After a Car Accident, What Now?
If you’ve been driving long enough, you have probably found yourself in this situation. You were in a car accident, and now your car is sitting at a tow lot. The question is, what now?
What are your rights and responsibilities as the owner of the vehicle?
Choosing a Tow Company
First and foremost, before your car is even towed, remember, you do NOT have to use the tow company the police want. You can decide where your car is towed.
If you are unsure, you can always ask your insurance company if they have a preferred lot.
Your Rights at the Tow Lot
Once the car is in your preferred lot, you as the owner have protections and rights that the tow lot must respect. As the owner of the vehicle, as long as you can provide proof of ownership, the tow lot must allow you to get into your vehicle and retrieve any personal items at no cost and without making you retrieve the vehicle itself.
Limited Towing Charges in Ohio
Under the Administrative Code here in Ohio, the amount the tow lot can charge you for various services is limited by the State. These limitations are based on the weight of your car.
What Tow Lots Can Charge For
- Towing
- Storage
- After-hour retrieval fees
- Administrative fees
Your Responsibility to Minimize Costs
That said, you have some responsibilities as the owner of the car, even if the accident was not your fault. Although the at-fault driver’s insurance may be responsible for paying the costs while your vehicle is in the tow lot, you have a responsibility to keep those costs as low as possible.
If Your Car Is Drivable
If the car is drivable, it is in your best interest to get the car out of the tow lot as fast as possible, even if you have to pay a fee. That fee will have to be reimbursed to you by the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If Your Car Is Not Drivable
If the car is not drivable, you may have the ability to just sell it to the lot as well. While many tow yards will wait thirty days to dispose of your car, by law, you only have ten days from the date you receive notice that your car is in the lot to make arrangements. Therefore, it is in your best interest to make sure the car is taken care of as soon as you can.
Navigating Post-Accident Stress
Being in a car accident, especially one severe enough to force your car to be towed from the scene, can be stressful and confusing. But, remember to keep in mind, you DO have rights and protections when it comes to your vehicle as outlined above.
Helping Ohians After Car Accidents for Over 30 Years
If you have any further questions about your vehicle while it is in the tow lot, feel free to reach out to us here at McKenzie and Snyder at 513-737-5180. We provide a free case evaluation and if we take your case, there is no charge to you unless we win your compensation.
Written by car accident attorney Andrew Tobergte at McKenzie & Snyder LLP.; helping Ohioans get compensated after car or truck accidents for over 30 years.
Give us a call today.
