Regional By-Law Aimed at Predatory Tow Truck Drivers

April 18, 2017, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Police have begun to lay charges against tow truck drivers who simply show up at accident scenes attempting to solicit the business of the drivers. Tow truck drivers on the 401 series highways, particularly around Toronto, and in cities have developed a reputation for aggressively soliciting car accident victims.

The new Waterloo Region by-law is aimed at protecting vulnerable victims of car accidents, and to keep scenes secure and safe. It allows for a $400 fine for trying to solicit business at the scene of a crash. It requires that they stay at least 200 metres away from the crash scene unless the police or drivers call them. The new by-law also requires that tow truck drivers must clearly identify themselves, must clearly identify their rates, and they must stay within 10% of the stated price. They must now have a commercial vehicle licence and pass tougher inspection standards. The by-law will bring Waterloo Region in line with many other communities.

The intent of the by-law is to prevent dangerous and threatening and often threatening situations that happen when tow truck drivers ‘swarm’ a scene and aggressively solicit business from the accident victims who are often injured and emotional suffering. Police want to ensure that emergency vehicles have access to scenes, and that there is enough room for an investigation without the disturbance of evidence. Police and crash victims have increasingly complained about the chaotic scenes at car accidents when multiple trucks were showing up. The police have also complained that the tow truck drivers are taking police attention away from the accident investigation.

Police say that in the event of an accident, it will be investigated and then either they will contact the Waterloo Region Towing Association if the drivers are seriously injured and taken to hospital, or if the cars must remain at the scene for investigation. Drivers can call the towing agency of their choice, or if they are too upset or injured they can ask the police to do it on their behalf.

Car accidents can leave people seriously shaken and upset even if there are no physical injuries. They are stressful times to be making decisions. The new by-law should provide a layer of protection against predatory practices.

Robert Deutschmann is an Ontario car accident lawyer.

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Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

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