In one case, a tow truck was liable for injuries it caused when it was attempting to tow a car in one lane and the truck protruded into another lane. Additionally, a tow company may be liable when a tow connection is hidden or discovery of it is difficult. In that case, the tow connection is required to be indicated by warnings or lights. Will they total out my truck with a bent axle? Update: I just got a call from the body shop/mechanic and the frame and axle are fine. Total of damage is about $3100.00 so it won't be totaled out, yeah. The wheel seemed to be sitting at an angle due to some way Ford builds their dual suspension system or something. Car damage done by tow.
Tow trucks are vehicles used to pull other vehicles. They are commonly used to haul vehicles that have failed due to mechanical errors or that have been in an accident. Most are owned by private business owners who earn their money removing vehicles from roads, highways, ditches, and other situations. Some trucks, however, are owned by the government and used to patrol toll roads and highways. Some companies also own ones that are used exclusively to tow other vehicles owned by the company.
There are three main types of tow trucks: hook and chain, wheel-lift, and flat bed. Hook and chain trucks, also referred to as sling tow trucks, are no longer used as much as they once were. This is because they work by wrapping a chain around the axle or frame of the vehicle. This can cause scratches or other damage to the car. Typically, this type of truck is reserved for vehicles that have been damaged in an accident, vehicles that do not have their front wheels or their back wheels, and vehicles with steel bumpers.
Wheel lift tow trucks are similar to hook and chain trucks, but they use a metal yoke rather than a chain. This yoke is hooked under either the front or the rear wheels of the vehicle to be towed. Using a hydraulic or pneumatic hoist, the front or the rear portion of the vehicle is lifted from the ground as it is towed.