What Happens If a Tow Truck Damages Your Car?

Colburn Law

Posted in Car Accidents on February 26, 2025

Towing your automobile may be annoying and expensive, requiring unforeseen repairs and disrupting your routine. The aftermath can be daunting if your car was mistreated, dropped, scraped, or damaged during towing. Many consumers are unclear what to do or if they can sue for damages. Understanding your car owner’s rights and how to handle towing-related damage is vital to fixing the problem.

This blog explains what happens if a tow truck damages your car, including common towing damages, how to document the incident, and how to file a claim. It also covers towing company responsibilities and how insurance may apply. For assistance with property damage resulting from towing in Seattle, Washington, contact Colburn Law—Accident and Injury Lawyers, your trusted Seattle Car Accident Lawyer.

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What Happens If Your Car Is Damaged While Getting Towed?

If your car is damaged during towing, the towing company may be held responsible. Reputable towing companies follow strict guidelines to ensure that cars are moved safely. Accidents can still happen, though, usually resulting from poor handling or fastening. Documenting the harm and carefully identifying the responsible parties is crucial whenever something similar happens.

According to Seattle’s Municipal Code SMC 6.214.290, customers can file a complaint or request a hearing if a towing company causes property damage. This law protects consumers and holds towing companies accountable for their actions. 

A Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do If a Tow Truck Damages Your Car

Taking prompt and thorough action can make or break your case when dealing with tow truck damage. If you notice any damage, follow these steps straight away:

Keep a note of the damages. 

Take clear photographs or videos of your vehicle, paying special attention to the damaged areas. Take both wide-angle and close-up photographs to show the full extent of the damage.

Request a towing report or delivery receipt 

Request documentation from the tow firm demonstrating how your vehicle was handled during the tow. Many companies maintain detailed records.

File a complaint 

If damage occurred on public property and the towing was police-authorized, you may file a complaint with Seattle’s Municipal Court via their designated process.

Contact your insurance company. 

Notify your insurance of the damage for the next steps in the claims process.

Seek legal assistance

If the situation becomes more serious, an experienced accident and injury lawyer can assess your case and assist you in pursuing proper compensation.

Understanding Your Insurance Policy

Your insurance coverage can become an invaluable asset if harm happens. The extent of your coverage will determine the following:

• Comprehensive auto insurance policies often provide coverage for damages that occur during towing.
• It is possible that liability coverage will not immediately refund your charges; nonetheless, it can make the towing business or driver liable for the financial implications for which they are responsible.

Before making any claims, review the specifics of your insurance policy to gain a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact on your premiums and the costs associated with deductibles. 

Determining the Tow Driver’s Liability

Could the tow truck driver be held accountable for the damage? It depends on the circumstances. If the driver was negligent or failed to adhere to established safety protocols during the tow, they may be held accountable for damaged property. An example of negligence could be using equipment that is not appropriate for the type of vehicle, driving recklessly and causing an accident, or inadequately securing the car.

Tow truck drivers must always adhere to industry safety regulations; failure to do so might result in a liability lawsuit.

Tow Companies May Be Held Liable

It is not just the driver but also the towing firm that is liable for any harm that happens during the towing process. When towing services are in operation, these companies must ensure that their staff operates with safety protocols and receive proper training. In addition, ensuring the security and efficient functioning of their towing equipment will require maintenance. 

If the damage to your car has been caused by ordinary operational negligence, inadequate staff training, or improperly maintained machinery, you may have a claim for compensation against the firm. In some instances, this may include covering further damages in addition to replacement or repair costs, depending on the seriousness of their mistake.

The Towing Company Refuses to Take Responsibility for the Damage They Caused

What happens when the towing firm denies responsibility? Some towing companies may go so far as to refute the claims in order to avoid financial liability. In this case, here is what you ought to consider:

• Send a formal demand letter requesting the company to pay for the repairs.
• Include proof, like witness accounts, tow agreements, and pictures, to support your claim.
• In the Municipal Court system, you can request a hearing or file a complaint with Seattle’s review body.

You may need to court if these steps don’t help solve the problem.

Building a Strong Case Against the Tow Company

If the towing firm damages your car, you will need to demonstrate that their carelessness was the cause of the damage. Take pictures of your vehicle before and after being towed so you can accurately record its state. In particular, eyewitness reports of the towing might provide proof that there was inappropriate treatment. If an error or wrongdoing is discovered throughout the process, secure an official towing receipt or invoice, as they may be used against them. For example, suppose you can show clear evidence that the towing process instigated the damage, or dare we say, by the actions of the experts. In that case, you now have an incriminating piece of evidence on your hands in the form of repair estimates or professional comments. 

Any written or otherwise correspondence regarding the towing company, where culpability is accepted or hinted at, should be attached. A lawyer can help you build your case by gathering proof, negotiating with the company, or, if necessary, going to court with you. All these things will make it much more likely that you will get just compensation and ensure that the tow company is held responsible.

Get in Touch with a WA Car Accident Lawyer

A trustworthy Seattle Car Accident Lawyer could be beneficial when dealing with the damage caused by a tow truck. At Colburn Law—Accident and Injury Lawyers, we know how to hold careless people accountable and make sure you get fair pay for your losses.

Our Issaquah staff is here to assist you in getting compensated for any losses incurred during towing. To arrange a consultation and learn more about your legal options, contact us at 206-823-4953 or visit our office at 22500 SE 64th Place #200, Issaquah, WA.

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