Tow Truck Ripped Off My Bumper, who is at fault?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by scottied67, Jul 24, 2023.

  1. Phoenix Heavy Haul

    Phoenix Heavy Haul Medium Load Member

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    Wrecker driver is at fault no question about it. He had to double pick the front since it was low it’s standard practice and causes zero damage when done properly.
    A wrecker operator should never ask the driver to do anything besides sit in the wrecker until he’s finished. This is to ensure safety of the customer and to ensure accidents don’t happen with the driver in the cab.
    Like was mentioned previously call the wrecker service first, most will fix the damage. If not call your insurance company and report it to them.
    The wrecker driver is just trying to cover his butt so he doesn’t get in trouble.
     
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  3. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    Simplify things.

    1. Totaled vehicle. Tow truck. CMV involved. What kind of accident is this?
    2. City cop possibly at fault. Can his supervisor cite you at fault?
    3. What is procedure if you refuse to sign a citation?
     
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  4. kylefitzy

    kylefitzy Road Train Member

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    1. Reportable
    2. They will #### sure try
    3. Wood shampoo time?
     
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  5. High Stepper

    High Stepper Medium Load Member

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    I don't know if you believe in Karma, but I do now. Shortly after that incident, circa 2009, the dry van market was so bad that I bought a Trail King 55 ton setup. I had also recently purchased a set of Ling Long retreads, so I was leveraged. (Can I also add that retreads can be a suitable choice in certain instances, with a fantastic ROI.) I digress.

    There I was, headed to an auction to haul a rock drill for $2 a mile when this mountain of a man walks up. "Hey, you need to move your truck, the auction pays me $12 a mile for no other reason than fear, and you are in my way !" I responded that I wasn't moving at all, and set my brakes.

    Well, this really upset him, so he walked up to the front of my truck, grabbed the tow shackles with his bare hands and started dragging me across the gravel lot. I put it in reverse high range and started digging ruts. Right before the welds started to break on the bumper channels, the entire bumper ripped off in his hands.

    I was actually happy that it happened, I had some river wear on the steers i hadnt noticed til then and that load helped me afford some centramatics.
    Screenshot_20230725-213624_Google.jpg
     
  6. bzinger

    bzinger Road Train Member

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    Wilson's problem not yours .
     
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  7. Moosetek13

    Moosetek13 Road Train Member

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    Did the vehicles have cameras?

    C'mon TripleSix, tell us the outcome.
    The suspense is killing me.
     
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  8. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    It’s a DOT reportable accident. Guess who has to make that report? A DOT certified officer.

    The supervisor was trying to cover the rookie’s screwup. Driver refused to sign the citation. The driver and both pilot cars were arrested. The magistrate instantly saw that the supervisor was was wrong gave the driver and pilot cars a case number for them to complain, and had another officer take them back to their vehicles. It’s a conflict of interest to have an accident with a LEO and another officer from the same department to work that accident.

    The reason for the post was to get OP to try to think before signing off. Even if a lawman wants you to sign for a citation, there are procedures in place in case you refuse. If he felt the tow truck was at fault, he shouldn’t have signed anything, especially AFTER seeing damage done. That’s being a victim. We have to stop being victims.

    Six back quiet.
     
  9. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    I haven’t needed a hook very often, however every time I stayed to assist what have you the tow operator gave clear instructions as far as driver set truck brakes. Or driver release the trailer brakes. Turn wheel this way etc. seemed handy cause I can’t spell heavy recovery much less be fluent invit
     
  10. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    By signing the paperwork before reading it was a big mistake. And by signing the paperwork, you relieving the tow company of any responsibility for damage.
     
    Last edited: Jul 26, 2023
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  11. Jubal Early Times

    Jubal Early Times Road Train Member

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    Why are we not surprised.
     
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