Automobile accidents can occur to anybody, even in the event you’re a cautious driver. One minute you’re cruising alongside, and the following, you’re coping with a fender bender or worse. It’s worrying, however realizing what to do could make an enormous distinction. In case your automobile is broken and gained’t drive, you’ll want a tow. However how does that work? Who do you name? And what do you have to do whilst 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 gained’t assist. In case you’re capable of, examine your self and any passengers for accidents. If anybody is harm, name your native emergency quantity instantly. Even minor accidents ought to be checked out by a physician, simply to be secure.
If everyone seems to be okay, examine on the opposite driver (if one other automobile is concerned). Be well mannered, however don’t admit fault—even in the event you assume the accident was your fault. That’s for insurance coverage corporations to determine later.
Transfer to a Secure Spot (If Potential)
In case your automobile remains to be drivable and it’s secure to take action, transfer it to the facet of the highway. This helps forestall one other accident and retains visitors shifting. In case your automobile gained’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 in the event you’re in instant hazard, like if there’s smoke or a gasoline leak.
Name for Assist
When you’re secure, it’s time to make some calls. Right here’s who you would possibly have to contact:
- Emergency providers – If the accident is critical, name the police. They’ll assist direct visitors, file a report, and ensure everyone seems to be okay.
- Insurance coverage firm – Some insurance coverage corporations require you to report accidents instantly. If yours does, give them a fast name.
- A tow truck – In case your automobile gained’t drive, you’ll want a tow. Unsure who to name? Accident towing providers may help get your automobile off the highway and to a restore store safely.
What to Do Whereas Ready for a Tow
Ready for a tow truck would possibly take a while, relying on 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 potential), snap some photographs. Get clear photos of your automobile, the opposite automobile, any injury, the highway, and any visitors indicators close by. These photographs may help if there’s a dispute about what occurred.
2. Swap Data with the Different Driver
If one other automobile was concerned, you’ll want their particulars. Write down their:
- Identify and cellphone quantity
- License plate quantity
- Insurance coverage firm and coverage quantity
If there have been witnesses, get their contact information too. Their statements would possibly assist later.
3. Maintain Your self Secure
In case you’re on a busy highway, keep inside your automobile together with your seatbelt on. Standing close to visitors might be harmful, particularly on highways. In case you 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 reveals up is legit. Some scammers drive round on the lookout 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. At all times ask how a lot the tow will value earlier than they hook up your automobile.
The place Will Your Automobile Be Taken?
As soon as your automobile is loaded onto the tow truck, the place does it go? That depends upon just a few issues:
- Your choice – You’ll be able to ask the driving force to take your automobile to a restore store, your property, or a storage yard.
- Insurance coverage directions – Some insurance coverage corporations have most well-liked restore outlets, so examine with them in the event you’re unsure.
- The severity of the injury – In case your automobile is totaled (too broken to repair), it could go straight to a wrecking yard.
In case you’re unsure the place to ship your automobile, 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 Value?
Towing prices range, however an ordinary tow often prices between $100 and $250 for a brief distance. Longer tows or after-hours service might be dearer. When you have roadside help (like NRMA or RACQ), towing could also be lined in your plan. Some insurance coverage insurance policies additionally cowl towing after an accident, so examine your coverage.
Getting Your Automobile Repaired
As soon as your automobile is at a restore store, you’ll have to determine what to do subsequent. If the injury is minor, you is likely to be again on the highway rapidly. If it’s extra critical, repairs may 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 automobile is totaled, the insurance coverage firm might pay you its market worth as a substitute of fixing it. In that case, you’ll want to start out on the lookout for a brand new automobile.
Last Ideas
Automobile accidents are by no means enjoyable, however realizing what to do could make the state of affairs simpler. Keep calm, examine for accidents, and transfer to a secure spot if potential. Name for assist, take photos, and don’t rush into any selections. And relating to towing, at all times use a trusted service to ensure your automobile will get the place it must go. Being ready gained’t cease accidents from taking place, however it might probably positively allow you to deal with them higher.
