Tow truck service sued after customer’s car allegedly catches fire during tow

GRETNA – A tow truck service is being sued by a car owner who alleges her car caught on fire and was destroyed as it was being towed.

Aida Taddese Tewelde filed suit against Carnival Wrecker Service LLC and Prime Insurance Company in the 24th Judicial District Court on Feb. 10.

Tewelde asserts on Feb. 8, 2013 she lent her 2007 Toyota Camry to someone who ran it into a curb and a stop sign, necessitating tow service by Carnival Wrecker Service. The plaintiff claims that the defendant picked her car up and towed it to their warehouse although the car had been towed on a flatbed truck it did not catch fire until it was parked in front of Carnival Wrecker Service. Tewelde alleges that because the majority of the damage to her vehicle was to the right front tire and bumper, the fire was not a result of the accident, but rather to the tow truck driver’s actions while loading or unloading the vehicle.

The defendant is accused of reckless disregard and negligent handling of vehicle.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for compensation for loss of vehicle and mental anguish.

Tewelde is represented by James F. Dixon of the New Orleans-based The Law Offices of James F. Dixon LLC.

The case has been assigned to Division K Judge Ellen Shirer Kovach.

Case no. 735-400.