Where Do Tow Trucks Take Cars After an Accident: Get the Details

After a car accident, the first thing to consider is where your vehicle will be towed. It can be confusing to decide where your car should go after being involved in an accident.

One option is the tow yard, which is the default if you cannot communicate with the tow truck driver or make an immediate decision. Another option is to have your car taken directly to an auto body shop from the accident spot. But if your car needs minor repairs, you can have it towed to your residence.

Throughout this article, we will discuss what to do after a car collision, including how long it stays in the towing yard and who foots the bill for storage fees. So, let’s unravel the mystery together.

What to Do Before Tow Trucks Take Cars After an Accident

You should take several important steps after a collision when your vehicle needs towing.

1. Prioritize Safety Above All Else

Take immediate action to prioritize safety above all else. After ensuring that you and others involved in the accident are safe, move your vehicle to the side of the road if it’s still drivable. Turn on your hazard lights to make your vehicle visible to other drivers.

2. Contact Law Enforcement

To ensure a smooth and efficient process, contact law enforcement immediately after an accident to arrange for the towing of your car. Notifying the police is essential for insurance claims and legal purposes.

Once the police arrive, provide them with all the necessary information about the accident. Be prepared to answer their questions accurately and honestly. The police will then assess the situation and file an official report, which is essential for your insurance claim.

3. Call for Medical Assistance

If anyone is injured, immediately call 911 for emergency medical assistance. Contacting emergency services ensures trained professionals can provide the necessary medical aid as quickly as possible. When making the call, provide clear and concise information about the accident location and the injuries sustained.

4. Gather Evidence

You should gather evidence to support your insurance claims and legal proceedings after calling for medical attention and ensuring everyone’s safety. This can be done by documenting the vehicles involved, their positions, and any visible damages.

Take clear and detailed photographs of the scene from various angles, capturing the overall view. Close-ups of the damage sustained by your vehicle and others involved. Make sure to include the license plates of all vehicles in the pictures. Also, collect information from any witnesses present if possible.

5. Exchange Information with Other Driver

If your vehicle needs towing after a collision, you should promptly exchange information with the other driver involved. This is crucial for insurance purposes and to ensure a smooth claims process. Start by obtaining the other driver’s name, address, and phone number.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

When your car needs towing after an accident, promptly contact your insurance company. Informing your insurance company about the accident helps initiate the claims process and ensures that you receive the necessary coverage for the damages to your vehicle.

When contacting your insurance company, provide them with all the relevant information, such as:

• Details of the accident
• Other driver(s) involved and
• Location of your vehicle

7. Decide Where to Tow Your Car

To determine the destination for your towed car, consider the options available and choose the most suitable location for your circumstances.

If you are unable to communicate with the tow truck driver, your vehicle will likely be towed to a tow yard. This default option allows you or your insurance company to decide its final destination later.

8. Legal Considerations

If your car requires towing due to an accident, there are important legal considerations to remember. If the accident wasn’t your fault, the responsible party is typically responsible for covering the towing costs. Seek compensation for any expenses related to the accident, including towing, if you weren’t at fault.

In case you encounter difficulties with insurance or towing companies, especially if you have been hospitalized, it’s advisable to seek legal assistance. An attorney can help navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights.

Who chooses the towing service company after an accident?

After the accident, you can speak with your trusted towing service company. In many cases, it’s the police department that selects the towing service company. They usually have a list of certified towing companies that they rotate through for accidents. This selection is made to ensure fairness and impartiality.

However, if you have a preferred towing service or one you have used before, you can communicate this to the police or the tow truck driver at the scene. If it’s feasible, they may consider your preference.

How long will the towing service company keep the crashed car in the towing yard?

After an accident, the towing service company will typically keep the crashed car in their towing yard for a specified period. The duration of this storage can vary depending on various factors.

In most cases, towing companies will keep the vehicle in their yard for a short-term storage period, usually a few days. This allows the vehicle’s owner sufficient time to arrange its removal.

However, if the vehicle remains unclaimed or has legal issues, such as criminal activity accidents, the towing company may consider impounding the vehicle. The decision to impound the vehicle is usually made after a few weeks or months, depending on local laws and regulations.

Does the insurance company pay for tow truck storage fees?

Insurance companies may cover tow truck storage fees depending on certain factors. Some comprehensive policies may include coverage for storage fees, while others may not. Check your policy or contact your insurance company to clarify.

The responsible party’s insurance should generally cover towing and storage fees if you aren’t at fault for the accident. In cases where you aren’t responsible for the accident, your insurer may seek reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance.

However, if there’s a dispute about fault or coverage, it may affect whether storage fees are paid by insurance. In such cases, legal proceedings may be necessary to determine responsibility.

Ensure a Smooth Recovery Process for Your Car After an Accident

Knowing where your car will be towed after an accident is helpful. Towing can be easier if you understand what location options are available.

Communicate your decision with the tow truck driver to avoid confusion if you have your car towed to a tow yard, auto body shop, or residence. So, next time you are in an unfortunate accident on the road, remember that tow trucks will take your car to a designated towing yard.

Also, be aware of the towing fees and storage duration, as these may vary. By taking these necessary steps, you can ensure a smooth repair procedure for your vehicle.