When people see a tow truck on the side of the road, it’s only natural to take a look. It may be there for an inoperable vehicle after a crash or just helping a stranded driver.
If that vehicle (and the tow truck) are in the road, it can be frustrating for drivers who are trying to get somewhere and running late. However, just like first responders and road construction workers, tow truck drivers are at risk of being struck by negligent, distracted or reckless drivers while they’re doing their job.
Just last month, a tow truck driver was hospitalized after being struck near Janesville. He was on the scene of a 20-vehicle pile-up that included four semitrucks. The Wisconsin State Patrol (WSP) released video showing the man (who was wearing a bright orange uniform) jumping out of the way to avoid being hit by his own truck.
The WSP and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation used social media to remind drivers after the crash that tow truck operators and all first responders need plenty of room to do their jobs.
An official with the tow truck company the injured man works for echoed those sentiments. He said, “Move over, slow down, let that gas pedal go…These peoples’ lives depend on it, it doesn’t matter if it’s the officer, a county worker, a highway worker, or tow operator, we all want to go home at the end of the day.”
If you or a loved one has been injured on the job by an at-fault driver, you should explore all possible sources of compensation to ensure that you get the money you need to pay for medical care and physical therapy as well as to take care of your family.
