$850,000 Pedestrian vs. Tow Truck Settlement in Dutchess County

A tow truck driver making a turn in Dutchess County never looked for pedestrians in the crosswalk — and a commercial vehicle weighing several tons struck a person who had every right to be there.

Pedestrian Struck by Tow Truck in Dutchess County

Our client was lawfully crossing the street when a tow truck operator initiated a right turn directly into the crosswalk. The driver, operating a commercial vehicle with significant blind spots, failed to perform the standard mirror and shoulder checks required before turning. The front quarter panel of the truck struck our client, knocking them to the pavement and rolling over the lower extremities before the driver realized what had happened.

The injuries were severe: a comminuted fracture of the tibia, a pelvic ring fracture, and extensive soft tissue damage to the hip and thigh. Our client required emergency surgery to stabilize both fractures, followed by months of non-weight-bearing recovery and physical rehabilitation.

Commercial Vehicle Liability in Dutchess County

Claims against commercial vehicle operators carry additional weight because professional drivers are held to a higher standard of care. Our attorneys obtained the towing company's driver training records, which revealed that the operator had not completed the required refresher training on pedestrian awareness. We also documented that the truck lacked a functioning side-proximity sensor — a safety feature that the company's own fleet policy required on all vehicles.

"Commercial drivers have a professional obligation to check every mirror and every blind spot before turning. This driver didn't, and a pedestrian is now living with permanent injuries because a towing company cut corners on training and vehicle maintenance." — Steven Gershowitz, Attorney

$850,000 Recovery for a Dutchess County Pedestrian Injury

The $850,000 settlement compensates our client for emergency surgery on two separate fracture sites, months of immobilization, extensive physical therapy, lost wages, and the permanent mobility limitations that now require daily accommodations. It holds the towing company accountable for both the driver's negligence and their own failure to maintain proper training and vehicle safety standards.

If you were struck by a commercial vehicle or tow truck as a pedestrian, our pedestrian accident attorneys have experience handling claims against commercial operators and their employers, and are ready to review your claim.