Tow Truck Accident Lawyer in New York City
Serving Victims in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx & Staten Island
Tow trucks keep New York City moving – towing disabled cars, clearing crash scenes, and assisting emergency responders. But when these massive vehicles are operated negligently or maintained poorly, they can cause devastating collisions. Victims are often left facing serious injuries, lost wages, and mounting medical bills.
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, our NYC tow truck accident lawyers have decades of experience fighting for injury victims across all five boroughs. We know how to take on negligent drivers, towing companies, and their insurers – and we don’t stop until you receive full and fair compensation.
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) for a free, confidential consultation. You pay no legal fees unless we win.
Why Tow Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Tow trucks are among the most complex and dangerous commercial vehicles on New York’s streets. Their size, weight, and hydraulic attachments make them difficult to maneuver—and highly destructive in a crash.
Common Tow Truck Hazards:
- Massive weight and momentum: Fully loaded tow trucks can weigh over 30,000 pounds, causing catastrophic impact even at low speeds.
- Complex hydraulic equipment: Chains, hooks, and winches can become deadly if unsecured or defective.
- Large blind spots: Tow truck drivers often cannot see smaller vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians.
- High center of gravity: Increased rollover risk on sharp turns or uneven streets.
- Mechanical failure: Brake or hydraulic malfunctions can lead to total loss of control.
Because tow trucks operate in congested NYC traffic, a moment of inattention can have devastating consequences.
Common Causes of Tow Truck Accidents in NYC
Our New York City tow truck accident attorneys handle all types of cases involving driver error, equipment failure, and corporate negligence.
Frequent causes include:
- Speeding or aggressive “chasing” of jobs
- Distracted or fatigued driving during long shifts
- Drunk or drug-impaired operation
- Improperly secured or unbalanced tows
- Equipment defects – faulty brakes, winches, hydraulics, or tires
- Poor vehicle maintenance or inspection
- Failure to follow NYC towing and safety regulations
- Negligent third-party drivers ignoring the Move Over Law (VTL § 1144-a)
Every case is meticulously investigated to determine what went wrong and who is responsible.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Tow Truck Accident?
Tow truck accidents often involve multiple defendants and insurance policies. Our firm investigates every angle to identify all sources of liability and compensation.
Potentially Liable Parties:
- Tow Truck Driver: For reckless, distracted, or impaired driving.
- Towing Company or Employer: For negligent hiring, training, or fleet maintenance.
- Equipment or Vehicle Manufacturer: For defective brakes, chains, or hydraulic lifts.
- Maintenance Contractors: For failed inspections or unsafe repairs.
- Third-Party Motorists: For unsafe passing or failure to yield near roadside tows.
- Municipal Agencies: When city-owned or subcontracted tow trucks are involved.
At Greenstein & Pittari, we issue immediate preservation letters to secure driver logs, maintenance records, and black-box data, protecting critical evidence from loss or alteration.
Common Injuries in Tow Truck Crashes
Because of their size and force, tow-truck collisions often result in severe or fatal injuries. Victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Amputations or severe lacerations
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Wrongful death
Our legal team partners with top medical specialists to calculate the full scope of your injuries and future care needs – ensuring you receive every dollar you’re owed.
Compensation Available for Tow Truck Accident Victims in NYC
If you were injured in a tow-truck accident, our New York City personal injury lawyers can help you recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Hospitalization, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, and medication
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
In cases of gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, punitive damages may also apply.
Legal Deadlines for Filing a Tow Truck Accident Claim in New York
Under CPLR § 214, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years of the crash, and wrongful death actions within two years.
If your accident involved a city-owned tow truck (e.g., NYPD or Department of Sanitation), you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days under General Municipal Law § 50-e.
Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to recovery – so don’t delay in contacting our firm.
How Our NYC Tow Truck Accident Lawyers Build Winning Cases
Our law firm blends strategic investigation with aggressive advocacy to achieve results. We:
- Conduct on-site investigations and preserve critical evidence
- Review driver logs, dispatch records, and inspection histories
- Collaborate with accident reconstruction and engineering experts
- Use spoliation letters to prevent evidence tampering
- Negotiate aggressively with insurers – and prepare every case for trial
We never back down from corporate defendants or powerful insurance companies. Our goal is to maximize your recovery.
What To Do After a Tow Truck Accident in New York City
- Call 911 and request police and medical assistance.
- Get contact, license, and insurance information from all involved parties.
- Take photos and videos of the crash scene, vehicles, and injuries.
- Obtain witness names and statements.
- Seek immediate medical attention – even if you feel fine.
- Avoid speaking with insurance representatives before consulting an attorney.
- Contact Greenstein & Pittari, LLP to begin protecting your rights today.
We handle all communication with insurers and investigators so you can focus on recovery.
Why Choose Greenstein & Pittari, LLP
- Experienced Trial Attorneys: Decades of success in truck and commercial-vehicle litigation.
- Local NYC Knowledge: Deep understanding of New York’s traffic laws, insurance system, and courts.
- Client-Centered Service: Compassionate guidance and clear communication throughout your case.
- Proven Results: Millions recovered for injured New Yorkers and their families.
- No Fee Unless We Win: Our Fee Guarantee ensures you pay nothing unless we recover compensation.
We’re not just lawyers – we’re your advocates for justice.
About Our Firm
At Greenstein & Pittari, LLP, we practice exclusively in personal injury law. Our motto—“Don’t Be a Victim Twice”—means we fight to protect clients from both negligent drivers and insurance companies that try to underpay claims.
With offices in Harlem, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Yonkers, and Nassau County, we’re proud to serve clients throughout the New York metro area.
- Bilingual services available
- Hundreds of client testimonials
- Recognized by Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers for excellence in advocacy
Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462) today for a free consultation.
The call is free. The consultation is free. You don’t pay unless we win—that’s our Fee Guarantee.
Contact a Tow Truck Accident Lawyer in New York City
If you or someone you love has been injured in a tow truck accident in New York City, don’t face the insurance companies alone. Evidence fades quickly, and time limits apply.
Call Greenstein & Pittari, LLP at 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462), or fill out our online consultation form for a free case review.
Let our NYC tow truck accident attorneys fight for your rights – and help you rebuild your future.