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Colorado Springs Tow Truck Accident Lawyer

Written by Timothy R. Bussey · Reviewed by Benjamin Wilcox · Last updated 29 September 2026

Key Takeaways

Deadline: 3 years if a motor vehicle was involved (C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)); 2 years for most other injury claims (C.R.S. 13-80-102).
Who is liable: The towing company, usually, and sometimes whoever hired it.
If you were partly at fault: damages are reduced by your share and barred entirely at 50% (C.R.S. 13-21-111).
Where it is filed: El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Who is liable in a tow truck accident?

The towing company, usually, and sometimes whoever hired it.

Tow operators work in the most dangerous place on a road — a live shoulder, often at night — and the recurring failures are inadequate scene lighting and warning devices, an improperly secured vehicle on the bed, and operating overweight for the truck's rating. Where the tow was ordered by a police agency or a motor club, that relationship can bring another party in.

How long do I have to file this claim in Colorado?

Three years from the crash, because this is a tort action for bodily injury arising out of the use of a motor vehicle under C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n) — a year longer than Colorado's general tort deadline.

If a city, county, district or state vehicle or roadway is involved, a far shorter clock governs first: written notice within 182 days under C.R.S. 24-10-109(1), which that statute calls "a jurisdictional prerequisite" whose failure "shall forever bar any such action".

Pursue Compensation After a Colorado Springs Tow Truck Accident

A tow truck is a large truck used to move vehicles from one place to another. Tow trucks haul vehicles to new locations, tow away vehicles that commit parking violations, transport broken down vehicles to the shop for repairs, and remove disabled vehicles after an accident.

Tow truck are big, bulky, and difficult to drive. When tow truck companies fail to hire experienced drivers with safe records, it will result in catastrophic accidents.

If you were harmed in an accident caused by a dangerous tow truck driver, contact a Colorado Springs truck accident attorney at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. by calling (719) 475-2555 today. We’ll stand up to the big insurance companies and file a claim against anyone whose negligent behavior contributed to your injuries.

How Tow Truck Accidents Happen

There are three major types of tow trucks. Hook and chain tow trucks employ an effective but old-fashioned method of dragging the vehicle using a chain that attaches to the truck. Wheel-lift tow trucks lift the front end of the car and pull it along. Flatbed tow trucks have a trailer attached to a flatbed at the rear of the vehicle.

All three types of tow trucks must be secured properly to prevent vehicles from coming loose during transport. Wheel-lift and hook and chain tow trucks require the driver to remain especially alert to what’s going on behind them and make sure their brake lights are visible. And flatbed trucks have a high center of gravity that may cause rollover accidents.

Most tow truck crashes are caused by driver mistakes. A major concern is the driver’s ability to maneuver among traffic and first responders to safely get to the scene of an accident and pick up the disabled vehicle.

Tow truck companies must properly screen new employees to make sure they have the necessary experience and a clean driving record. It’s also essential to train new drivers how to properly operate the type of truck they’ll be using.

Inexperienced, incompetent, and poorly trained tow truck drivers cause accidents by engaging in these types of behavior:

DUI
Speeding
Distracted driving
Fatigued driving
Driving too fast for weather conditions
Tailgating
Failure to secure vehicle

What to Do After a Tow Truck Collison

If you were harmed in an accident caused by a careless tow truck driver in Colorado Springs, here are steps you can take to protect your health and assist your personal injury lawyer when they file a claim on your behalf:

Dial 911.
Check to see if anyone in your vehicle needs assistance.
Seek medical attention for your injuries.
Attend all your medical appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions.
If you feel up to it, use your cell phone to take photos of the accident scene.
Collect contact information from witnesses and other drivers.
Don’t talk about your case with friends or on social media.
Don’t make any statements or sign any agreements with an insurance company agent.
Don’t accept the first settlement offer you get.
Contact an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney.

How Your Colorado Springs Tow Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help

Insurance companies do everything they can to save money. The insurance agent will probably try to deflect blame away from their client and they might even try to get you to say something that could harm your case.

If you take on the insurance companies by yourself, they’ll probably just make a lowball offer and expect you to take it. But our Colorado Springs injury attorneys at the Bussey Law Firm will investigate your accident and file a claim against anyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries.

