Tow trucks spend much of their time operating in some of the most hazardous conditions on Florida’s roads, such as when they need to load a disabled vehicle on the shoulder of a busy highway. Add in the extra weight of a vehicle being towed behind them, and the potential for a serious truck accident increases dramatically.
Florida law recognizes how dangerous roadside work can be. Per Florida Statutes § 316.126, also known as the Move Over Law, drivers are required to change lanes or slow down when approaching a tow truck that is stopped on the side of the road with its lights flashing. When motorists ignore this law, the results can be fatal for tow truck operators and bystanders alike. Learn more about how these cases work below so that you can make the most of your legal claim in the event of an accident.
What Makes Tow Truck Accidents Different From Other Crashes?
Tow truck collisions stand apart from typical motor vehicle accidents for several reasons. Learning about these differences can help you appreciate why having legal representation matters in these cases:
- Tow trucks frequently operate on highway shoulders and in active traffic lanes, putting them in close proximity to fast-moving vehicles
- The added weight of a vehicle being towed or carried can make it harder for the truck to stop, turn, or maneuver safely
- Improperly secured vehicles can detach during transport and cause secondary collisions
- Accidents involving tow trucks that are actively assisting at a crash scene can create chain-reaction pileups
- Violations of the Move Over Law by passing motorists contribute to a significant number of these incidents
Injuries from tow truck accidents tend to be more catastrophic than what you might see in a standard fender bender and may include things like severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) as well as spinal cord damage.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Tow Truck Accident in Florida?
Liability in a tow truck accident case will depend on how and why the crash occurred. Parties who may bear responsibility include:
- The tow truck driver is being negligent behind the wheel
- The towing company for failing to properly vet and train their employees
- A passing motorist who violated the Move Over Law
- A third party responsible for improperly securing the towed vehicle
- The manufacturer of a faulty tow truck part or towing apparatus
In many of these cases, more than one party shares fault. A thorough investigation is often necessary to determine every source of liability, which is one of the main reasons why working with an experienced lawyer can make a real difference in the outcome of your personal injury claim.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for Help After a Tow Truck Accident
Tow truck accident cases in Florida carry unique legal challenges that require careful attention from the very beginning. If you or a loved one were injured in one of these collisions, the best thing you can do is speak with a qualified personal injury attorney who understands how to handle them appropriately.
Call Elliott Law Firm today at (800) 300-0303 for a free consultation. We’ve won over $55 million for our deserving clients and know how these cases work as well as anyone in the state.