Your car can break down in Ponca City, OK, and need a tow. At this point, you can call for a tow and expect the driver to do everything possible to take care of you and your vehicle. However, there can be times when the driver does more harm than good — and you may need to hire a Ponca truck accident lawyer to help you out.
At BDIW Law, we do not tolerate tow truck accidents in Ponca City or anywhere else in Oklahoma. If you are the victim of a negligent tow trucking driver, please let us know. Our Ponca City tow truck accident lawyer can review your case and help you file a lawsuit.
How a Tow Truck Driver Can Damage Your Car
There are more than 47,000 car towing businesses in the United States, according to research. These businesses employ nearly 114,000 workers. They charge an average of $75 to $125 for a tow.
Unfortunately, there is no telling what you will get when you hire a towing company in Ponca City. Ideally, the company will send a towing truck to you and safely bring you and your vehicle from one destination to another. On the other hand, a negligent driver can damage your car in several ways, such as:
- Your car is not secured properly on a truck, falls off the vehicle, and hits someone or something.
- A driver damages your car when they put it on their truck.
- A tow vehicle’s hitch or boom strikes your car.
The team at BDIW Law assists those who suffer vehicle damage due to a negligent towing truck driver. To learn more, please reach out to us. Our Ponca City tow truck accident attorney can help you request the most compensation possible based on your vehicle damage.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYWhy Tow Truck Drivers Cause Accidents
Along with damaging a vehicle that they are supposed to tow, a tow truck driver can get into an accident while they are traveling to a job. There are many reasons why tow trucking drivers are involved in car accidents in Ponca City, such as:
Speeding
There is no excuse for reckless driving. Yet, a driver may travel faster than the posted speed limit to get to their next tow job as quickly as possible. If the driver causes an accident due to speeding, they can be held financially responsible for it.
Distracted Driving
A driver can look down at their cell phone or GPS system while traveling to a tow job. When they do, they take their eyes off the road. This can lead to a distracted driving accident.
Poor Weather or Road Conditions
Tows are needed in all types of weather and all types of roads. If the driver of a tow truck does not account for inclement weather conditions or road hazards, they can cause an accident. The driver can get sued for the accident, too.
If you are involved in a towing accident that occurs due to these reasons or any others, consult with a tow truck accident lawyer in Ponca City. Next, the lawyer can help you decide if now is the right time to file a lawsuit.
How Much Time You Have to Submit a Tow Truck Accident Claim
If you are considering a claim against a towing truck driver or their employer, do not wait to file one. In Oklahoma, you have a maximum of two years from the date you suffer a personal injury or property damage to seek compensation from any at-fault parties. For those who wait beyond two years, you lose the right to ask for compensation at a later date.
A tow truck accident attorney in Ponca City keeps your best interests top of mind. In addition to filing your claim in accordance with Oklahoma’s statute of limitations, they will help you seek the most compensation you can get. Your attorney will examine your case and help you decide on a reasonable amount of damages to request.
There are two types of damages you can ask for in a case involving a personal injury or property damage: economic and non-economic. Economic damages refer to compensation that is quantifiable, such as lost wages or costs associated with any car repairs. Non-economic damages are subjective, and they can be awarded based on any pain and suffering you incur.
What to Ask for in Compensation in a Tow Truck Accident Lawsuit
You may have no idea how much compensation to pursue when you sue a towing company or its driver — and that is OK. Your attorney can calculate your damages with you. They will prepare an argument with you to help you collect a fair amount of compensation.
As soon as you file your claim, you should expect the defendant to dispute it. The defendant may hire an attorney, and they will work together to contest your argument. In the meantime, you and your lawyer focus on what is most important: getting ready to present your case to a judge and jury.
Of course, if there is an abundance of evidence that shows the defendant is at fault in an accident, they may be inclined to settle. The defendant’s lawyer may reach out to your attorney to offer a settlement. You then have the opportunity to resolve your case.
What to Do if You Are Offered a Tow Truck Accident Settlement
When you are given a settlement proposal, you have three options on how to proceed with it:
- Accept the offer, which closes your case.
- Decline the proposal, and you and your attorney keep working on ways to strengthen your case.
- Submit a counter-offer, which gives the defendant the opportunity to decide what to do.
Your lawyer can help you decide the best course of action with any settlement offer that you receive. They will not push you to make a quick decision on a settlement proposal. Rather, your attorney can help you assess a settlement from all angles so you can make an informed decision about it.
Get Started with a Tow Truck Accident Lawsuit
If you are ready to hire a Ponca City tow truck accident lawyer, BDIW Law is here for you. For more information or to request a free case evaluation, please contact us today.
