Dealing with Tow Yards After a Car Accident
When minor car accident occurs, many people walk away with minor injuries and vehicles drive off with little damage. However, when accidents are more serious, a vehicle can become unsafe to drive. If a vehicle cannot be driven away from the accident scene, it will need to be towed.
Car accidents involving tow yards can costly and stressful. The car accident attorneys at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. provide tips for dealing with tow yards after a collision. This will make things go a little smoother for drivers the Sugar Land, Katy and Richmond, TX area.
Allow Police to Respond to the Crash Before Towing
Drivers should not rush to have a vehicle towed after an accident. It is important that the vehicle is still on the scene when a police officer responds to the crash. This way, the officer can evaluate the car for damage and take note of it in the police report.
Document as Much as Possible Before the Vehicle Is Towed
It is a good idea for drivers to do their own documentation of the crash if possible. The more documentation a driver has, the stronger case they will have if they need to seek accident damages from another driver.
We recommend that drivers take these steps if their vehicle needs to be towed:
- Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicle at the accident scene and any noticeable damage to the vehicle
- Gather license and insurance information from all drivers involved in the accident
- Take any important items out of the car before it is towed (access may be restricted for some time)
- Get documentation from the tow truck driver to make record of where the vehicle is taken, the fee for towing and storage (if applicable) and any additional costs
Choose Where the Vehicle Is Towed
If drivers are able to be at the scene when their vehicle is towed, they have the right to choose where the vehicle is delivered.
If possible, drivers should try to have the vehicle delivered to an auto repair shop or mechanic rather than a salvage yard. Salvage yards charge storage fees (typically on a daily basis) that can add up quickly. If drivers are not familiar with a repair shop or salvage yard, they should call their insurance company for a recommendation.
The Cost of Towing a Vehicle
Towing costs can be steep. On average, a towing company charges close to $100 just to hook up the vehicle. There is also an hourly fee (or mileage fee) on top of that charge. If storage is also necessary, tow yard fees can be even more expensive.
It is important that drivers keep receipts for any payments for all towing and tow yard services.
Hold Liable Drivers Accountable for Towing Costs
Many insurance companies will cover the costs of towing and storing a vehicle after an accident, especially if a driver carries an additional roadside assistance policy. However, if another driver is at fault for the accident, their insurance company should cover these expenses. This usually means compensating the vehicle owner for the money they have spent out-of-pocket on towing.
Discuss Your Accident With Our Attorneys
If you have been injured in a car accident, the attorneys at Reed & Terry, L.L.P. can help you seek compensation for the collision. To discuss the details of your crash, schedule a free case review at your earliest convenience or call us at (281) 201-0988.