Crash Checklist: 14 Things to Do Before and After You Call for a Tow
A traffic accident can shake you.
One second you're cruising toward your next stop, the next you're dealing with broken glass, airbag smoke, and sirens. You need answers fast, not confusion. You're searching for exactly what to do after a wreck, including how to call the right towing service—not just whoever shows up first.
This guide gives drivers in Forsyth County and beyond a simple, step-by-step checklist to follow after a crash. You’ll learn how to document the scene, protect your safety, call for the right help, and avoid common mistakes that cause delays or added costs. If you’ve ever wondered what do I do after an accident before calling a tow truck, this is exactly what you’ve been searching for.
What Should I Do Immediately After an Accident?
Move to Safety First
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- If your car is drivable, steer it to the side of the road.
- If it’s not, stay inside unless there’s smoke, fire, or a high risk of another crash.
Call 911—Even for Minor Wrecks
Police reports help with insurance, liability disputes, and documentation if someone is injured later.
When calling:
- Be clear about your location.
- Say how many vehicles are involved.
- Mention injuries or hazards like leaking fuel.
Stay Calm When Speaking to Others
Avoid admitting fault or discussing what happened with other drivers. Stick to facts. Let the officers investigate and assign responsibility.
What Should I Document Before Calling a Tow Truck?
Take Photos From Multiple Angles
Use your phone to snap:
- All vehicles involved (wide shots and close-ups)
- Visible damage (inside and out)
- Street signs, traffic signals, and skid marks
- License plates of all vehicles
- The scene layout (to show direction and position of each car)
Exchange Basic Info (But Be Cautious)
Gather this from other drivers:
- Name and phone number
- Insurance provider and policy number
- License plate number
- Driver’s license number
Only share your name, phone number, and insurance. Avoid giving your full address or discussing coverage limits at the scene.
What Do Police Need From Me?
Have These Items Ready
- Your driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of insurance
- A calm attitude
Answer the officer's questions clearly. Once you receive the police report number, write it down or take a photo of the citation or accident report slip. You’ll need it for claims.
Ask Where Your Vehicle Will Be Towed
If the police request a tow, ask:
- What company will tow it?
- Where will it be taken?
- Can you request your own towing service?
What Information Should I Give the Towing Company?
Be Specific and Clear
When you contact Potts Towing or another trusted provider, be ready to give:
- Your location or closest intersection
- Your vehicle’s make, model, year
- The condition (flat tire, smoke, won’t start, etc.)
- Whether the car is stuck or off-road
- Your drop-off location (or ask for storage options)
How Do I Know Which Towing Service to Trust?
Watch for Scams at Accident Scenes
Some scammy companies cruise around looking for accidents. They may try to tow your vehicle without explaining costs or where they’re taking it.
To protect yourself:
- Ask for credentials and ID.
- Demand a printed or written rate sheet.
- Refuse service unless you’ve spoken directly to the dispatcher.
- Avoid handing over your keys unless you know where the vehicle is going.
Choose a Local, Reputable Tow Company
A local company with known storage yards and published pricing is safer than a company with no website or vague phone numbers.
✔️ Look for:
- Clear rates on their website
- Verified Google or Facebook reviews
- GPS tracking or text updates
- Responsive, knowledgeable dispatchers
Potts Towing serves Forsyth County, and other North Georgia communities with real-time updates and local driver dispatch, not an outsourced call center.
What Should I Do with the Car After the Tow?
Decide on Destination
If you don’t know where to take the vehicle right away:
- Ask the tow company if they offer short-term storage.
- Contact your insurance to find a partner repair shop.
- If needed, request a second tow later.
Get a Receipt
Make sure the invoice includes:
- Tow location and destination
- Date and time
- Mileage or hourly charges
- Storage or admin fees
Always keep a photo of the receipt for your insurance claim.
How Can I Make an Insurance Claim Easier?
File Within 24 Hours
Even if you’re shaken up, try to contact your insurer quickly. Share:
- The police report number
- Your photos and videos
- Your tow truck receipt
Most insurance companies will reimburse your tow costs if they’re reasonable and if you used a legitimate company.
Ask for Reimbursement Guidelines
Every insurer is different. Ask:
- Is there a mileage limit for reimbursement?
- Do they cover flatbed vs wheel-lift?
- Is storage included?
Printable Checklist: Keep This in Your Glovebox
Here’s a simplified version you can print and keep in your car.
✅ Post-Accident Towing Checklist
✔️ Move to Safety
◻️ Turn on hazard lights
◻️ Exit traffic if possible
✔️ Call 911
◻️ Give location, injuries, and number of vehicles
✔️ Document the Scene
◻️ Take photos of damage
◻️ Photograph license plates and street signs
✔️ Exchange Info
◻️ Get names, phone numbers, insurance
◻️ Record police report number
✔️ Request a Towing Company You Trust
◻️ Ask police if you can choose your own tow
◻️ Call a known local provider like Potts Towing
✔️ Tell the Tow Company This Info
◻️ Location and cross street
◻️ Vehicle make, model, year
◻️ Visible damage
◻️ Where to take the car
✔️ After the Tow
◻️ Get an itemized receipt
◻️ Contact your insurer
◻️ Submit claim with photos, report, receipt
Click
here
to download the checklist.
Conclusion
Accidents are never planned, but having a plan afterward can protect your wallet, your time, and your legal standing. This checklist helps you react the right way when stress is running high. You now know what to photograph, what to say, how to protect your rights, and how to choose a reliable towing service in Cumming.
If you live or drive through North Georgia, keep Potts Towing in your contacts. We respond quickly, quote transparently, and treat you with respect. You don’t need to figure it all out roadside. Just
call us, and we’ll take it from there.
