When you're involved in a car accident, one of the first things that will happen is that your car will be towed away from the scene. This is usually done by the police or by a tow truck company that has been called to the scene.
The reason for this is because your car needs to be examined for evidence and also to clear the road so that traffic can flow smoothly again.
This article will discuss everything you should know when your car gets towed after an accident.
What happens if your car is totaled?
If your car is totaled in an accident, it means that the damage is so severe that it's not worth repairing. In this case, your insurance company will likely declare your car a total loss and give you a settlement to cover the value of the car. You'll then have to decide what to do with the settlement money. You can use it to buy a new car, or you can pocket the money and live without a car for awhile. It's up to you!
Where will the car get towed after an accident?
If your car needs to be towed after an accident, it will typically be taken to a police impound lot or a tow truck company's storage facility. Once your car is at the impound lot, you'll need to retrieve it within a certain time frame, or it will be auctioned off or sold for scrap.
Things You Should Do When Your Car Gets Towed After an Accident
Getting into a car accident is never a fun experience, but it's important to know what to do if it does happen.
If your car gets towed after an accident, here are some things you should do:
Find out what your insurance can cover
Insurance plans differ depending on the provider, so it's important to find out what your insurance policy covers when it comes to a car being towed. You may be responsible for some or all of the fees associated with getting your car out of impound, so it's best to be prepared.
Call a trusted towing service
If you don't have a towing service that you regularly use, now is the time to find one. Towing companies can be expensive, so comparing rates and services is important before choosing one.
Consider your immediate transportation needs
Do you need a rental car? Can someone give you a ride? If your vehicle is going to be in the impound lot for an extended period, you'll need to make arrangements for how you'll get around.
Know your rights when your car is being towed
In most cases, your car can only be towed with your permission or if the police are impounding it.
If you feel like your car is being towed without your consent, you have the right to ask the tow truck driver to show you proof that they have the authority to take your car.
If you're still not satisfied, you can call the police to come to the scene and sort things out.
Know how long you can leave your car impounded
In most cases, you'll have a limited time to retrieve your car from the impound lot.
If you don't retrieve it within that time frame, your car may be auctioned off or sold for scrap.
Checklist To Follow If Your Car Is Towed After an Accident
If your car gets towed after an accident, follow this checklist to ensure everything is taken care of:
Get Photographs Of the Car
Photos are important to have as they can be used as evidence if you need to make an insurance claim.
Get Pictures Of the Accident Scene
This is another instance where photos can be very helpful. Be sure to get pictures of the damage to both vehicles as well as the overall accident scene.
Get Contact Information For the Tow Company
You'll need to get in touch with the tow company to arrange for the release of your vehicle.
Get Contact Information For Any Witnesses
If there were any witnesses to the accident, be sure to get their contact information in case you need it later.
Tell the Tow Driver Where To Take Your Car If Possible
If you have a preferred location for your car to be towed, be sure to let the driver know.
Get Your Important Belonging From the Car
If you have any important belongings in the car, be sure to retrieve them before the vehicle is towed away.
Call Your Insurance Agent
As soon as possible after the accident, you'll need to call your insurance agent to start the claims process.
If you're not at fault for the accident, your insurance company will likely contact the other driver's insurance company to begin the claim.
If you are at fault, your insurance company will still need to be notified so that they can begin the claims process.
Hire an Attorney
If you were injured in the accident or if there is any dispute over who is at fault, you may need to hire an attorney.
Your attorney can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. We at Atty SGT Pike can help you in this time of need, especially if your car gets towed and needs legal assistance.
Filing a Police Report
In most cases, you'll need to file a police report if any property damage or injuries were involved in the accident. The police report can be used as evidence in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Am I responsible for towing my car after an accident?
In most cases, you are not responsible for the cost of towing your car after an accident. If another driver caused the accident, their insurance company should be responsible for the cost of towing your vehicle.
However, if you are found to be at fault for the accident, you may be responsible for the cost of towing your car. Your insurance policy will likely cover this.
What if the At-Fault Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?
When the at-fault driver doesn't have insurance, you may still be able to get your car towed and repaired. If you have collision coverage on your insurance policy, your insurer will likely pay for the cost of towing and repairing your car.
You can also file a claim with your state's uninsured motorist fund. This is a program that provides compensation to drivers who uninsured drivers hit.
How Much Does Towing Cost?
The towing cost will depend on several factors, including:
The area
If you live in Houston, Texas, the average cost of towing is $75. However, this is just an average towing cost in the area. You need to call help from lawyers such as Attorney SGT Pike for more help in costs and handling the accident case.
The distance
The further your car needs to be towed, the higher the cost will be.
The type of vehicle
The size and weight of your car will also affect the towing cost. Towing a small car will usually be less expensive than towing a large truck or SUV.
Pays for Towing Costs After a Crash?
The towing costs will be held responsible to the guilty driver in the accident case. If you are not at fault for the accident, the other driver's insurance company should pay for the cost of towing your car.
If you are found to be at fault for the accident, your insurance company will likely pay for the cost of towing your car. Your insurance policy will probably cover this.
Can I Get a Rental Car After My Car Is Towed?
Yes, you may be able to get a rental car after your car is towed. If you have rental reimbursement coverage on your insurance policy, your insurer will likely pay for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired.
Rental reimbursement coverage is not required by law, but it is available as an add-on to many insurance policies.
What Happens if My Car Is Totaled in an Accident?
If your car is totaled in an accident, your insurance company will likely pay you the market value of your vehicle. The market value is the amount that your car is worth on the open market.
If you owe more money to the lender than your car is worth, you may be responsible for paying the difference. This is called being "upside down" on your loan.
Can I Get a Loaner Car After an Accident?
Yes, you may be able to get a loaner car from your repair shop after an accident. Many repair shops have relationships with local rental companies and can arrange for a loaner car while your vehicle is being repaired.
Be sure to ask about this when you drop your car off for repairs.
Should I Get My Car Towed After an Accident?
The answer to this question will depend on the severity of the accident and the extent of the damage to your car. In some cases, it may be best to have your car towed from the scene of the accident. In other cases, you may be able to drive your vehicle away from the accident.
If you're not sure what to do, it's always best to be on the side of caution and have your car towed. This will ensure that your vehicle is properly inspected and that any necessary repairs are made.
In conclusion, you should always contact a lawyer such as Attorney SGT Pike for more help after an accident to ensure that all steps are being handled correctly.
We offer a FREE consultation and will fight for what you deserve. Our team believes that our clients' success is our success.
