Right after a collision, nobody is thinking clearly, and that's normal. At Towing Kalamazoo, our job at an accident scene is to take the vehicle side of the problem off your hands. We get the damaged car or truck off the road safely, clear the debris it left behind, and take it somewhere secure where your insurance adjuster can see it.
First, the people
If anyone is hurt, call 911 before you call us. Police and medical crews come first. Once the scene is safe and officers have what they need, our operator steps in. If police request the tow from the scene, we coordinate with them directly. If you're calling us yourself after a minor crash, tell us which vehicle needs moving and whether it can roll.
What accident recovery involves
A wrecked car is harder to move than a broken-down one. Wheels may be locked or bent, panels can drag, and fluids may be leaking onto the road. Depending on the damage, our operator will:
- Winch the vehicle out of a ditch, off a curb or away from a pole without twisting the frame further
- Use dollies or skates under wheels that no longer turn
- Strap loose bumpers, doors and trim so nothing comes off on the way
- Sweep glass and plastic from the roadway and spread absorbent on oil or coolant
- Load the vehicle on a flatbed so it travels without adding new damage
Where your vehicle goes next
You decide. We can take it to a body shop you trust, to the shop your insurer recommends, or to our secure storage lot while you sort out the claim. Before we leave the scene, take your registration, insurance card, garage opener, child seats and any valuables out of the car. If you can't do that safely, tell us and we'll arrange a time for you to collect your things.
Working with your insurance company
Adjusters usually want to inspect the vehicle before repairs start. We'll tell you where it's stored so you can pass that on, and we can release it to the repair shop or salvage buyer once you give the go-ahead. If you're dealing with a hit-and-run, file a police report as soon as you can. Your insurer will ask for the report number.
Accident Recovery questions
Do I have to use the tow company the police call?
If officers request a tow to clear the roadway, that tow goes ahead first. Afterwards you can usually have the vehicle moved to the shop of your choice.
Can you pick up a car from an accident earlier in the day?
Yes. If your vehicle was left at a lot, a business or a roadside, call us with the location and we'll collect it and take it where it needs to go.
Will my car be safe at your lot?
Our storage lot is fenced and monitored, and vehicles are released only to the owner or someone the owner authorizes.