How to Handle Accidents: 

A Step-by-Step Guide

Accidents can occur without warning, and having the right preparation can significantly impact your response. Big Jim’s Towing, Spokane’s top towing service, is here to outline the crucial steps to take if you experience a car accident. This guide focuses on ensuring your safety and streamlining the process, from the moment of the collision to looking for a “tow truck near me.”

1. Immediate Safety

Stay Calm and Check for Injuries: Emotions can run high after an accident, but remaining calm is crucial. It allows you to gather necessary information and assess the situation effectively. Ensure the accident scene is safe for everyone involved. If anyone is injured, offer assistance and call for medical help.

Find a Safe Location: If your vehicle is drivable, move it to a safe area away from traffic. If it’s not drivable and you’re in a busy location, stay inside your car with your seatbelt on. Call 911 immediately, followed by a trustworthy towing company like Big Jim’s Towing. Don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights to alert other motorists.

2. Report the Accident

Call 911: This is essential, especially on highways or busy roads. Provide accurate information, including your name, contact details, and a clear description of the accident. This will ensure help arrives promptly.

3. Document the Scene

Cautious with Statements: Avoid discussing details with anyone except law enforcement and your insurance company. 

Gather Evidence: Document the scene thoroughly for insurance purposes and future claims. Include:

• Multiple angles of the accident scene
• Damage to all vehicles involved
• License plates of each vehicle
• Relevant road signs or signals
• Visible injuries to yourself or passengers

Exchange Information: Collect necessary details from other drivers, including:

• Names
• Addresses
• Phone numbers
• Insurance information
• Vehicle registration

Identify Witnesses: If there are witnesses, get their contact information and statements, if possible.

4. Arrange for a Tow

Choosing the Best Company: When it comes to towing, here at Big Jim’s Towing we prioritize emergency situations with professionalism and affordability. Our tow truck operators focus on the safety of everyone involved. From the first contact with our dispatchers to the arrival of our drivers, we treat every incident with the care it deserves, as if it involved our own loved ones.

Cooperate with the Towing Company: Provide accurate details about your vehicle’s damage and your location. Document the condition of your vehicle before it is towed. Choosing a reputable company like Big Jim’s Towing means you can trust that we will also document your vehicle’s condition upon arrival and during drop-off, standing behind the quality of our service.

Request a Detailed Invoice: For insurance claims, make sure to ask for a detailed invoice rather than a standard receipt, as this will be necessary for reimbursement.

5. Post-Accident Procedures

Contact Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance about the accident and follow their instructions. 

File a Police Report: If law enforcement didn’t arrive at the scene, make sure to file a report.

Seek Medical Attention: If EMTs did not attend to you, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.

Keep Detailed Records: Maintain copies of all relevant documentation, including police reports, insurance claims, and contact information.