Been hit by a tow truck?
This is every driver’s worst nightmare. With 55,000 vehicles being towed daily in America, these massive machines are constantly roaming our streets. And here’s the scary part…
When a tow truck slams into a regular car, the damage is usually catastrophic.
Think about it…
Tow trucks are already heavy vehicles. Add another car on the back and you’re dealing with a rolling freight train. When accidents happen, people get seriously hurt — or worse.
Here’s what you need to know:
Taking the right action immediately after a tow truck collision can save your life, protect critical evidence, and secure your legal rights. Whether you’re facing injuries, property damage, or both — knowing exactly what to do can make or break your case.
It really is that simple.
What you’ll discover:
- Why These Accidents Are So Deadly
- Your Immediate Action Plan After A Crash
- Medical Attention Is Absolutely Critical
- Who’s Really At Fault Here
Why These Accidents Are So Deadly
Want to know something that will shock you?
Tow truck crashes aren’t just dangerous for car drivers — they’re incredibly deadly for the tow truck operators themselves. Tow truck workers face a fatality risk nearly 15 times greater than workers in all other private industries.
Let’s break this down…
Between 2011 and 2016, there was an annual rate of 42.9 deaths per 100,000 full-time tow truck workers. Compare that to just 2.9 deaths per 100,000 workers in other industries.
Pretty shocking, right?
The statistics don’t lie:
- 64% of towing industry worker deaths come from motor vehicle incidents
- Tow trucks need way longer stopping distances than normal cars
- These vehicles have huge blind spots that change based on what they’re hauling
- The combined weight creates massive impact force in crashes
And here’s the thing most people don’t realize…
When you get hit by a tow truck, this isn’t your typical fender bender. The size difference between a loaded tow truck and your car means that even “small” accidents can cause major injuries.
That’s why getting a tow truck accident lawyer is absolutely critical. These cases involve complicated liability questions, multiple insurance policies, and special commercial regulations.
Your Immediate Action Plan After A Crash
Got smashed by a tow truck? Here’s exactly what you need to do…
Don’t panic. Breathe. Focus on these steps.
Secure The Scene First
Safety comes before everything else — not blame, not paperwork, not phone calls.
- Check everyone for injuries immediately
- Call 911 if anyone is hurt
- Get to a safe spot if possible
- Turn on hazard lights and put out emergency triangles
- Stay clear of traffic
Here’s what you absolutely cannot do:
Never think you’re fine just because you feel okay. Adrenaline hides pain and serious injuries often don’t show up right away.
Get The Police Involved
Always call the cops, even if the crash looks minor.
Why? Because tow truck accidents involve commercial vehicles with special insurance rules and regulations. You need that official police report for insurance claims and any legal action down the road.
When the officers show up:
- Stick to the facts only
- Don’t admit fault or guess about what happened
- Get the report number and officer’s badge number
- Ask how to get a copy of the report later
Lock Down All The Evidence
Here’s where most people completely mess up…
They don’t collect enough evidence while they’re still at the scene. Once everyone drives away, that evidence is gone forever.
Take photos of:
- All vehicle damage from every angle
- Where the vehicles ended up before they get moved
- Skid marks, debris, or any spilled fluids
- Traffic signs, signals, or road problems
- License plates and vehicle ID numbers
Get information from:
- The tow truck driver (name, license, employer)
- The towing company (name, phone, insurance)
- Any witnesses who saw what happened
- The vehicle being towed (if there is one)
Don’t forget to photograph the tow truck’s DOT number — this is huge for tracking down the company and their insurance.
Medical Attention Is Absolutely Critical
Here’s something that could literally save your life…
Even if you feel perfectly fine after the crash, get medical attention within 24 hours. Many serious injuries from tow truck collisions don’t show symptoms immediately.
Common injuries include:
- Whiplash and neck problems
- Spinal cord damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones and fractures
The force created when a heavy tow truck hits a passenger car can cause injuries that don’t show up for hours or even days.
Getting medical care quickly does two critical things:
- Protects your health by catching hidden injuries early
- Protects your case by creating medical records that link your injuries to the accident
Who’s Really At Fault Here
Tow truck accidents involve seriously complex liability issues…
Unlike regular car crashes, these collisions can have multiple responsible parties:
- The tow truck driver (for dangerous driving)
- The towing company (for bad training or maintenance)
- Vehicle manufacturers (for equipment defects)
- Government entities (for poor road conditions)
Common causes include:
- Driver fatigue from long hours and emergency calls
- Terrible training on vehicle operation and safety
- Mechanical failures from poor maintenance
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Improper loading or securing of towed vehicles
The complexity is exactly why you need experienced legal help who understands trucking regulations and commercial insurance.
When You Must Call A Lawyer
Don’t wait to get legal help…
The faster you contact an attorney who specializes in truck accidents, the better your chances of winning.
Call a lawyer immediately if:
- Anyone got injured in the accident
- There’s major property damage
- The towing company’s insurance is fighting your claim
- They’re trying to blame you for the accident
- The other driver got traffic citations
Remember, towing companies have massive commercial insurance policies that are way bigger than regular car insurance. This means there’s often substantial money available — but insurance companies will fight like crazy to pay you as little as possible.
Protecting Your Rights
Here’s what insurance companies don’t want you to know…
They’re going to try to settle your case as fast and cheap as possible. Don’t let them pressure you into taking the first offer.
Protect yourself by:
- Not giving recorded statements without a lawyer
- Keeping detailed records of all medical treatment
- Saving every receipt related to the accident
- Following your doctor’s orders completely
- Staying off social media about the accident
The compensation you deserve should cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and future medical needs from your injuries.
Wrapping It Up
Tow truck accidents are serious business that can change your life forever.
The statistics speak for themselves — these crashes involve massive vehicles driven by people working in one of America’s most dangerous jobs. When things go wrong, they go very wrong, very fast.
But here’s the good news…
By taking the right steps immediately after an accident, documenting everything properly, and getting experienced legal help, you can protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Don’t let the complexity intimidate you. With the right approach and professional guidance, you can handle this situation and focus on what really matters — getting better.
Time is critical. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies start building their defense immediately.
Take action now to protect your future.