Free Consultation

(803) 350-9230

Columbia Tow Truck Accident Attorney

If you got hurt in a tow truck accident someone else caused, contact Goings Law Firm, LLC immediately. We can review your case and determine what we can do to help.

Tow trucks are essential for removing cars from ditches, accident scenes, and other areas. They also come in handy if you need someone to tow your car after it breaks down on the side of the road. Although necessary, tow trucks can be dangerous and cause severe injuries in collisions with smaller vehicles.

Goings Law Firm, LLC believes in holding people liable for their misconduct. We can help you bring legal action against the negligent tow truck driver or another party. Call us at (803) 350-9230 for a free consultation with an experienced Columbia truck accident attorney.

Common Types of Tow Truck Accidents

 Goings Law Firm, LLC can handle numerous types of tow truck accidents in Columbia, such as:

  • Head-on collisions – Head-on accidents are one of the deadliest types of roadway collisions. According to the Insurance Information Institute, head-on collisions caused 3,631 fatalities nationwide in one year. A tow truck driver might cause a head-on accident if they look down at their cell phone and drift into oncoming traffic.
  • Rear-end collisions – Tailgating commonly leads to rear-end crashes. If a tow truck driver follows another vehicle too closely, they don’t have enough space or time to brake and avoid a collision if traffic suddenly stops.
  • Sideswipe collisions – A tow truck driver might sideswipe someone’s car if they change lanes without checking blind spots. They could start merging without realizing another driver is traveling alongside their truck.
  • T-bone collisions – A T-bone accident involves the front of one vehicle crashing into the side of another. It can occur if a tow truck driver runs a red light or stop sign. The path ahead isn’t clear, so they slam into a car already in the middle of the intersection.
  • Rollover accidents – Like SUVs and larger vehicles, tow trucks have a high center of gravity. They are likelier to roll or tip over after a sharp turn, sudden maneuvering, or contact with a curb at high speeds.

Common Causes of Tow Truck Accidents 

Tow truck drivers must remove and transport vehicles under various circumstances regardless of the dangers. They might have to pull a vehicle from a steep hill during a severe storm or remove an abandoned car from a busy highway.

Anyone who wants to drive a tow truck must pass a background check, take tests, and undergo training. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is also a requirement if the tow truck is 26,001 pounds or heavier.

Despite the regulations, some tow truck drivers violate traffic laws or engage in behavior that endangers other people on the road. When that happens, an accident can occur.

The most common causes of tow truck accidents include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Improperly attaching or securing a vehicle to the tow truck
  • Speeding
  • Poor vehicle maintenance
  • Tailgating
  • Driving under the influence
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Failing to check blind spots
  • Fatigued driving

Common Injuries Caused by Tow Truck Accidents

Although many tow trucks aren’t as massive as other commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers, they can cause significant property damage and debilitating injuries during collisions with smaller vehicles. Injuries range in severity depending on the type of collision and other factors.

The most common injuries in tow truck accidents include:

  • Burn injuries
  • Loss of limb
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Whiplash
  • Paralysis
  • Lacerations
  • Internal bleeding
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Significant disfigurement or scarring
  • Disability
  • Emotional or psychological distress 

Who Is Liable for a Tow Truck Accident? 

Several different parties could be liable for your injuries following a tow truck accident, such as:

  • Driver – The tow truck driver might be liable for their negligent actions, like tailgating or running a red light that led to the collision.
  • Towing company – The company that employed the driver can be liable for hiring them without conducting a background check or providing inadequate training.
  • Manufacturer – If a defective tow truck or part caused the crash, the manufacturer could be liable for causing the defect and supplying it to the towing company.
  • Maintenance company – If a company performed maintenance on the truck and failed to detect a problem or incorrectly repaired the vehicle, and their failure or improper repair caused the crash, they could be held liable. 

Compensation for Injuries in a Tow Truck Accident 

South Carolina law requires every towing service provider to carry liability insurance with minimum limits based on the class of the tow truck.

At least $300,000 in liability coverage is mandatory for class A tow trucks used to tow vehicles weighing no more than 7,000 pounds, such as:

  • Small trailers
  • Pickup trucks
  • Passenger cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Other similar vehicles

Class B tow trucks must have $500,000 in liability insurance if towing vehicles weighing between 7,001 and 17,000 pounds or multiple vehicles weighing 7,000 pounds, such as:

  • Road tractors/trailers
  • Medium-sized trucks
  • Other similar vehicles

Class C trucks tow vehicles over 17,000 pounds, such as large trucks, road tractor-trailers, and other similar vehicles. The minimum required liability insurance is $750,000.

