & Fertitta, our attorneys have decades of experience handling commercial vehicle and truck accident cases across Texas. We’ve taken on major insurers, towing companies, commercial carriers, and negligent operators — and we know what it takes to win.
When you hire us, you get:
- Direct access to your attorney, not just a case manager
- Thorough investigation and evidence preservation
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
- Experienced trial lawyers prepared to fight in court
- Compassionate support throughout your recovery
Our goal is to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Injured in a Tow Truck Accident? Contact Grimes & Fertitta Today.
If you’ve been hurt in a tow truck accident anywhere in Texas, you don’t have to fight alone. Our attorneys are ready to stand up for your rights and help you pursue full compensation.
Call Grimes & Fertitta today for a free consultation.
