Car accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed, especially if your car is towed after an accident, which adds yet another layer of worry. In Utah, you might have questions about who decides on the tow, who pays the accident towing fees, and how to protect your interests if towing bills become unreasonable. 

If you’ve been involved in a car crash, it’s critical to know how legal representation can guide you through such concerns. At Craig Swapp & Associates, our Salt Lake City car crash lawyers provide dedicated support for injured individuals in Utah, with a promise of no legal fees until you settle or win. Our skilled car accident lawyers can offer valuable insights into recovering compensation for your losses, including towing costs and property damage.

Who Decides for Towing After an Accident?

In many collisions, law enforcement officers at the scene make the call for towing after a car accident if your vehicle is blocking traffic or appears too damaged to drive. Alternatively, you may choose to arrange for a tow yourself, especially if you believe you can secure a reasonable rate. 

Utah regulations allow officers to order a tow to clear the road and promote safety. Once a decision is made, the tow company typically arrives quickly to move your car from the crash site.

It’s beneficial to understand Utah’s specific rules governing towing. For instance, under Utah law, tow operators must follow set protocols when removing vehicles involved in crashes. 

Officers often rely on a rotation of approved towing companies, which might make it hard to shop around for rates. That is why you should pay close attention to the documentation provided by the towing service to avoid any surprise accident towing fees.

Costs Involved in Accident Towing

Accident towing can be surprisingly expensive, depending on your car’s size, the distance it needs to be moved, and whether specialized equipment is required for the tow. 

Besides the initial hauling charge, you can also face storage fees if you don’t promptly retrieve your vehicle from the yard. Some towing companies charge per day, and those costs can add up if you wait too long to get the vehicle released.

Because accident towing fees can escalate, you’ll want to request a clear invoice and make sure every charge is accounted for. If any fees seem unreasonable or you suspect overcharging, that might become relevant in a personal injury claim. Whether you work with a car crash lawyer in Utah, they can examine your towing bills to ensure you aren’t paying more than necessary.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Towing Costs?

In many Utah auto insurance policies, coverage for towing after a car accident may be included if you have optional roadside assistance or collision coverage. However, not every policy provides coverage for the entire towing bill. 

Some insurers reimburse you only for part of the cost, while others pay directly to the towing company. If the policy includes a deductible, you may be required to cover that amount before insurance pays the remainder.

The amount you receive from your insurer may or may not fully cover all accident towing fees. If someone else caused your crash, you might pursue a claim with that party’s insurance for reimbursement. In the event you need legal guidance, a Salt Lake City car crash lawyer can help explore options for recouping towing expenses, property repair costs, and other losses.

How to Retrieve Your Car After It Was Towed

When your car is towed after an accident ends up in a tow yard, auto repair shop, or mechanic – the process of getting it back can feel overwhelming. By knowing the right steps, you can avoid unnecessary delays, protect your interests, and address any accident towing costs.

  • Obtain the Tow Yard’s Information: The officer on the scene or the tow truck driver should provide the company’s name, address, and phone number. If they don’t, you can call local law enforcement to find out where your car is located.
  • Verify Ownership: You’ll likely need to show proof of vehicle ownership (title or registration) and valid identification. If the car is officially registered under someone else’s name, that individual or a legally authorized representative might need to be present.
  • Arrange Payment: Before your vehicle is released, the tow company will require payment of any accident towing and storage fees. If you have coverage for towing after a car accident through insurance, speak with your insurer to see if they’ll pay the tow yard directly or reimburse you after you pay out of pocket.
  • Inspect for Damage: Once you have access to your car, inspect it to confirm there’s no new damage from mishandling during the tow. If you notice anything suspicious, take photos or videos.

Disputes in Towing and Storage Fees

Sometimes, the bill for accident towing fees might be higher than you anticipated. In Utah, towing companies are subject to regulations that prevent excessive or unauthorized charges. 

If you believe you’ve been overcharged, you could:

  • Compare Rates: Check towing rate standards in the region. If you see that the fee is far above local norms, it might strengthen your argument.
  • Request an Itemized Statement: Ask the towing company to list each charge separately so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.
  • Consult a Car Accident Attorney: If the dispute escalates, a car crash lawyer in Utah can help advocate for a fair resolution. They can also include towing expenses in any broader personal injury claim if the at-fault driver is responsible for your collision.

Handling a Claim for a Damaged Vehicle

When it comes to car accidents, Utah is a no-fault state. This means your own auto insurance generally covers your medical expenses and property damage first, regardless of who caused the crash. If these costs exceed your policy’s limits or you suffer serious injuries, you may then pursue a third-party claim against the other driver’s insurance. However, the initial step in Utah is typically to file with your own insurer for coverage of both bodily injuries and vehicle-related losses.

Avoiding Pitfalls During the Claims Process

After an accident, the claims process can quickly become complicated if important details are overlooked. Being proactive by retrieving your vehicle promptly, maintaining detailed records, and choosing your words carefully when speaking with insurers can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks and extra fees. 

The following provides key steps to streamline your claim and protect your interests:

  • Don’t Delay: Tow yards charge storage daily, and insurers prefer that claimants mitigate losses. Waiting too long to retrieve your car or file a claim might harm your case or lead to higher fees.
  • Keep Records: Maintain a file with all relevant documents: police reports, insurance correspondence, medical bills, and accident towing invoices. These can help resolve disputes that may surface later.
  • Be Careful with Statements: When speaking to insurers, avoid offering too many details without first getting advice from a car crash lawyer in Utah. Missteps in describing events can become hurdles in your claim.

How Utah Car Accident Lawyers Can Assist in Towing Issues

Reputable Utah car accident lawyers can do more than handle your medical bills or lost wages. 

They can also:

  • Review Insurance Policies: A thorough analysis of your insurance coverage can clarify which elements might pay for towing or storage.
  • Negotiate with the Insurance Company: If your insurer disputes towing coverage, legal counsel can step in to negotiate and seek a more favorable outcome.
  • Pursue Compensation from the At-Fault Party: If another driver caused the crash, you may be able to request towing costs as part of your claim. A Salt Lake City car crash lawyer can structure your case to account for these losses.
  • Preserve and Present Evidence: By collecting photos, invoices, and witness statements, attorneys can assemble a clear narrative that shows how your towing fees arose due to the collision.

When to Get Legal Help After a Car Accident in Utah

Sometimes, an insurance adjuster might dispute who caused the accident or minimize your damages. If your vehicle was towed and you’ve accrued significant fees, having a Salt Lake City car accident lawyer’s perspective can prove beneficial. Legal counsel can review evidence, discuss possible strategies, and represent your best interests in settlement negotiations or litigation.

If you’ve been injured, seeking guidance sooner rather than later can help prevent mistakes that undermine your case. Utah has statutes of limitations for personal injury claims, meaning there’s a limited window in which you can file. A Salt Lake City car crash lawyer familiar with local law can monitor deadlines, coordinate medical evidence, and ensure your towing receipts are part of the overall damage calculation.

At Craig Swapp & Associates, we’re prepared to help you seek fair compensation, from resolving accident towing fees to advocating for your physical, emotional, and financial recovery. It only takes “One Call, That’s All” at our firm to protect your rights and pursue relief for your injuries. 

Call our office today at 1-866-308-3822 or fill out our contact form to have your free consultation scheduled.

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp