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August 25, 2024 by Greg Baumgartner 
Experiencing a car accident is stressful, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming, especially if your vehicle has been towed. Specific procedures must be followed in Texas to retrieve your car and handle the situation efficiently. Below, we outline the essential steps you must take if your car is towed after an accident in Texas.
After an accident, it’s crucial to determine where your car has been towed. Typically, the police officer at the scene will provide this information. If not, you can contact the local police department or the non-emergency number to ask where your vehicle was taken. The towing company must report the vehicle’s location to law enforcement within two hours, making it easier for you to track it down.
The Houston police department suggests filling out the form on the Find My Towed Car website, which should quickly tell you where your car was towed.
In Texas, you have certain rights and responsibilities when your car is towed. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees towing operations and ensures your rights are protected. For instance, you have the right to know the exact charges for the towing and storage of your vehicle. The towing company must provide you with a receipt detailing these charges.
Additionally, you can retrieve personal belongings from your vehicle before paying the towing and storage fees. Some towing companies may refuse to release the vehicle until all charges are settled. Understanding these rights can help you navigate the process more smoothly.
Time is of the essence when retrieving a towed vehicle. The longer your car remains in storage, the higher the fees will be. Texas law allows towing companies to charge storage fees starting 24 hours after the vehicle arrives at the storage facility. You should retrieve your car as soon as possible to avoid accumulating these high fees. The maximum daily storage fee for an average car is $22.85. Larger vehicles cost more to store.
If the accident was the other driver’s fault, the towing and storage fees become part of the property damage claim against the other party.
You may also have coverage under your auto policy to pay the towing expense.
If your vehicle is a total loss, you or the insurance company may want to retrieve the vehicle as early as possible to avoid these high storage fees.
If you were injured in the accident, take photos of your car’s damage. These photos can show how serious the impact was. They can also show the direction of the crash.
When you come to get your vehicle, bring valid ID, proof of ownership like registration or title, and payment for towing and storage fees. Ensure that you get a detailed receipt for all charges paid.
Once your vehicle has been retrieved, the next step is to contact your insurance company. Report the accident and include details like where your car was towed and any damages it received while being towed. Depending on your policy, your insurance company may cover the towing and storage fees.
It’s important to document the condition of your vehicle both before and after towing, including taking photographs if possible. This documentation can be crucial if there is any dispute over damages incurred during the towing process.
What if the other driver did not have insurance? Check your car insurance policy to see if it includes coverage for towing and storage services. If not, you may want to pay the charges and get your car out of storage to avoid ongoing storage fees.
In some cases, you may find that the towing or storage fees are excessive. Texas law allows you to contest these charges. You can contact customer service at TDLR for help. You can request a tow hearing, which must be done within 14 days of the incident. During this hearing, you’ll have the opportunity to present evidence that the fees were unreasonable. The court will then decide if the charges should be reduced.
It’s worth noting that you do not have to pay the disputed amount until the court has decided. However, you may still need to pay the undisputed portion of the fees to retrieve your vehicle.
Understanding how the towing process works in Texas can help you prevent issues in the future. Always carry your insurance card and vehicle registration in your car, and make sure you know who to contact in case of an accident. Know local towing rules and save your insurance company and a nearby tow service’s contact information on your phone.
Moreover, consider adding roadside assistance to your insurance policy, which often covers towing services. This can save you significant time and money if your car needs to be towed after an accident.
If you encounter difficulties retrieving your vehicle or believe your rights have been violated, it may be beneficial to seek legal assistance. An attorney specializing in Texas traffic and towing laws can provide guidance and representation if needed. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) offers resources to help you understand your rights. They also assist you in resolving issues with towing companies.
Getting a Houston car accident lawyer near you can be a good step if you are hurt in a car accident. Insurance companies fight to pay out as little as possible on claims. Experienced attorneys know how to counter their tactics to get you full compensation.
Contact Baumgartner Law Firm for a free consultation on an injury accident in Houston. Call us 24-7 at (281) 587-1111.
Baumgartner Law Firm
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
Greg Baumgartner is a preeminent rated personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas, with over three decades of experience representing severely injured clients in truck accidents. He founded Baumgartner Law Firm, in 1985, with a mission to provide excellent legal representa-tion and personalized attention to every client.
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