Man says towing company damaged vehicle after wreck

HUNTINGTON – A Wyoming County man is suing over claims he was injured in a collision and his vehicle sustained further damage when the towing company allegedly failed to cover it in rain and snow.

Ryan Blankenship filed a lawsuit Oct. 24 in Cabell Circuit Court against Ashley Gooderham and Cogan's Wrecker Service, citing negligence.

According to the complaint, Blankenship was stopped at a red light on U.S. 60 on Oct. 27, 2012, when his vehicle was rear-ended by Gooderham's vehicle, which was traveling at approximately 45 m.p.h. Blankenship says he sustained injuries to his neck, spine, limbs, and body.

The complaint states Blankenship's vehicle was towed from the scene of the collision to the wrecker yard of defendant Cogan's Wrecker Service, and upon release from the hospital, he was taken to the yard to ensure the vehicle would be covered and protected from the heavy snow and rain predicted for the following day in order to mitigate further damage.

According to the lawsuit, the defendant company assured Blankenship the vehicle would be covered but it was not, and due to snow and rain entering the vehicle and causing electrical systems to malfunction, the vehicle was deemed a total loss.

Gooderham is accused of negligence in failing to keep a proper lookout, and Cogan's is accused of negligence in failing to cover the vehicle and thus furthering the property damage.

Blankenship seeks compensatory, specific and general damages, including property damage, loss of use and interest. He is appearing pro se. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Christopher D. Chiles.

Cabell Circuit Court case number: 14-C-783