What to do if your car is towed after an accident? If your car is towed after an accident, act quickly to minimize costs and protect critical evidence. Towing companies often charge daily storage fees, which can add up if you delay retrieving your car.
Fortunately, your Charlottesville car accident lawyer can help you regain access to your vehicle and protect your financial interests after a crash.
Identify the Towing Company
The first step when your car is towed after an accident is to determine which towing company has possession of your vehicle. Law enforcement officers at the scene of the crash often coordinate with local towing services to remove damaged vehicles from the roadway. If you were unable to speak with the officer about towing arrangements, the police department handling your accident report is a good place to start.
You can also contact local towing companies directly to inquire if they have your car. Provide details such as the make, model, and license plate number of your vehicle, as well as the location of the accident. Many towing companies work closely with law enforcement and property owners, so they are likely to have records of vehicles removed from the area.
If the accident occurred on private property, such as a parking lot, the property owner or manager may have arranged the towing. Reaching out to the property owner can help you confirm which towing company was contacted and where your car was taken. Acting quickly to locate your vehicle is crucial if you hope to avoid accruing unnecessary storage fees at the tow yard.
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Collect the Necessary Documents
Before retrieving your vehicle from the towing company, it is important to gather the required documents. These documents verify your identity, ownership of the vehicle, and current insurance coverage. Documents you will need include:
- Driver’s license.
- Proof of vehicle ownership or registration.
- Proof of insurance.
- Police report.
Presenting these documents confirms your authorization to retrieve the vehicle and provides the towing company with the information they need to release it. In some cases, the police report can also clarify details about why the vehicle was towed. Being prepared with these materials can save time and prevent additional fees from accruing while your vehicle remains in storage.
Contact the Insurance Company
Your Charlottesville personal injury lawyer can notify your insurance company on your behalf after your car is towed. Reporting the incident ensures your claim is documented and allows the insurance company to guide you through the claims process. Acting quickly can help you determine what expenses, such as towing and storage fees, may be covered under your policy.
Many auto insurance policies include coverage for towing and roadside assistance, which can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for removing your vehicle. Your insurer can confirm whether your policy includes this benefit and explain how to submit the necessary documentation for reimbursement. Providing them with details about the accident and the towing company will also help them coordinate the claim effectively.
Additionally, timely reporting can prevent delays in processing your claim and ensure that your vehicle repairs or replacement are addressed as soon as possible. Your insurance company may also be able to provide advice on handling interactions with the towing company or other involved parties. Staying proactive with your insurer can save time and reduce financial stress as you manage the next steps.
Retrieving Your Towed Vehicle
Recovering your car after it has been towed requires careful attention to detail and prompt action. Knowing the steps to take can help you avoid unnecessary fees and ensure your vehicle is returned in good condition.
By locating the towing lot, paying the required fees, and inspecting your car thoroughly, you can streamline the process and protect your rights.
In cases with serious injuries, we oftentimes make arrangements for a trained professional to download the blackbox data from a car that was involved in a crash. There are a number of steps to complete when that is done, and it is important to work with a knowledgeable attorney to make arrangements to do this work.
Locate the Towing Lot
The first step in retrieving your car is confirming its location at the towing lot. Contact the towing company directly to verify the address, operating hours, and accepted payment methods. Gathering this information ahead of time can save you time and prevent delays when you arrive to recover your vehicle.
Pay Towing and Storage Fees
Towing companies typically charge an initial fee for towing your vehicle, along with daily storage fees, while it remains on their property. Acting quickly to recover your car can help minimize these charges, as storage fees often accumulate daily. If your car was towed after normal business hours, you may also face additional after-hours charges. Potential fees, despite limitations under Virginia Code § 46.2-1233.1, include:
- Initial towing fees
- Daily storage fees
- Additional after-hours charges
Inspect Your Vehicle for Damage
Before leaving the towing lot, inspect your car thoroughly for any new damage that may have occurred during towing or storage. Check the exterior for scratches, dents, or broken parts, and review the interior for missing items or additional damage. Taking photos of your car before leaving the lot can serve as evidence if you need to file a claim for damages.
Handling Disputes or Unfair Towing Practices
Unfair towing practices, such as overcharging or unauthorized tows, can create unnecessary stress after an accident. Knowing how to identify and address these issues is essential if you hope to avoid excessive costs. By understanding towing laws and following the appropriate steps, you can resolve disputes and hold the towing company or at-fault party accountable for your costs.
If you believe you were unfairly charged or your vehicle was towed without authorization, you have the right to dispute the matter. Start by contacting the towing company directly to request an explanation of the charges or towing circumstances. If the company fails to resolve the issue, bring your concerns to your local regulatory agency or consumer protection office.
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Meet With a Leading Car Accident Lawyer for Help Today
If your car is towed and you are struggling to recover after a serious car accident, securing dedicated legal representation can help you take back control of your life. Your compassionate Charlottesville car accident lawyer with MartinWren, P.C. will fight to recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to for your injuries and damages.
Call us or complete our secure online contact form today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and find out how we can help.
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