Car accidents can happen to anyone, even if you’re a careful driver. One minute you’re cruising along, and the next, you’re dealing with a fender bender or worse. It’s stressful, but knowing what to do can make a huge difference. If your car is damaged and won’t drive, you’ll need a tow. But how does that work? Who do you call? And what should you do while you wait? Let’s break it down so you’ll be prepared if it ever happens.
Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
First things first—take a deep breath. Accidents are scary, but panicking won’t help. If you’re able to, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call your local emergency number right away. Even minor injuries should be checked out by a doctor, just to be safe.
If everyone is okay, check on the other driver (if another car is involved). Be polite, but don’t admit fault—even if you think the accident was your fault. That’s for insurance companies to figure out later.
Move to a Safe Spot (If Possible)
If your car is still drivable and it’s safe to do so, move it to the side of the road. This helps prevent another accident and keeps traffic moving. If your car won’t start or is too damaged to move, turn on your hazard lights and stay inside where it’s safest. Only get out if you’re in immediate danger, like if there’s smoke or a fuel leak.
Call for Help
Once you’re safe, it’s time to make some calls. Here’s who you might need to contact:
- Emergency services – If the accident is serious, call the police. They’ll help direct traffic, file a report, and make sure everyone is okay.
- Insurance company – Some insurance companies require you to report accidents right away. If yours does, give them a quick call.
- A tow truck – If your car won’t drive, you’ll need a tow. Not sure who to call? Accident towing services can help get your car off the road and to a repair shop safely.
What to Do While Waiting for a Tow
Waiting for a tow truck might take some time, depending on traffic and how busy they are. Here’s what you can do in the meantime:
1. Take Pictures of the Accident Scene
Before moving anything (if possible), snap some photos. Get clear pictures of your car, the other car, any damage, the road, and any traffic signs nearby. These photos can help if there’s a dispute about what happened.
2. Swap Information with the Other Driver
If another car was involved, you’ll need their details. Write down their:
- Name and phone number
- License plate number
- Insurance company and policy number
If there were witnesses, get their contact info too. Their statements might help later.
3. Keep Yourself Safe
If you’re on a busy road, stay inside your car with your seatbelt on. Standing near traffic can be dangerous, especially on highways. If you must get out, move to a safe spot away from the road.
4. Stay Alert for Tow Truck Scams
Unfortunately, not every tow truck that shows up is legit. Some scammers drive around looking for accidents and try to tow cars without permission—then charge outrageous fees. Only accept help from an accident towing Newcastle service that you called or one the police recommend. Always ask how much the tow will cost before they hook up your car.
Where Will Your Car Be Taken?
Once your car is loaded onto the tow truck, where does it go? That depends on a few things:
- Your preference – You can ask the driver to take your car to a repair shop, your home, or a storage yard.
- Insurance instructions – Some insurance companies have preferred repair shops, so check with them if you’re not sure.
- The severity of the damage – If your car is totaled (too damaged to fix), it may go straight to a wrecking yard.
If you’re not sure where to send your car, the tow truck driver can give you options. Just make sure you know where it’s going before they drive off.
How Much Does a Tow Cost?
Towing costs vary, but a standard tow usually costs between $100 and $250 for a short distance. Longer tows or after-hours service can be more expensive. If you have roadside assistance (like NRMA or RACQ), towing may be covered in your plan. Some insurance policies also cover towing after an accident, so check your policy.
Getting Your Car Repaired
Once your car is at a repair shop, you’ll need to decide what to do next. If the damage is minor, you might be back on the road quickly. If it’s more serious, repairs could take days or even weeks. Your insurance company will guide you through the process, but always ask for a cost estimate before approving any work.
If the car is totaled, the insurance company may pay you its market value instead of fixing it. In that case, you’ll need to start looking for a new car.
Final Thoughts
Car accidents are never fun, but knowing what to do can make the situation easier. Stay calm, check for injuries, and move to a safe spot if possible. Call for help, take pictures, and don’t rush into any decisions. And when it comes to towing, always use a trusted service to make sure your car gets where it needs to go. Being prepared won’t stop accidents from happening, but it can definitely help you handle them better.