You can file a claim or lawsuit against the towing company or tow truck driver for compensation to cover your:

  • Lost income
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emergency room visits, ambulance services, rehab, and other medical expenses
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage

Deadline to File a Lawsuit in Columbia 

In South Carolina, the statute of limitations allows a three-year timeframe to initiate a lawsuit against another party. That means you have three years from the tow truck crash date to file suit against the tow truck driver, towing company, or another liable party.

Contact a Dedicated Columbia Tow Truck Accident Attorney Now 

At Goings Law Firm, LLC, we don’t want you to suffer more than you already have. You deserve to hold the negligent party responsible for the harm they caused. You can count on us to fight by your side until the end for the compensation you deserve after a crash that wasn’t your fault.

If someone else’s careless actions caused your injuries in a tow truck accident, call Goings Law Firm, LLC at (803) 350-9230 for a free consultation.

Last Updated : March 17, 2023
TBest Law Firms - Personal Injury Litigation 2022
International Society of Barristers
10.0Robert F. Goings
Legal Elite Logo
Legal Elite Logo
South Carolina Leadership in law Honoree Logo
Rated a 10.0 Super Lawyer by Avvo.com
American Board of Trial Advocates
American Society of Legal Advocates Top 40 Under 40 - 2014
Best Law Logo
National Trial Lawyers Top 100
Legal Elite of the Midlands logo
 AV Preeminent
Best Law Badge
Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Columbia
South Carolina Association for Justice
Lead Counsel Seal
American Society of Legal Advocates Top 40 Under 40 - 2014
Super Lawyers Rising Star
Goings Law Firm, LLC, LawyersPersonal Injury & Property Damage, Columbia, SC
Robert Goings CR Platinum 300
Robert Goings PR AV
TESTIMONIALS

I was really going through a tough situation being injured on the job my job hassling me workers Comp not paying me and the bills were stacking up.Then a friend referred me to Goings law firm there I met Mallory and Christian they were pleasant and up front and I gotta tell they work fast to get you the settlement you deserve.So you got legal issues if I were I would call Goings law firm hopefully I won’t but if I do that’s who I’m calling.

Goings Law Firm is a great family friendly oriented organization. They are upfront and honest with you. They keep you up to date on all information about your case and is always available for questions that you may have. Last but not least, they work hard to get you every penny you deserve. I recommend Goings Law Firm, LLC if ever in an accident and you need help and compensation.

I originally tried to handle my case on my own but it became overwhelming. After doing research on Google, I found Goings Law Firm LLC. I was amazed of the 5 star review so wanted to check out for myself. After initial meeting with Attorney Jessica, I knew the Goings Law Firm was for me.
I like to work with business that treat me as a person versus a number.

Katie is amazing, I had a procedure done, which raised many concerns. She listened to my concerns, offer to be there as much to her capacity. Which really helped eased some of my concerns. I honestly did not expected to receive any type of compensation. I only hoped for my medical bills to be paid. Attorney Robert is amazing as well, he and his team exceed my expectiation. I am truly thankful for the Goings Law Firm team. If seeking a attorney office, knowledgable, will do their best to make sure you received the proper medical care and compensation, treat individuals as a person verus a number, my suggestion is go with Goings Law Firm. I can honestly say the reviews are accurate, glad to have meet them and represent my case. You all are Awesome and Amazing!!! Thank you so much!

The staff at this establishment was very attentive and kind. Robert is a very nice, responsive gentleman. I sincerely encourage you to seek this company out for any advice or representation. You will not be disappointed. Again thank you for your time and consideration.

Robert Goings did an excellent job working with my mother and I. Very professional, friendly, hard working and always on top of everything. We are extremely impressed all around and would highly recommend Goings Law Firm to anyone. We appreciate all of the hard work and assistance that this team has done for us!

Robert Goings, and his staff are amazing. From day one they were in our corner. They were with us all the way . They kept us informed of all new developments and fought to make sure that we were not taking advantage of by the insurance companies. I would definitely recommend Goings law firm to any of my family and friends. They are second to none. I’ve never felt more confident in a decision as I do with hiring Robert and his firm. I’d like to say thank you one more time for all your hard work and treating us like family.

SEE MORE About Testimonial