Being involved in an accident can be stressful. When your car becomes undrivable after an accident, a tow truck will need to remove it. The police may ask you if you want a particular towing service to pick up your vehicle, or they may choose one themselves. You need to know what to expect, what your options are, and how to best protect yourself.
Steps to Take Before the Tow Truck Arrives
Although you may be shaken up and unable to think clearly, there are a few helpful steps you can take before the tow truck arrives to take your car away, including:
- Before your car is towed, remove anything valuable or important. Remember your insurance information and registration.
- Exchange contact information and insurance coverage information with all drivers involved in the accident.
- Collect contact information from any eyewitnesses to the accident. If possible, record a statement from them while at the scene.
- Photograph and videotape the accident scene, including the position of the vehicles, any visible injuries and damage, the road conditions, traffic signs or lights, and anything else that seems relevant to the accident. This will be helpful when you pursue an Oklahoma City car accident claim.
- Call your insurance company to report the accident and ask if you are required to use a particular towing company. Although, you may not have an option if the police determine your car needs to be towed immediately and they choose a towing service.
- If you know a local body shop you want to use, contact them to see if you can have your car towed there.
If possible, photograph the tow truck and its driver after it arrives. Ask for the driver’s contact information and a receipt showing that they are taking possession of your vehicle.
If you are not having your car towed to a body shop, ask the driver exactly where your car will be taken. Also, ask about their fees, including the cost to store your vehicle at their location.
Where Will My Car Be Taken When It Is Towed After An Accident?
The tow truck driver should ask where you want your vehicle towed. If you don’t specify where to take your car, the police may have it towed to the nearest salvage area
Ideally, you should tell the towing service where to take your vehicle. But, if you are not local or do not know where to send your vehicle, be sure you ask where it will be taken.
If you are not conscious or have been taken to the hospital, the police will take note of where your vehicle will be stored. Most storage facilities charge by the day and costs can quickly add up.
How Much Will I Be Charged For My Car Being Towed After a Wreck?
Your insurance company or a membership service such as AAA may cover part or all of the cost of towing your car.
Oklahoma Statutes §47-953.1 sets a maximum amount towing companies can charge for vehicles weighing under 8,000 pounds. The average passenger car weighs about 4,100 pounds.
The maximum rate for these vehicles is $81.25 for hooking up your car to the trailer, plus either an hourly rate or a distance rate.
The towing company can charge you an hourly rate of $75 per hour or a distance rate of $3.75 per mile for a tow of 25 miles or less and $3.13 per mile for tows over 25 miles. You will also be charged storage fees for your vehicle. A tow yard can charge a maximum of $18 per day for outdoor storage and $30 per day for indoor storage.
Can I Get a Rental Car When My Car Is Towed After a Wreck?
If your car is undrivable, you will need another means of transportation. If you have rental reimbursement coverage through your insurance carrier, it should pay for the cost of renting a vehicle while your car is being repaired or until it is declared a total loss.
If another party is at fault in the accident, their insurance company may be liable for paying your rental car fees. However, if the fault is undetermined or challenged, the other party’s insurance carrier may not agree to pay for your rental car upfront.
If you do not have rental reimbursement coverage and the other party’s insurance carrier is unwilling to pay upfront, you may be left paying for the rental car out of your pocket and seeking reimbursement from the at-fault party.
At Warhawk Legal, we will deal with the insurance companies and towing service to ensure you are not taken advantage of and help you recover maximum compensation in your Oklahoma City personal injury lawsuit.
Call (405) 397-1717 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.