If your car is severely injured in an accident in San Diego, towing it from the scene is imperative. Whether you can drive the vehicle or need medical assistance will depend on the severity of the situation, but the car will be towed from the scene to clear the road and not hold up the traffic. If you are confused and have no idea how to deal with the situation, we recommend that you consult a lawyer.
- Can you drive your car after an accident?
No, your vehicle is not in the proper driving condition after the accident. It goes through severe damage, making it no longer safe to drive. Here are the reasons you should not drive:
- The vehicle goes through mechanical damage, making it catastrophic to drive or operate. The vehicle can become undrivable, as there might be broken axles, damaged suspension, or steering issues.
- After an accident, the police or insurance companies might prohibit you from driving. The vehicle has to undergo an inspection, and until it is declared safe, it becomes risky to drive.
- Accidents with other heavy vehicles can lead to structural damage, such as a bent car frame, broken glass, or damaged tyres. So, until repair is done, the vehicle remains dangerous to operate.
- What is a non-consensual tow?
When your vehicle is towed without your direct approval, it is termed a non-consensual tow. In San Diego, this typically occurs when police, first responders, or insurance companies decide the car is not drivable after an accident; it can also pose a hazard. Non-consensual towing is usually done for the safety of everyone connected with the accident.
- Where is the car taken after being towed?
After an accident, when the car is towed, it is typically taken to one of two places:
- Impound lot
If the car is associated with legal investigations or disputes, the vehicle is taken to a local impound lot. This helps the vehicle prove evidence if it is unclear who is responsible for the car accident.
- Storage lot
This is another process in which the vehicle will be taken to a tow company’s storage facility. If you want to get the car, you can arrange repairs. You might have to tow the vehicle to a body shop or transport it to your home.
Once the vehicle is in a storage lot, you can consult with a car accident lawyer San Diego to assist you in obtaining it back.
Step to get back your car
To get your vehicle back from an impound or storage lot, follow a few steps:
- Provide proof of ownership.
- Find out where your vehicle was taken through the San Diego Police Department or the tow company.
- To retrieve your vehicle, you must pay the towing and storage fees in cash or credit card.
- Inspect your vehicle for any additional damage before leaving the tow yard.
Summing it up
Getting your vehicle towed can be stressful if you are unfamiliar with the process. Thus, it would help if you comprehended why the car is being towed, where it will go, and how to get it back.