A Driver’s Guide to Accident Towing and Vehicle Recovery

Towing

Light, Medium, Heavy-Duty Towing
A Driver’s Guide to Accident Towing and Vehicle Recovery

After a collision, the condition and position of a vehicle determine what needs to happen next. Some damaged vehicles can be loaded directly onto a tow truck, while others must first be recovered from a ditch, embankment, roadway, or other difficult position.

Understanding the difference between accident towing and vehicle recovery can help drivers know what to expect after a crash. McKinney’s Towing provides accident recovery along with light-, medium-, and heavy-duty towing capabilities for situations throughout Delaware.

No two accident scenes are exactly alike. The vehicle’s size, location, damage, ability to roll or steer, and surrounding conditions can all affect how it is removed. This is why providing as much information as possible about the accident and vehicle can be helpful when towing or recovery assistance is being arranged.

  • TL;DR
  • Make personal safety and emergency assistance your first priorities after an accident.
  • A damaged vehicle may require recovery before it can be towed.
  • Recovery can involve winching, repositioning, uprighting, or specialized equipment.
  • After recovery, the vehicle can be transported to an appropriate destination.

We Handle All Sizes
A Guide to Accident Towing and Recovery Services

Vehicle accidents can require more than a standard tow. Learn what to do after an accident, how vehicle recovery works, what equipment may be needed, and how McKinney’s Towing safely handles damaged vehicles of all sizes.

Call Us At 302-734-7584

What Should You Do Immediately After an Accident?

Check yourself and your passengers and contact emergency services when necessary. Avoid putting yourself in additional danger by standing in active traffic or attempting to move a severely damaged vehicle yourself.

Once the immediate safety concerns have been addressed, arrangements can be made to remove the vehicle from the scene.

If your vehicle is in an unusual position, provide that information when towing assistance is requested. A vehicle sitting normally on the shoulder may require a different response than one that has entered a ditch, overturned, or sustained damage that prevents its wheels from moving.

What Is Accident Towing?

Accident towing involves transporting a damaged vehicle after a collision. If the vehicle is positioned where it can be safely loaded or connected to the towing equipment, the process may be relatively straightforward.

The vehicle can then be transported to a collision repair facility, dealership, storage facility, or another appropriate destination.

When Does an Accident Become a Vehicle Recovery?

Recovery is necessary when a vehicle cannot simply be loaded from its existing position. A vehicle may have left the roadway, entered a ditch, overturned, become stuck, or suffered damage that prevents it from rolling normally.

The vehicle must first be safely repositioned so it can be transported. This can require additional equipment and a different approach from a standard tow.

Recovery may also take longer than a routine tow because the operator first needs to assess the vehicle and surrounding area. The objective is to move the vehicle in a controlled manner before preparing it for transportation.

What Equipment May Be Used During Vehicle Recovery?

Recovery equipment varies according to the vehicle and situation. McKinney’s equipment includes winches, skates, snatch blocks, Go-Jaks, and heavy-duty rigging for more difficult recovery situations.

The goal is to use equipment appropriate for the vehicle’s size, condition, and position rather than attempting to handle every accident in the same way.

What Happens If a Large Commercial Vehicle Is Involved?

Commercial trucks and other heavy vehicles require equipment capable of safely handling their size and weight. McKinney’s has light-, medium-, and heavy-duty towing and recovery capabilities, allowing the team to respond to situations involving vehicles ranging from passenger cars to large commercial vehicles.

Heavy-duty recovery may also require additional planning when a vehicle has overturned, left the roadway, or is blocking traffic.

Repair Facility, Collision Center, Dealership, Storage Facility & More
Where Does the Vehicle Go After It Is Recovered?

Once the vehicle is ready for transportation, it may be taken to a repair facility, collision center, dealership, storage facility, or another requested destination depending on the circumstances. If the vehicle is placed into storage, it remains there until it can be properly released or transported elsewhere. Drivers should ask where the vehicle is being taken and what may be required if they need to retrieve personal belongings or arrange for its next destination.

FAQs

Have A Question? We Are Here To Help!
Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about accident towing and recovery? McKinney’s Towing explains the difference between standard towing and accident recovery, vehicle recovery capabilities, and transportation options after an accident.

Is accident recovery the same as a normal tow?

Not always. A standard tow typically involves a vehicle that can be safely loaded or connected from its existing position. Recovery may require repositioning, winching, uprighting, or other work before towing can begin.

Can you recover larger vehicles after an accident?

Yes. McKinney’s has light-, medium-, and heavy-duty towing and recovery capabilities for different vehicle sizes and situations.

Can my vehicle be taken directly to a collision repair shop?

Yes. Depending on the circumstances, a recovered vehicle can be transported to a collision center, repair facility, dealership, storage location, or another requested destination.