What to Do After a Wreck with a Tow Truck in Oklahoma City

Getting into any type of motor vehicle accident is overwhelming, but when the crash involves a commercial vehicle like a tow truck, the aftermath can be even more complex. Tow trucks are heavy, often carrying additional weight, and collisions with them can lead to serious injuries and complicated liability questions. If you’ve been involved in a wreck with a tow truck in Oklahoma City, knowing what steps to take can help protect your health, rights, and financial future.

At Koller Baker & Associates, we represent individuals throughout Oklahoma who have been injured in serious car accidents, including crashes involving commercial and government-operated vehicles. Here’s what you need to know after a tow truck wreck and how to protect your claim.

1. Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention

The first and most important step is to check for injuries and seek immediate medical help. Even if your injuries seem minor at first, it’s essential to get evaluated by a healthcare provider. Many injuries, such as whiplash, internal bleeding, or concussions, can take hours or days to become apparent.

Call 911 to report the accident and request emergency assistance. A police report will provide an official record of the crash, which will be important for filing a claim later.

2. Gather Information at the Scene

If you are able, try to gather as much information as possible while still at the scene:

Name and contact details of the tow truck driver
Tow truck company information
Insurance policy number and provider
Names and contact information of any witnesses
Photos of the vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and license plates

Tow trucks are often operated by private companies, city agencies, or independent contractors. This makes liability more complex and highlights the importance of documenting everything.

3. Be Cautious When Speaking with Insurance Companies

After the wreck, you’ll likely be contacted by the tow truck’s insurance company. Their goal is to minimize their liability. Avoid giving recorded statements, accepting early settlement offers, or admitting fault.

Insurance companies may try to argue that you were partially responsible for the accident. Under Oklahoma’s comparative negligence laws, your compensation could be reduced if you’re found to be partially at fault. To avoid making statements that could be used against you, it’s best to speak with an attorney before engaging with insurers.

4. Understand the Role of Comparative Fault in Oklahoma

Oklahoma follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault—as long as your share of the blame is less than 51%. Your total recovery, however, will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but are found to be 20% at fault, your recovery would be reduced to $80,000. Having an experienced attorney can help protect your interests and minimize any fault assigned to you.

5. Know Who May Be Held Liable

One of the unique challenges in tow truck accidents is determining who is liable. Potential parties include:

The tow truck driver
The tow truck company
The vehicle manufacturer (if a mechanical issue contributed)
A third-party maintenance company

If defective equipment or improper truck maintenance contributed to the crash, the case may involve product liability or negligence by a third-party service provider.

6. Consider the Damages You May Be Entitled To

Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

Medical expenses (current and future)
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Property damage

Having a skilled attorney evaluate the full scope of your losses ensures you don’t leave money on the table.

Contact Koller Baker & Associates Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a tow truck accident in Oklahoma City, don’t wait to get the help you need. These cases can become complicated quickly, especially when multiple parties or commercial insurers are involved. The team at Koller Baker & Associates is ready to investigate your case, gather evidence, and advocate for your full recovery.