Louisville, Kentucky
Wreckers on the shoulder, towed vehicles that break loose and rushed roadside responses: tow truck accident claims in Kentucky.
Reviewed by Larry Forman, Attorney.
Tow trucks help clear crashes and stranded cars, but they also cause crashes: a towed car breaks loose on the interstate, a wrecker backs into traffic, a driver speeds to beat competitors to a scene. And tow operators themselves are often hurt by drivers who don’t move over. Forman & Associates represents people hurt in tow truck crashes, including tow operators injured by passing drivers.
Key takeaways
When approaching a stationary emergency or public safety vehicle displaying flashing lights, including flashing yellow, or a disabled vehicle displaying warning signals, Kentucky drivers must move to a lane not adjacent to it on a highway with at least two lanes in their direction if it is safe, or slow to a safe speed if not (KRS 189.930(5)-(6)). Drivers who ignore the law and hit a tow truck or the vehicle it is helping can be responsible for the injuries they cause. See hit on the shoulder: Kentucky’s move-over law.
Tow operators struck by passing drivers usually have a workers’ compensation claim and may also have a claim against the driver who hit them. See our third-party workplace injury page.
The tow driver and the tow company are the usual responsible parties. Depending on the facts, the motor club, police agency rotation list or business that called the tow may also be involved, and the company’s maintenance of chains, straps and lights matters. For crashes with other heavy trucks, see trucking company liability.
Most Kentucky motor vehicle injury claims must be filed within two years of the crash or the last PIP payment, whichever is later (KRS 304.39-230). Wrongful death and claims against government entities can follow different rules. Estimate your dates with our statute of limitations calculator, then confirm them with a lawyer.
Usually the tow company and its insurer. The hookup, the equipment and the driver’s training are key evidence.
It applies to stationary vehicles displaying flashing lights, including flashing yellow, and to disabled vehicles displaying warning signals.
Property-only towing damage is usually handled through the tow company and insurers. If you were hurt, call us.
Workers’ compensation, plus a possible claim against the driver who hit you. Ask us about both.
We find out what failed and who is responsible. Free consultation.
Get a free case evaluation or call 502-931-6788.
This page is general information about Kentucky law as of October 2026, not legal advice. Every case is different.
