Automobile accidents can occur to anybody, even should you’re a cautious driver. One minute you’re cruising alongside, and the subsequent, you’re coping with a fender bender or worse. It’s traumatic, however figuring out what to do could make an enormous distinction. In case your automotive is broken and received’t drive, you’ll want a tow. However how does that work? Who do you name? And what must you do when you wait? Let’s break it down so that you’ll be ready if it ever occurs.
Keep Calm and Test for Accidents
First issues first—take a deep breath. Accidents are scary, however panicking received’t assist. If you happen to’re capable of, test your self and any passengers for accidents. If anybody is harm, name your native emergency quantity immediately. Even minor accidents ought to be checked out by a physician, simply to be secure.
If everyone seems to be okay, test on the opposite driver (if one other automotive is concerned). Be well mannered, however don’t admit fault—even should you suppose the accident was your fault. That’s for insurance coverage firms to determine later.
Transfer to a Secure Spot (If Doable)
In case your automotive continues to be drivable and it’s secure to take action, transfer it to the aspect of the highway. This helps forestall one other accident and retains site visitors shifting. In case your automotive received’t begin or is just too broken to maneuver, flip in your hazard lights and keep inside the place it’s most secure. Solely get out should you’re in fast hazard, like if there’s smoke or a gas leak.
Name for Assist
When you’re secure, it’s time to make some calls. Right here’s who you may have to contact:
- Emergency providers – If the accident is critical, name the police. They’ll assist direct site visitors, file a report, and ensure everyone seems to be okay.
- Insurance coverage firm – Some insurance coverage firms require you to report accidents immediately. If yours does, give them a fast name.
- A tow truck – In case your automotive received’t drive, you’ll want a tow. Undecided who to name? Accident towing providers will help get your automotive off the highway and to a restore store safely.
What to Do Whereas Ready for a Tow
Ready for a tow truck may take a while, relying on site visitors and the way busy they’re. Right here’s what you are able to do within the meantime:
1. Take Photos of the Accident Scene
Earlier than shifting something (if attainable), snap some images. Get clear photos of your automotive, the opposite automotive, any harm, the highway, and any site visitors indicators close by. These images will help if there’s a dispute about what occurred.
2. Swap Info with the Different Driver
If one other automotive was concerned, you’ll want their particulars. Write down their:
- Identify and telephone quantity
- License plate quantity
- Insurance coverage firm and coverage quantity
If there have been witnesses, get their contact information too. Their statements may assist later.
3. Maintain Your self Secure
If you happen to’re on a busy highway, keep inside your automotive together with your seatbelt on. Standing close to site visitors will be harmful, particularly on highways. If you happen to should get out, transfer to a secure spot away from the highway.
4. Keep Alert for Tow Truck Scams
Sadly, not each tow truck that exhibits up is legit. Some scammers drive round searching for accidents and attempt to tow vehicles with out permission—then cost outrageous charges. Solely settle for assist from an accident towing Newcastle service that you simply known as or one the police suggest. All the time ask how a lot the tow will price earlier than they hook up your automotive.
The place Will Your Automobile Be Taken?
As soon as your automotive is loaded onto the tow truck, the place does it go? That depends upon a couple of issues:
- Your desire – You may ask the driving force to take your automotive to a restore store, your house, or a storage yard.
- Insurance coverage directions – Some insurance coverage firms have most popular restore outlets, so test with them should you’re unsure.
- The severity of the harm – In case your automotive is totaled (too broken to repair), it could go straight to a wrecking yard.
If you happen to’re unsure the place to ship your automotive, the tow truck driver may give you choices. Simply ensure you know the place it’s going earlier than they drive off.
How A lot Does a Tow Price?
Towing prices range, however a regular tow often prices between $100 and $250 for a brief distance. Longer tows or after-hours service will be dearer. When you have roadside help (like NRMA or RACQ), towing could also be coated in your plan. Some insurance coverage insurance policies additionally cowl towing after an accident, so test your coverage.
Getting Your Automobile Repaired
As soon as your automotive is at a restore store, you’ll have to determine what to do subsequent. If the harm is minor, you is likely to be again on the highway rapidly. If it’s extra critical, repairs might take days and even weeks. Your insurance coverage firm will information you thru the method, however at all times ask for a price estimate earlier than approving any work.
If the automotive is totaled, the insurance coverage firm might pay you its market worth as an alternative of fixing it. In that case, you’ll want to start out searching for a brand new automotive.
Last Ideas
Automobile accidents are by no means enjoyable, however figuring out what to do could make the scenario simpler. Keep calm, test for accidents, and transfer to a secure spot if attainable. Name for assist, take photos, and don’t rush into any selections. And in terms of towing, at all times use a trusted service to ensure your automotive will get the place it must go. Being ready received’t cease accidents from occurring, however it will possibly undoubtedly enable you to deal with them higher.
