If you were injured in a crash involving a tow truck, the case can be more complicated than a standard car accident claim. Tow trucks are commercial vehicles. They may be carrying another vehicle, operating at a crash scene, responding to a roadside emergency, or working for a towing company, motor club, repair facility, public agency, or private property owner.

At Johnson Attorneys Group, we represent people injured in tow truck accidents throughout California. When I review a case, I look at how the crash happened, who controlled the tow truck, whether the vehicle was properly operated and maintained, and what insurance coverage may apply.

Call 1-800-208-3538 for a free case review.

Why Tow Truck Accident Claims Are Different

California defines a tow truck as a motor vehicle designed or equipped and primarily used to transport vehicles by crane, hoist, tow bar, tow line, dolly, or similar equipment, or to assist other vehicles. That matters because a tow truck is not just another passenger vehicle. Its size, equipment, load, and business use can all affect liability.

A tow truck crash may involve:

A tow truck hitting another vehicle
A towed vehicle breaking loose
Unsafe loading or securing of a disabled vehicle
A tow truck blocking a lane or shoulder
A crash at an accident scene
A pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist being struck
Equipment failure involving a boom, hook, winch, dolly, or wheel lift
A collision caused by an improperly trained or fatigued driver

A tow truck accident attorney should investigate more than the police report. These cases often require a close look at driver records, company policies, dispatch information, maintenance records, towing equipment, photos, video, and witness statements.

Who May Be Responsible For A Tow Truck Accident?

More than one party may be legally responsible. Depending on the facts, a claim may involve:

The tow truck driver
The towing company
A repair shop, motor club, or dispatch company
A vehicle owner
A negligent third-party driver
A property owner
A manufacturer of defective towing equipment
A public entity, if a government vehicle, road condition, or public contract is involved

Tow truck companies and their insurers may move quickly after a crash. They may inspect the vehicle, collect records, interview drivers, and protect their side of the case. Our job is to preserve the evidence that proves what happened and shows the full extent of your damages.

Common Causes Of Tow Truck Accidents

Tow truck accidents can happen for many reasons, including:

Speeding or unsafe lane changes
Distracted driving
Driver fatigue
Impaired driving
Poor training
Unsafe roadside positioning
Failure to use proper lights or warnings
Improper loading or securing of the towed vehicle
Brake, tire, hydraulic, or equipment failure
Poor maintenance
Failure to follow commercial vehicle safety rules
Unsafe operation around pedestrians, cyclists, or disabled vehicles

Some tow trucks may also be subject to commercial driver rules. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration explains that, for CDL purposes, a tow truck and its towed vehicle are treated like any other powered unit towing a non-powered unit. That can affect the type of license required for certain tow operations.

Injuries Caused By Tow Truck Crashes

Because tow trucks are heavy vehicles and may be carrying another vehicle, crashes can cause serious injuries. Common injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Neck and back injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Broken bones
Internal injuries
Burns
Severe cuts and scarring
Amputations
Crush injuries
Fatal injuries

If the injury is serious, the case should not be valued only by the bills you have today. We also look at future medical care, rehabilitation, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and how the injury changes daily life.

What Compensation May Include

A tow truck accident claim may include economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages can include medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages can include pain, suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, and other human losses caused by the injury.

In a wrongful death case, eligible family members may be able to bring a claim for losses caused by the death of a loved one. The specific damages available depend on California law and the facts of the case.

We do not promise a specific result. We review the evidence, identify the responsible parties, evaluate the available insurance, and build the strongest claim the facts support.

California Deadlines For Tow Truck Accident Claims

In many California personal injury cases, the deadline to file a lawsuit is two years from the date of injury.

Some cases have shorter deadlines. If a public entity is involved, California law generally requires an injury or death claim to be presented within six months. That can matter if the crash involved a government vehicle, public road work, a public tow program, or another public-agency issue.

Do not wait to ask about the deadline. Evidence from a tow truck crash can disappear quickly, including dispatch logs, onboard data, dash camera footage, maintenance records, and towing equipment.

What To Do After A Tow Truck Accident

After getting medical care, take these steps if you can:

Report the crash.
Take photos of the vehicles, tow equipment, road, debris, skid marks, and injuries.
Get names and contact information for witnesses.
Keep medical records, bills, and discharge papers.
Save repair estimates, towing paperwork, receipts, and insurance letters.
Do not give a recorded statement to the towing company’s insurer without legal advice.
Contact a lawyer before accepting a settlement.

A quick settlement may not include future treatment, lost income, or the full impact of the injury.

How Johnson Attorneys Group Handles Tow Truck Accident Cases

As a tow truck accident law firm, we start by investigating the crash and identifying every possible source of recovery. We may review the police report, request available video, inspect the vehicles, examine towing equipment, look for commercial insurance coverage, and work with experts when needed.

We also handle communication with the insurance companies so you can focus on medical care and recovery.

Johnson Attorneys Group represents injured people throughout California. Our California truck accident lawyers handle serious commercial vehicle claims, including tow truck crashes, semi-truck crashes, delivery truck crashes, and other truck accident cases.

Why Choose Johnson Attorneys Group for Your Case

We have recovered more than $100 million for our clients. Past performance does not guarantee future results, but it indicates what you may reasonably expect from our attorneys. We work diligently and consider all potential opportunities for securing your desired outcomes. Our team starts by thoroughly reviewing your case and providing an estimate that helps you set realistic expectations. Are you ready to get started? Contact the JAG team today.

Tow Truck Accident Lawyer