Accidents aren’t uncommon in Florida, especially for those who pass through some of the most dangerous roads and intersections while commuting or running errands. With Florida’s average of nearly 400,000 accidents per year, including over 7,000 in Pasco County, driving in the state can be a dangerous undertaking.
Even if you pride yourself on safe driving habits, you simply can’t account for those of other drivers. Anyone on the road could be driving drunk or engaging in distracted driving. A collision can leave you injured and cause serious damage to your vehicle. If you can’t drive away from the scene of a crash, a tow truck will have to take your car away.
What happens to your car if it’s towed after an accident? How do you get it back, and will you have to cover the costs for towing, storage, and repairs? Here’s what you need to know.
Lot Storage
A car might be towed from the scene of an accident either because it’s undrivable or because the owner has gone to the hospital and there’s no one to drive it home.
When the driver is not at the scene, the car will usually be taken to a mechanic, a car shop, or a salvage yard for storage until the owner or an authorized person can pick it up.
Drivers who are on the scene may ask for the vehicle to be towed directly to a specific repair shop for assessment. If your insurance policy covers towing, you may need to use an approved company to ensure the costs of towing and storage are paid for.
Sometimes, the police might consider the vehicle to be evidence in a criminal investigation. In that case, they may have it placed on hold at a tow lot or towed to their impound lot pending investigation. You may reclaim your vehicle once the investigation is complete, provided there are no charges filed against you.
Insurance Assessment
In cases of significant damage, an insurance adjuster may assess the vehicle's condition or have a preferred mechanic provide an assessment. This step will determine the cost and timeline for repairs. Alternatively, the vehicle may be deemed a total loss.
Accessing Your Vehicle
You probably want to get into your vehicle to remove your personal items. Or it may be time to move it from a tow lot or police impound lot to a repair shop.
However, accessing your car after it has been towed may not be as easy as you think. You’ll have to meet key criteria, such as providing a valid driver’s license and the vehicle's title or registration.
Additionally, you or your insurance provider may have to pay towing and storage fees before you can access the vehicle. And if you want someone else to access the vehicle on your behalf, they’ll need a notarized letter of authorization and a photo ID.
Undoing The Damage
There’s no way to fully reverse the harm caused during a car accident that was the fault of another driver. Florida is a no-fault auto insurance state, which means that at least some of your medical expenses could be covered. However, the extent of coverage depends on your policy, which could leave you holding the bag for your remaining costs.
The good news is that you could seek damages not covered by your insurance policy by proving the other driver was at fault. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you determine whether you have a case for recovery.
Contact the New Port Richey Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in New Port Richey. We have convenient locations in Florida: St. Petersburg, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - St. Petersburg Law Office
840 Beach Dr NE Suite 202
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers - Safety Harbor Law Office
202 9th Ave S Suite A-2
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 787-2500
