Tow Truck Accident Lawyers in New Jersey

Proudly serving all of New Jersey

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Accident Involving a Tow Truck

When driven properly, tow trucks, also known as wrecker trucks, provide an essential service on New Jersey’s roadways. Whether they are being used to clear damaged vehicles off the street in the aftermath of an accident, or to tow illegally parked cars so that snow plows can do their job, tow trucks are vital in keeping traffic flowing smoothly. But tow trucks can also cause serious accidents that result in severe injuries. If you have been injured, had vehicle damage, or lost a loved one in an accident with a tow truck, you and your family may be entitled to compensation from the tow truck driver, his insurance company, and his employer.

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To get a settlement worthy of your injuries and losses, it is crucial that you seek the representation of an experienced attorney. The New Jersey tow truck accident lawyers at Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. have been successfully representing Garden State accident victims for over 25 years. Our firm was founded on the solid belief and commitment to getting compensation for those who’ve suffered loss due to the negligence or carelessness of others. Call our offices today, at (609) 240-0040 to schedule a free consultation.

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Types of Tow Trucks

There are five basic types of tow trucks one might encounter on New Jersey’s roadways. They are as follows:

• Hook and chain, or sling, tow trucks: These trucks operate by putting hooks under the frame or around the axle of the vehicle it’s towing. Hook and chain trucks aren’t used very much anymore because you have to have access to the towed vehicle’s keys and because they tend to cause damage to the cars they tow.
• Flatbed, or slide, tow trucks: These trucks have a flat bed that tilts down so that a vehicle can be pulled up onto it with chains or cables. The bed then tilts back up. This type of tow truck is popular because it is the least likely to damage vehicles and can also remove cars that are too damaged to be towed by their wheels.
• Wheel lift tow trucks: These trucks operate by sliding a steel yoke under the rear wheels of a vehicle, lifting them up, and towing the vehicle backward. These are often used in repossessions because they allow a driver to tow a car quickly without getting out of the truck.
• Boom tow trucks: These trucks have a slanted boom that is used hoist one end of the towed vehicle. These are particularly useful for pulling vehicles out of lakes, ditches, and over embankments.
• Integrated tow trucks: These trucks combine both the boom and the wheel lift, and are also often used for repossessions.

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Why Are Tow Trucks Involved in so Many Accidents?

Tow trucks are involved in many accidents because they are used for commercial purposes. In other words, the more tows a driver makes, the more money they make. This often encourages drivers to drive faster, take chances, or break traffic laws so they can answer more calls and make more money. Also, in the event of a blizzard, a tow truck driver may work long hours and suffer from extreme fatigue while still driving.

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Compensation for Damages in a Tow Truck Accident

If you or a family member is involved in an accident with a tow truck, the result may well be serious injury, because a tow truck weighs quite a bit more than a regular passenger vehicle. Hopefully you or your family member weren’t injured, but if you were, you may be entitled to compensation for any of the following damages:

• Property loss or damage
• Current medical bills
• Future medical bills related to your injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Costs of physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Permanent injury or disability
• Household and vehicle modifications to accommodate your injury or disability
• Mental anguish, emotional duress, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Lost wages
• Loss of career or earning capacity
• Diminished earning capacity
• Hedonic damage for loss of joy of life
• Punitive damages
• Wrongful death damages should you and your family tragically lose a loved one.

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Why You Need an Accomplished NJ Truck Accident Attorney

Tow truck accidents differ from regular passenger vehicle accidents because many parties may be named as defendants. This could include the driver; the employer of the driver; the owner of the vehicle; the entity that enlisted the service of the tow truck, such as a local municipality or AAA; the manufacturer of the tow truck or a part of the tow truck; the entity responsible for training and licensing the driver, or the truck and driver’s insurer.

This is why it is essential to seek the representation of a dedicated truck accident attorney in NJ with thorough knowledge of the state’s complex traffic laws. Call Lependorf & Silverstein, P.C. today for a free consultation by dialing (609) 240-0040.

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Tow Truck Accident Verdicts and Settlements

• $900,000 Settlement – Tow Truck Operator Suffers Serious Injuries

Click here for more verdicts and settlements.