After a car accident, the first thing that you need to do is call the police. Once they have arrived, they will assess the situation and determine if your vehicle needs to be towed away. If it does, you must know what happens next. This blog post will discuss the process of having your car towed after a crash and what you can expect.
Familiarize yourself with lien sales
Sometimes, your car may be towed to a pound or an impound lot. If this happens, you must retrieve your vehicle as soon as possible. If you do not, the impound lot may sell your car at a lien sale. A lien sale is a public auction where the highest bidder takes ownership of your vehicle. The proceeds will go to cover the towing and storage fees that have accrued. If you are involved in a road mishap, you need to be familiar with the lien sale process, so you can be prepared if your vehicle is towed to an impound lot. You should also be aware that, in some states, you may have to pay a fee to get your vehicle back from the impound lot.
Understand the release process
If your car is brought to an impound lot, you must retrieve it as soon as possible. You will need to obtain a release form from the police department to do this. The release form will need to be filled out and signed by a representative from the impound lot. Once you have the release form, you must bring it to the impound lot and pay any required fees. Once the fees are paid, you can retrieve your vehicle.
Know when to call a tow truck
If your car is involved in a minor accident, it may not need to be towed away. However, if the damage is severe, you will likely need to call a tow truck. You should also contact a tow truck if your car is blocking traffic or if it is unsafe to drive. Sometimes, the police may tow your vehicle, even if you do not want them to. You will need to retrieve your vehicle from the impound lot if this happens.
Be prepared to pay fees
If your car is towed, you will be responsible for paying the tow truck fee. In addition, you may also be responsible for paying a storage fee if your car is stored at an impound lot. The prices will vary depending on the tow truck company and the impound lot. Be sure to ask about the fees before you agree to have your car towed. For example, the costs for towing and storage may be different if your vehicle is towed to an impound lot versus a pound. An impound lot is a private facility, while a pound is a public facility. It is usually more expensive to retrieve your vehicle from an impound lot than a pound.
Consult a mechanic
You may also want to consult a mechanic before your car is towed. If the damage is severe, they may be able to give you an estimate of the repairs that need to be made. This way, you will know if it is worth having your car towed and repaired. For example, if the damage is extensive, it may be more cost-effective to have your vehicle towed to a salvage yard. This way, you can sell the parts from your car and use the money to buy a new one. Conversely, if the damage is minor, you may be able to repair your vehicle yourself or bring it to a mechanic for a less expensive repair.
Get a lawyer
Finally, if you are involved in a car accident, you may want to consult a lawyer. They can help you to understand your rights and options. They can also assist you in filing a claim with your insurance company. In most instances, the cost of a tow truck will not be covered by your insurance company. However, they may be able to reimburse you for the cost of the repairs. For instance, if your car is totaled, you may be able to receive a check for the value of your vehicle. If you are unsure what to do after a car accident, a lawyer can help you make the best decision for your situation. They can also help negotiate with the other driver’s insurance company.
After being involved in a road accident, it is essential to know what to expect. Your car may be towed away, and you must retrieve it from an impound lot. You will also be responsible for paying the tow truck fee and any accrued storage fees. Rest assured that with some preparation, you can handle this situation easily.