A car accident can leave you confused about what to do next. Even a small collision can damage a vehicle enough to make driving unsafe. If your car cannot be driven after a crash, accident towing Columbus OH services can help move it to a safe location, repair shop, body shop, dealership, or another destination.
N&A Towing provides towing and roadside assistance in Columbus, Ohio, with service available 24 hours a day. Our team can help determine whether your vehicle needs towing or whether another roadside service may be appropriate.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident?
Your safety should come first after a collision. Before thinking about towing, check yourself and other people involved in the accident.
If anyone is seriously injured, call 911 and request emergency medical assistance. If the vehicles are creating a dangerous traffic situation, move to a safe location when it is possible to do so without putting anyone at greater risk.
If you can safely do it, turn on your hazard lights and stay away from moving traffic. Do not stand behind or directly beside a disabled vehicle on a busy road.
Once the immediate safety concerns are handled, you can begin arranging vehicle recovery.
When Does a Car Accident Require Towing?
Not every accident-damaged vehicle needs to be towed. A vehicle may still be driveable after a minor collision, but visible damage does not always tell the whole story.
You should consider towing if:
- The vehicle will not start.
- The engine or transmission appears damaged.
- A wheel or tire is badly damaged.
- Steering does not work normally.
- The brakes do not feel right.
- Fluid is leaking from the vehicle.
- Airbags have deployed.
- The vehicle has major body or structural damage.
- A door, hood, trunk, or other part cannot close safely.
- The vehicle is blocking traffic.
- You are not confident that the vehicle is safe to drive.
If you are unsure, do not take unnecessary risks. Explain the vehicle’s condition to the towing company and ask what service may be appropriate.
For general vehicle recovery, you can also learn more about N&A Towing’s towing services in Columbus, OH.
Why Driving a Damaged Vehicle Can Be Risky
A vehicle may appear driveable after an accident but still have problems that are difficult to see.
For example, a collision can affect the wheels, suspension, steering, brakes, lights, or other components. A damaged tire may also lose air later, creating another roadside problem.
Driving a damaged vehicle can also make a small problem worse. If you notice unusual noises, leaking fluids, pulling to one side, steering problems, warning lights, or other changes after an accident, it is safer to have the vehicle assessed before continuing.
When the vehicle cannot safely continue, accident towing can help get it off the road and toward the next appropriate destination.
What Information Should You Give the Tow Truck Company?
When you call for accident towing in Columbus, having accurate information can make the service process easier.
Try to provide:
- Your exact location
- The street name or highway
- A nearby intersection or landmark
- Your vehicle’s make and model
- The vehicle’s approximate year
- Whether the vehicle starts
- Whether the wheels and tires are damaged
- Whether the vehicle can roll
- Whether airbags have deployed
- Whether there is visible fluid leaking
- Whether the vehicle is blocking traffic
- Where you want the vehicle taken
Tell the dispatcher about major damage before the tow truck arrives. For example, a vehicle with a damaged wheel, locked steering, or serious collision damage may require different handling than a normally rolling vehicle.
The more accurate the information, the easier it is to determine the appropriate towing approach.
Where Can an Accident-Damaged Vehicle Be Towed?
The best destination depends on the condition of the vehicle and what you need to do next.
Common destinations include:
A Collision Repair Shop
If you already have a preferred body shop, provide its complete address when requesting the tow. You may also want to confirm that the shop can receive the vehicle before it is transported there.
A Mechanic
Some accident damage may involve mechanical components rather than only exterior body panels. If your regular mechanic will inspect the vehicle, you can provide the repair shop’s information to the towing company.
A Dealership
If your vehicle needs dealership service, warranty work, or manufacturer-specific inspection, towing it to the appropriate dealership may be an option.
Your Home
If you are not ready to choose a repair facility, you may prefer to have the vehicle moved to your home or another safe location, depending on the circumstances and available towing service.
Another Approved Location
Some drivers may need their vehicle moved to a storage facility or another location. Explain the pickup and destination details when requesting service.
What If the Vehicle Cannot Roll After the Accident?
A heavily damaged vehicle may not roll normally. A damaged wheel, flat tire, locked steering, or other collision damage can make vehicle recovery more complicated.
Do not try to force a badly damaged vehicle to move yourself.
Instead, tell the towing company exactly what happened. Mention if the wheels are damaged, the steering is locked, the vehicle does not roll, or the vehicle has severe collision damage.
Providing this information before dispatch helps the towing team understand the situation and determine what equipment or towing method may be appropriate.
Accident Towing vs. Roadside Assistance
A collision does not always mean that a full tow is required.
For example, a minor roadside problem may sometimes be resolved with another service. N&A Towing provides roadside assistance in Columbus, OH for situations such as flat tires, dead batteries, fuel problems, and vehicle lockouts.
However, if the accident has caused wheel damage, suspension problems, major body damage, or another condition that makes the vehicle unsafe to drive, towing may be the more appropriate solution.
What If Your Tire Is Damaged After a Collision?
Tire damage is common in some accidents. A tire may be punctured, cut, separated, or damaged along with the wheel.
Do not drive on a severely damaged tire just to reach a repair shop.
If the vehicle has a usable spare and the situation allows for a safe tire change, roadside tire assistance may help. N&A Towing provides tire change service in Columbus, OH for drivers who need help with a flat or damaged tire.
If there is no usable spare or the vehicle has additional accident damage, towing may be necessary instead.
What If Your Keys Are Locked Inside the Vehicle?