If the insurance company refuses to make a reasonable offer, we’re always ready to take them to court. But they’re usually willing to offer a settlement that includes the types of expenses you’re facing after a tow truck collision, such as:

Current and future medical costs
Time missed from work
Pain and suffering
Rehabilitation
Physical therapy
Disfigurement
Assisted living care
Wheelchair accommodations for your home and vehicle

Common Injuries Caused by Tow Truck Collisions

Because tow trucks have so much mass and they’re not easy to handle, they create real hazards for motorists, pedestrians, bicycles, and motorcycle rides. Injuries resulting from these crashes are likely to cause severe injuries, including:

Were You Injured by a Careless Driver?

Timothy R. Bussey, founder of The Bussey Law Firm, has been awarded the Martindale-Hubbell Silver Award and he has a perfect 10.0 rating from Avvo.

Call (719) 475-2555 and schedule a FREE consultation today. Remember: You won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.

Frequently Asked Questions for Tow Truck Accident Injury Victims in Colorado Springs, CO

If you’ve been injured in a tow truck accident in Colorado Springs, you likely have many questions about your rights, the legal process, and how to protect your interests. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we understand the importance of providing answers to these questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:

What should I do immediately after a tow truck accident?

Seek medical attention first, ensuring your health and safety. Then, contact our Colorado Springs Tow Truck Accident Lawyers for legal guidance. Document the scene if possible, exchange information with the other party, and refrain from providing statements to insurance companies without consulting an attorney.

What if I don't feel pain or injury right after the accident?

Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. It’s essential to consult a medical professional, as symptoms may develop later. Delayed injuries can still be connected to the accident and may be covered by your claim.

How can an attorney help me with my tow truck accident claim?

Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process, helping you gather evidence, assess the value of your claim, and negotiate with insurance companies. We ensure that you don’t make mistakes that could jeopardize your claim and work to secure the compensation you deserve.

What damages can I claim after a tow truck accident?

You may be eligible to claim various damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other losses related to the accident. The specific damages will depend on the circumstances of your case.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you were partially at fault, you can still file a claim, but your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your level of fault. Consult with our attorneys to assess the impact of your liability on your claim.

How long do I have to file a tow truck accident claim in Colorado Springs?

In Colorado, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s advisable to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure the preservation of crucial evidence and a strong case.

What if the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance or is underinsured?

You may be able to make a claim against your own uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if you have it. Consulting an attorney can help you explore your options and determine the best course of action.

How much will it cost to hire a tow truck accident attorney?

At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us upfront. Our fees are contingent on the outcome of your case. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

What can I expect during the legal process of a tow truck accident claim?

The legal process typically involves evidence collection, negotiations with insurance companies, and potential litigation. Our attorneys will guide you through each step, ensuring your best interests are represented.

How do I get started with a tow truck accident claim in Colorado Springs?

Contact The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. for a free consultation. We’ll assess the specifics of your case, answer your questions, and provide the legal support you need to pursue your claim.

What does a tow truck crash claim cost to pursue?

Nothing up front, and nothing at all unless there is a recovery. A tow truck crash review is free and the firm is paid a percentage of what it recovers rather than by the hour, so asking costs nothing. Call (719) 475-2555.

What is different about a tow truck crash?

Two claims can arise from one incident: the collision itself, and damage or injury caused during the recovery. A tow operator also works at the roadside in live traffic, which puts the operator and the stranded motorist in the same risk.

Where is a tow truck claim filed?

In the El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 — the district court serving El Paso County. Most claims settle without a court appearance; if one does not, the lawsuit is filed there and must be filed before the deadline runs.

Why does the dispatch record matter?

Because it shows who ordered the tow, what was said about the hazard, and how long the truck sat in traffic before the collision — the facts that decide whether the scene was set up safely.

What if I was partly at fault?

You can still recover if you were less than 50% at fault. Colorado applies modified comparative fault (C.R.S. 13-21-111): your damages are reduced by your share and barred entirely at 50%.

What Are the Colorado Deadlines and Rules on This Claim?

Which deadline applies depends on how the injury happened, not on what it is called. Colorado gives three years to a claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle and two years to most other injury claims. Missing the deadline normally ends the claim regardless of its merits.

Colorado deadlines and rules that apply to this claim
A claim arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle	3 years — C.R.S. 13-80-101(1)(n)
Most other personal injury claims	2 years — C.R.S. 13-80-102
If you were partly at fault	Damages reduced by your share, barred at 50% — C.R.S. 13-21-111
Where a Colorado Springs claim is filed	El Paso County Combined Courts, 270 S Tejon St, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Sources and References

Deadlines are cited by section to the Colorado General Assembly’s published 2024 revised statutes. This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is decided on its own facts.