Tow trucks do an important job on the roads. They help clean up after car accidents, you take your car off the highway if it is damaged and in need of repairs, and can come to your rescue if your car breaks down. However, tow trucks can also pose a danger on the roads.
Each year, tow truck accidents occur in Homestead and other South Florida communities. Very often, cars will slow down to look at what has happened when they see a tow truck. They may be so busy looking at the truck that they end up causing a secondary accident. In addition, cars don’t always slow down when trucks are stopped on the side of the road. This means tow truck drivers will sometimes be struck by a motorist who does not give them enough room. Tow trucks may also make unexpected stops or starts as part of their job, and this can cause collisions if other motorists are not attentive when driving.
You can avoid tow truck accidents in a few crucial ways:
1) Look out for tow trucks.
They are fairly easy to spot, especially when their lights are flashing. Driving defensively with your full focus on the road makes it more likely you will notice tow trucks.
2) If you see a tow truck stopped and assisting someone, give them extra room.
If possible, move one lane away so the tow truck driver, their customer, and their truck have plenty of room to work. If this is not possible, slow down and drive carefully around. Avoid causing a pedestrian accident by being aware that the tow truck driver may be walking around his or her vehicle.
3) Give tow trucks extra room on the road.
If a tow truck is towing a vehicle, that vehicle is likely well attached to the truck. However, in rare instances the vehicle may become dislodged from the tow truck, potentially causing devastation on the roads. Even if the tow truck is correctly loaded and secured, a tow truck requires extra space. Always leave extra room between you and the tow truck and make sure the tow truck driver can see you in his or her mirrors.
4) Pull over and make it easy for tow trucks to find you if you need help.
If you call a tow truck, drive over to the side of the road if you can and use pylons, lights, or leave your blinking lights on to make it easier for tow truck drivers and other motorists to spot you. Pull over on the shoulder where the tow truck will have plenty room to stop, get out of their truck, walk around, and approach your vehicle.
If you been injured in a tow truck accident caused by someone’s negligence or recklessness, contact Flaxman Law Group for a free accident consultation. Our attorneys would be happy to help you understand whether you have a claim and how much that claim may be worth.