Accidents can be stressful, and it is possible to lock your keys inside the vehicle while dealing with the situation.
If the vehicle itself is otherwise operational, car lockout service in Columbus, OH may help you regain access without needing to tow the vehicle simply because the keys are unavailable.
If the vehicle is damaged and cannot safely be driven, however, the underlying accident damage should be addressed first.
Can an Accident-Damaged Vehicle Be Towed to Another City?
Sometimes an accident happens far from home or your preferred repair shop.
If you need the vehicle transported beyond the normal local towing area, long-distance towing in Columbus, OH may be an option. N&A Towing asks for the pickup location, destination, vehicle condition, and other details to determine the requirements of the trip.
Before arranging a longer tow, provide both the pickup and drop-off addresses. It is also helpful to tell the towing company about damaged wheels, locked steering, flat tires, or other conditions that could affect vehicle loading.
How Accident Towing Works
The towing process can be simple when the right information is provided.
1. Contact the Towing Company
Call N&A Towing and explain that the vehicle was involved in an accident. Give your current location and describe the vehicle’s condition.
2. Provide Vehicle Details
Tell the dispatcher the vehicle’s make, model, approximate year, and whether it starts, rolls, or has visible damage.
3. Provide the Destination
Tell the towing company where you want the vehicle taken, such as a repair shop, body shop, dealership, home, or another approved location.
4. Discuss the Service
The towing company can review the information and explain the available service and estimated cost based on the specific situation.
5. Vehicle Recovery and Transport
Once the service is arranged, the vehicle can be recovered and transported to the agreed destination using an appropriate towing method.
How Much Does Accident Towing Cost in Columbus, OH?
There is no single price for every accident tow.
The cost can depend on factors such as:
- Distance from the accident location to the destination
- Vehicle size and type
- Vehicle condition
- Whether the vehicle rolls normally
- Wheel or tire damage
- Accessibility of the vehicle
- Required towing equipment
- Destination
- Road and traffic conditions
A vehicle that rolls normally may require a different towing process than one with significant collision damage.
For this reason, it is better to provide complete information and request a current estimate for your specific situation rather than relying on a general online price.
What Should You Do While Waiting for the Tow Truck?
Your safety remains important after the towing request has been made.
If you are in a safe location:
- Stay away from active traffic.
- Use hazard lights when appropriate.
- Do not stand behind the vehicle on a busy road.
- Keep children and pets away from traffic.
- Avoid attempting repairs in an unsafe location.
- Keep your phone available in case the towing company needs to contact you.
- Have your vehicle information and destination ready.
If the accident scene remains dangerous or someone needs emergency medical help, contact emergency services rather than relying on a towing company for emergency response.
What Should You Remove From Your Vehicle Before Towing?
If it is safe to access your vehicle, check for important personal belongings before it is transported.
You may want to remove:
- Wallets and personal documents
- House keys
- Work items
- Electronics
- Medication
- Important paperwork
- Valuables
Do not enter a severely damaged vehicle if doing so could put you at risk. If the vehicle is unsafe to enter, leave it alone and discuss the situation with the appropriate authorities, insurance company, or towing provider.
Why Choose N&A Towing for Accident Towing in Columbus?
After an accident, clear communication matters. You need to know what information to provide and where your vehicle needs to go.
N&A Towing is based at 853 E Hudson St, Columbus, OH 43211, and provides towing and roadside assistance throughout Columbus and surrounding communities. The company advertises 24/7 towing and roadside availability and has been in business since 2010, according to its About Us page.
N&A Towing also provides several related services, including towing, roadside assistance, jump starts, fuel delivery, tire changes, vehicle lockout assistance, junk car towing, and long-distance towing.
When requesting accident towing, provide as much accurate information as possible. This helps the towing team understand the situation before dispatch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Accident Towing in Columbus OH
Can I drive my car after a minor accident?
It depends on the vehicle’s condition. If there is damage to the steering, brakes, wheels, tires, suspension, lights, or other safety-related components, driving may not be safe. If you are unsure, have the vehicle inspected before continuing.
Should I call a tow truck after an accident?
If the vehicle cannot safely be driven, calling a tow truck is appropriate. You should also consider towing if there is significant damage, fluid leakage, wheel damage, steering problems, or another issue that could make driving unsafe.
Can you tow a car with a damaged wheel?
A vehicle with a damaged wheel may require special handling. Tell the towing company about the damage before the truck is dispatched so the situation can be properly assessed.
Can an accident-damaged car be towed to my mechanic?
Yes, a repair shop or mechanic can be a towing destination when the service is available. Provide the complete address when arranging the tow.
How much does accident towing cost in Columbus OH?
The cost varies based on factors such as distance, vehicle condition, vehicle type, accessibility, equipment requirements, and destination. Contact N&A Towing with your location and vehicle details for a current estimate.
Does N&A Towing provide towing 24 hours a day?
N&A Towing advertises 24/7 towing and roadside assistance in Columbus, Ohio. Availability for a particular location and situation can depend on current dispatch conditions.
Need Accident Towing in Columbus, OH?
An accident can make an already stressful situation even harder when your vehicle cannot be driven.
If your car has been damaged in a collision and needs to be moved, contact N&A Towing at (614) 962-3524. Provide your location, vehicle details, condition, and preferred destination so the appropriate towing service can be discussed.
N&A Towing provides accident towing and other towing and roadside assistance services throughout Columbus and surrounding communities.
