Rae Castillon on July 29, 2024 No Comments
Anyone who has been in a car accident knows the feeling – you hear the crunch of metal, and your heart sinks. All of a sudden there’s a whole new list of things that need to be done. Get the cars somewhere safe; check for injuries; check the vehicles for damage; begin the insurance process; the list goes on. When the tow truck finally shows up to tow your car, it’s a sigh of relief. But who pays for the tow truck?
This can be a confusing moment to figure out. It’s one step of many following a car accident that can be tricky to determine who is responsible for. Keep reading to learn more about who is liable for which expenses after an accident, then contact a Phoenix car accident attorney for help filing a claim for compensation.
Factors Determining Who Pays
One of the most important factors in determining liability for the tow truck payment is determining who was at fault for the accident. This process isn’t as simple as it sounds, as multiple parties might share fault for the accident.
Usually, the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay for the tow truck cost. If the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the cost, it could be covered by uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. This type of insurance is required in 14 states.
Other types of insurance coverage that may apply in this scenario include:
- Collision coverage: covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident, regardless of who is at fault
- Comprehensive coverage: covers damage to your car caused by something other than a collision
- Roadside assistance: sometimes covers the cost of towing
In a handful of states, which are considered “no-fault states,” each driver’s insurance company covers their own damages regardless of fault. So, in these states, your own insurance would likely cover the towing of your car.
Check your specific policy details and local laws for a better understanding of what’s covered by your insurance.
Other Scenarios
If you were involved in a single-vehicle accident, such as hitting a pole, you might need to cover the towing costs yourself unless your policy includes collision or comprehensive coverage.
In non-collision accidents, such as mechanical breakdowns or weather-related incidents, the responsibility for towing costs can vary. For mechanical issues, roadside assistance might be the most relevant coverage.
Tips for Minimizing Tow Costs
One important thing to note is that you can request that your car be towed to your house or a repair shop. If you don’t, it will be taken to the tow yard and they will charge you a very high daily storage fee until you can get it.
Also, be aware that you can sometimes negotiate with the towing company. You might be able to talk your way into lowering the storage fees with the tow yard, especially if they don’t seem reasonable. When you call a towing company, request an estimate first. If it sounds high, you can call other companies to compare quotes.
Make sure to document everything at the accident scene before your car is towed, assuming you can do so safely. Take pictures of the damage to your car so that your insurance company can have all the information they need to process your claim.
In Most Cases, You Can Rely on Insurance
After an accident, knowing who is responsible for the towing costs can alleviate some of the stress that comes with the incident. The at-fault driver’s insurance typically covers these expenses, but various other coverages, such as UM/UIM, collision, comprehensive, and roadside assistance, can also come into play. In no-fault states, your own insurance might handle the costs regardless of fault. It’s crucial to understand your specific policy details and be proactive in documenting everything at the scene to aid the claims process.
Above all, prioritize your safety and well-being, and don’t hesitate to consult with a legal professional to ensure you receive the support and compensation you deserve.
