Tow trucks perform a vital service by clearing the roads of disabled or damaged vehicles. But because these powerful trucks also lift and haul other vehicles, they are also a safety hazard on Georgia roadways. The occupants of standard cars, trucks, and motorcycles are no match for a heavy tow truck. Neither are bicyclists or pedestrians.
If you suffered injuries in a collision with a tow truck in Savannah, you could be entitled to compensation. Don’t trust your case to just any lawyer. Tow truck accident claims require experience and extensive resources to be successful. Let a skilled Savannah tow truck accident lawyer at Spiva Law Group help you seek the justice and accountability you deserve. Contact us by phone or online for a free consultation.
Why Do Tow Truck Accidents Occur in Savannah, GA?
Tow trucks serve a specific purpose: to move vehicles that have broken down or been impounded to another location. Tow trucks are an essential part of a city’s infrastructure but become deadly when handled negligently.
Leading causes of tow truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Drunk or intoxicated driving
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Driver fatigue
- Driver inexperience
- Insufficient training
- Unsecured cargo
- Part defects
Some form of negligence causes most tow truck accidents. However, the tow truck driver isn’t always the only party to blame, even if they were behind the wheel at the time of the crash. Here are the OSHA tow truck accident statistics. Contact our Savannah tow truck accident lawyer today.
Common Types of Tow Truck Crashes
Some of the most common types of tow truck crashes include:
- Sideswipe accidents: Sideswipes happen when two vehicles collide on the side when traveling in the same direction.
- Rear-end accidents: A rear-end collision occurs when one vehicle crashes into another from behind. Tailgating is one of the most common causes of rear-end collisions.
- Blind-spot accidents: Tow trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. A driver who fails to check these areas before changing lanes, pulling into traffic, or backing up could cause a blind-spot crash.
- Head-on collisions: Also called a frontal crash, a head-on collision happens when the front ends of two vehicles collide. The force of impact in a head-on crash almost guarantees that someone will be severely injured or killed. If a truck driver veered or turned into oncoming traffic and hit you head-on, you may be entitled to significant compensation.
The financial and personal costs associated with large truck accidents are often enormous. A successful legal claim can help accident victims recoup those losses and prepare for the future. Find out your legal rights to compensation after a Savannah tow truck accident by talking to a skilled tow truck accident attorney.
Who Is Liable in a Savannah Tow Truck Accident?
One of the primary reasons tow truck accidents are complicated is because multiple parties often contribute to commercial vehicle accidents. It’s wise to hire a knowledgeable truck accident attorney with the resources to gather evidence and identify all possible sources of compensation for you.
Potential defendants in a tow truck accident lawsuit include:
- The tow truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck’s owner
- Maintenance companies
- Cargo loaders
- Defective parts manufacturers
To prove liability, you first have to establish negligence. Evidence must show the at-fault party had a responsibility to prevent you from coming to harm and causing the accident that led to your injuries. You’ll also need to demonstrate that you suffered losses, which can be financial and non-financial.
What Sort of Damages Can I Claim in a Savannah Tow Truck Accident?
The compensation you could be eligible to recover after a tow truck accident depends on the circumstances of your crash and the severity of your injuries.
You could receive compensation after a tow truck accident for:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Lost earning potential
- Mental health counseling and psychotherapy
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Lost quality of life
Depending on the facts of your case, you could also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages “punish” the at-fault party(s) for willful misconduct and gross negligence. The standard of proof for punitive damages is much higher than for financial and non-financial losses, so juries do not frequently award them. Contact one of our Savannah tow truck accident attorneys today.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Tow Truck Accident in Georgia?
Georgia’s statute of limitations on personal injury cases is two years. You must take legal action within two years of the accident or lose your right to compensation forever. Your case doesn’t need to close within two years. However, you must file your complaint within that timeframe to remain eligible for compensation.
Some exceptions apply. For example, if the victim in a tow truck accident is a minor, they have until they turn 18 to file a claim. An experienced tow truck accident lawyer can tell you how the statute of limitations applies in your case.
Contact a Tow Truck Accident Lawyer in Savannah, GA Today
Did you suffer injuries in a Georgia tow truck accident? Contact a tow truck accident lawyer at Spiva Law Group right away. Our proven tow truck accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate the crash, gather and preserve evidence, and represent you aggressively throughout the entire claims process.
Most truck accident cases are resolved in settlements with the responsible party’s insurance company. But if the insurer makes a lowball settlement offer or refuses a counteroffer, our legal team won’t hesitate to take your case to trial. We know the stakes are high after a tow truck accident, and you can count on us to push for every penny you’re owed.
Reach out to our firm today for a free case evaluation.
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