On November 11th, 2020, Team Pro-Tow responded to a call for a tractor-and-trailer that had gotten stuck in the median. They needed a heavy truck tow. Since no one could tell us whether the tractor or two trailers were still upright, we called Washington State Patrol (WSP) and updated them on the situation.
We got recovery vehicles from the yard before heading out to the scene for this truck accident response.
Assessment and Planning
Once Team Pro-Tow arrived, we contacted both the driver for signatures and a WSP trooper. The trooper told us that the customer was in charge, so we began formulating a recovery plan. 10 to 15 gallons of fluid had also spilled onto the roadway. Because of traffic control and safety concerns, spill cleanup had to wait. First, we had to focus on the truck accident response and get that truck out of the way.
Truck Accident Response
Our team set up a mobile rotating crane for recovery and rigged the vehicle. Once done, we supplied air to the tractor and revealed a significant air leak behind a crushed part of the frame and support brace. We couldn’t repair the air leak, so we caged the brakes and supplied air to the trailer instead. We moved the unit back to the roadway, where we then hooked the tractor and trailers together. WSP recommended the nearest safest location to move the rig.
Once there, we completed the heavy truck tow separated the tractor and trailers. Upon request, we towed the trailers to the Old Dominion yard. The tractor stayed hooked up and was towed to the Freightliner body shop, also as requested. We left the tractor at the bay. Then our team returned to the yard and got the equipment ready for the next job.
Next-Day Clean Up
The next day, we contacted the Department of Transportation and Traffic Control Company to handle the roadway cleanup. Team Pro-Enviro brought a compact tracked loader with a bucket to clean up as per the Department of Ecology standards. We disposed of all contaminated soil, and samples were taken and dropped off.
A heavy truck tow and accident recovery successfully and safely handled!
