What To Do After a Car Accident 

Here’s the basic steps to follow after being in a car accident: 

1. Check for Injuries: The first priority is to make sure that you and any passengers are okay. Check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. Avoid moving anyone who is injured, as this could potentially make their condition worse. 

2. Move to Safety: If the accident is minor and there are no serious injuries, move vehicles to the side of the road, if possible. This helps to prevent further accidents and keeps traffic flowing. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. 

3. Call the Police: Even if the accident is minor, it's important to have an official report. The police report can be extremely important when dealing with insurance companies and other drivers. Provide an accurate record of what happened; if you're not sure about certain details, be honest about it. 

4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident from different angles, showing the damage to all vehicles involved. Also, take pictures of the road, traffic signs, and any relevant conditions that could have contributed to the accident. This documentation can be very helpful during the insurance claim process. 

5. Exchange Information: Get the names, addresses, phone numbers, insurance information, and license plate numbers of all drivers involved. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well. Be polite and cooperative, but avoid admitting fault or blaming others at the scene. 

6. Notify Your Insurance: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide them with the information gathered and any documentation you have. They will guide you through the process of filing a claim. 

7. Seek Medical Attention: Sometimes injuries caused by car accidents are not immediately apparent. Symptoms might appear days after the accident, so it's important to see a doctor for a thorough check-up. 

8. Follow Up: Keep track of any medical treatments and repairs to your vehicle. Stay in touch with your insurance company to ensure your claim is being handled appropriately. If necessary, consult with an attorney to help protect your rights. 

What To Do After a Car Accident That Isn’t Your Fault 



When an accident isn't your fault, the approach differs primarily in how you deal with insurance companies and potential legal matters. Firstly, you’ll need to gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. This includes detailed photos of the accident site and damages, along with witness statements and their contact information. This evidence is invaluable in proving that you weren’t at fault. 

Secondly, when communicating with your insurance company, make it clear from the start that the other party is at fault. Provide all the collected evidence to support your claim. Your insurer can then pursue a claim against the other driver's insurance through a process known as subrogation. This helps you potentially avoid paying a deductible and can expedite your claim. 

In cases where fault is contested or the other party is uncooperative, it may also be beneficial to consult with a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents. They can offer guidance specific to your situation.

Who Pays For Towing? 

● If you are at fault: You or your insurance typically pays for the towing if you have collision coverage. This type of insurance covers towing and storage fees, but you may need to pay a deductible first. 

● If the accident is not your fault: The at-fault party’s insurance is generally responsible for covering the costs of towing and other related expenses. However, you might initially pay these costs 

out-of-pocket and get reimbursed later if the at-fault party's insurance is slow to accept responsibility.

● Insurance considerations: If fault isn't immediately clear or insurance details are pending, your own insurance might cover the towing costs upfront, especially if you have roadside assistance or comprehensive coverage. Your insurer may then seek reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance once fault is established. 

What To Do If It’s a Minor Accident 

Handling a minor car accident starts with ensuring safety; move your vehicle to a safe location like a nearby parking lot or the side of the road, if possible, and activate your hazard lights. Even for minor damage, it's vital to exchange information with the other driver, including contact details, driver's license numbers, and insurance information, to facilitate any necessary follow-up or claims. 

Documentation is key in these situations as in the situations mentioned earlier. Take thorough photos of the damage to all vehicles involved, the accident scene, and any relevant road conditions or signs. This visual evidence can be invaluable in resolving disputes or during the insurance claims process. 

Although not all minor accidents require police involvement in Idaho, filing a report is advisable if there's any disagreement about the details or if the damage appears significant (over $1,500). Additionally, promptly informing your insurance company about the accident can help expedite any potential claims, ensuring you're covered and can recover from the incident with minimal hassle. 

What If You’re the Only Vehicle Involved? 

\If you're involved in a single-vehicle accident, such as driving into a ditch or colliding with a sign or tree, prioritize assessing any injuries and contact emergency services if necessary. Safely document the incident by capturing images of the damage and the environment, which will support your insurance claim. Alert your insurance provider as soon as possible to initiate the claims process and discuss coverage for damages and potential towing services if your vehicle can’t be driven. 

What Happens When Your Car Gets Towed After an Accident

When your car gets towed following an accident, there are several important steps you need to take to manage the situation. Here's what you need to know: 

● Location of Vehicle: After an accident, your car is typically towed to a tow yard or an auto repair shop. You will receive a towing receipt that details where your vehicle is stored. 

● Contact Insurance: Notify your insurance company immediately about the tow. They will guide you through the process, including how to handle damage assessments and claims. 

● Assessment and Repair: Your insurance will help determine if the car is repairable or if it's considered a total loss. This is based on the extent of the damage. 

● Coverage for Fees: Check if your insurance policy covers towing and storage fees. If another driver is at fault, these costs may be claimed from their insurance. 

● Act Quickly: Tow yards often charge daily storage fees. Acting quickly is important to minimize these costs and speed up your car's retrieval or repair. 

How To Know Where Your Car is Towed After an Accident 

After the chaos of an accident, you might not know where your vehicle was towed. A good place to start is by checking the towing receipt or any paperwork provided by the responding officer or tow truck driver. This documentation should have the name and location of the tow yard or auto repair shop where your vehicle is stored. 

If you didn't receive any paperwork or if details were overlooked, contact the local police department that responded to the accident. They typically keep records of towed vehicles and can direct you to the appropriate facility. You can also check with your insurance company as they may have information if they coordinated the towing. 

What To Do After a Car Accident Conclusion 

After an accident, ensure everyone's safety and call for medical help if needed. Move your vehicle to a safe location, if possible, and exchange contact and insurance information with the other parties involved. Document the scene with photos of the damage and surrounding area.

Finally, report the accident to your insurance company to start the claims process. 

If you've been in an accident, or need a towing service anywhere in the Treasure Valley, QuickTow & Recovery is your go-to solution. As the premier towing service in the Nampa and Boise area, we pride ourselves on being the best at what we do. We do towing as far out as Mountain Home and Emmett while also serving Kuna, Meridian, and even out to Parma.