After the Accident: 5 Critical Steps Before the Tow Truck Arrives

I've been towing accident vehicles for twelve years, and I've seen people make the same costly mistakes over and over. The few minutes after an accident are crucial – what you do right then can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches later.

Most people are shaken up after an accident, which is completely normal. But there are five things you absolutely must do before my truck arrives, even if you're rattled.

1. Get Everyone to Safety First

If the cars are driveable and people aren't hurt, move them out of traffic immediately. I can't tell you how many secondary accidents I've responded to because people left damaged cars in the roadway. If you can't move the vehicle, turn on hazard lights and get everyone away from the cars and traffic.

2. Take Photos Before Anything Gets Moved

Your phone is your best friend here. Take pictures of the damage to all vehicles, the accident scene from multiple angles, and any skid marks or debris. Insurance companies love photos, and they can make the difference between getting your claim paid quickly or fighting for months.

3. Document Everything on Paper Too

Get the other driver's insurance information, license plate, and driver's license number. Write down exactly what happened while it's fresh in your memory. If there are witnesses, get their contact information – they might disappear by the time police arrive.

4. Call Your Insurance Company Immediately

Don't wait until you get home. Call your insurance company from the scene and report the accident. They'll start the claim process right away and can sometimes authorize towing on the spot. This is much faster than trying to get reimbursed later.

5. Choose Your Tow Destination Carefully

Here's where many people get burned. The first tow truck to arrive might not be the cheapest, and they might take your car to a storage lot that charges $30 per day. Ask where they're taking your vehicle and how much it costs. You have the right to choose the destination – make sure it's somewhere convenient and affordable.

When you call our accident recovery service, we'll ask where you want your vehicle taken and give you an honest estimate upfront. We work with several local body shops and can take your car directly there if you prefer, saving you storage fees and extra hassle.

Remember, you're dealing with enough stress after an accident. Don't let poor decisions in those first few minutes create more problems down the road.