After a vehicle crash in Everett, one of the immediate concerns is getting the damaged vehicle off the roadway, and that usually means towing. Whether the vehicle is blocking traffic or cannot be driven, law enforcement or the drivers themselves will arrange for it to be towed. 

But who pays for the towing after a car accident in Everett? The answer depends on several factors, including fault, insurance coverage, and the type of vehicle involved.

With the help of our Everett car accident lawyer at Craig Swapp & Associates, we’ve compiled information you must know about the rules surrounding towing after a car accident in Everett, Washington, what costs you can expect, and how those expenses are paid. 

Driver’s Authority to Tow in Washington State

Under Washington State law, vehicle owners or operators have the right to choose their own towing company after an accident, unless law enforcement decides the vehicle must be removed immediately for safety or traffic flow. In emergency situations, law enforcement may dispatch a tow truck through a rotation list, particularly if the vehicle is left unattended or creates a hazard.

If your vehicle is towed at the direction of the police, you’ll likely be responsible for covering the fees up front. However, whether or not you ultimately pay depends on insurance and liability.

Who Pays for Towing Costs After a Crash in Everett?

In most car accidents, the person who pays for the towing depends on who caused the crash and the insurance policies involved. 

Let’s explore the two primary ways towing charges are handled: insurance coverage and out-of-pocket payment.

Insurance Payment for Towing

In Washington, a fault-based insurance state, the party responsible for the accident is typically liable for resulting damages, including towing costs. If the other driver caused the crash, their liability insurance may cover towing and associated expenses for your vehicle.

Washington requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. If the at-fault driver is properly insured, their carrier should reimburse towing costs once fault is established. However, reimbursement is not always immediate, and you might need to front the costs and submit a claim.

If you carry optional coverage like collision or roadside assistance under your own policy, it may pay for towing after a car accident in Everett, regardless of who is at fault. These coverages typically have limits, so you’ll need to review your policy carefully. To understand how your auto policy works, visit this detailed breakdown of auto insurance in Washington State.

Out-of-Pocket Payment for Towing

Unfortunately, not all insurance plans cover towing, and not all drivers carry additional coverage. If neither the at-fault driver’s insurance nor your policy covers towing, or if liability is still being determined, you may be forced to pay out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement later. Keeping receipts and documenting all charges is essential for recovering these expenses.

The same principles apply to other types of vehicles, such as motorcycles, trucks, or SUVs. Hence, who pays for towing after a crash comes down to fault, insurance coverage, and the timeliness of your actions.

Towing Costs to Expect After a Crash in Everett 

The cost of towing isn’t just about hooking your vehicle to a truck and taking it away. Several other fees may apply, and they can add up quickly, especially if you don’t recover the vehicle right away.

Here are common towing-related charges in Everett:

  • Towing Fee: This is the base fee for transporting the vehicle, often ranging from $100 to $250 depending on distance and vehicle type.
  • Hourly Rate: Some companies charge an hourly rate for the time spent towing, particularly for more complicated recoveries.
  • Winching & Debris Removal: If your car went off-road or left debris on the scene, additional charges may apply to clean up or pull the car out.
  • After-Hours Fee: If the crash occurred outside of normal business hours, expect surcharges for nights, weekends, or holidays.
  • Storage Fees: Vehicles are typically towed to a storage lot, where daily storage fees may apply, often around $50 per day.
  • Administrative Fees: Some companies charge paperwork or release fees if your vehicle stays in their lot for more than a few days.

If your vehicle was towed at the request of police or after being left abandoned, you can check the Washington State Patrol’s impound system to locate it and retrieve it as quickly as possible before storage fees accumulate.

Common Problems in Towing After a Crash in Everett

Car accident victims in Everett frequently run into towing-related complications that can result in unnecessary expenses or delays in getting compensation.

Here are common issues to watch out for:

  • Unlawful or Premature Towing: In some cases, vehicles are towed without the owner’s consent or before the owner had a chance to remove valuables.
  • Excessive Fees: Some tow companies overcharge or add hidden fees. Always request an itemized bill.
  • Delayed Insurance Reimbursement: It can take weeks or months for insurance companies to investigate liability, leaving victims to carry the burden up front.
  • Storage Charges After Total Loss: If your vehicle is deemed totaled and sits in a lot, storage fees may continue to rise unless the insurance company steps in quickly.
  • Disputes Over Fault: Until fault is accepted, insurers may delay reimbursement. This is especially challenging if you’re relying on the other driver’s insurer.

You can protect yourself by thoroughly documenting the towing, retaining all receipts, and reporting the accident properly to create a formal record of what occurred.

Got Towing Costs Disputes? Talk to an Accident Lawyer in WA

Towing after a crash in Everett is often one of the first unexpected expenses victims face, and it’s not always clear who’s going to pay. Whether you’re dealing with towing bills, insurance delays, or injury-related losses, our no-win-no-fee car crash lawyers at Craig Swapp & Associates will review your case, help you pursue reimbursement, and hold the responsible party accountable.

Call us at 360-964-8079 or send us a message about your case by answering our online form here to schedule your free consultation. 

Written By: Ryan Swapp     Legal Review By: Craig Swapp