3 Tips For Dealing With A Wrecked Vehicle
Posted on: 21 September 2021
There's no such thing as a good accident, but some are worse than others. Even if you're lucky enough to avoid injuries, you may find yourself on the side of the road with a wrecked vehicle and no way home. Unfortunately, it's not always clear what to do in these situations, especially if you've never been in a severe accident before.
These three tips will help you to recover your vehicle safely and potentially avoid spending more money than necessary in the process.
1. Stay Clear of the Area
Severely damaged vehicles can be potential hazards for many reasons. Even if you don't see or smell any problems, your car may be leaking fluids such as coolant, oil, or fuel. In the latter case, there's a genuine danger of fire. While emergency services will assess your vehicle when you arrive, it's best to remain as far away from the vehicle as you can.
Likewise, you shouldn't try to recover your personal belongings until after the fire department arrives. Grab only what is necessary as you exit the vehicle, and then keep your distance afterward. You should also advise anyone who stops to help to keep their distance from the car as well.
2. Don't Turn the Car Back On
In addition to remaining clear of the vehicle, you should avoid turning the car back on for any reason. If your vehicle has severe damage, it may have lost oil or otherwise be in a situation where cranking the engine can cause more damage. Even worse, you may potentially start a fire if there are any hidden fuel leaks.
3. Contact Your Own Towing Company
The police will usually bring their own wrecker for vehicles obstructing the flow of traffic. In these cases, you'll usually need to pay for the tow, and any storage feeds at the salvage yard. This option can be valuable if you don't know of any towing companies in the area or you don't have a particular preference. Unfortunately, these options can sometimes be costly.
If you have a preferred towing company, you can have them come and take your vehicle. In these cases, you can have them transport the car to your home or a preferred mechanic or salvage yard. Taking this approach can save you some money, so it's worth considering. However, keep in mind that you'll need to choose quickly since the police will usually want your car off the road as soon as possible.
Reach out to a local auto wrecker service to learn more.
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