Accident Towing After a Wreck in Dallas
Accident towing is the removal of a damaged vehicle from a crash scene. We load the car on a flatbed, pick up loose parts from the road and take the vehicle where you want it to go. That can be your insurance company's shop, a body shop you trust, your home or a secure yard.
First, make sure everyone is safe. If anyone is hurt or the car is blocking traffic, call 911. Once police clear the scene for a private tow, call Dawson Tow Service at (972) 362-1607.
Signs Your Car Needs a Tow After a Crash
- Fluid is leaking under the car
- A wheel is bent, flat or pushed out of place
- Headlights, taillights or mirrors are broken
- Warning lights are on or the engine will not start
- The hood, doors or trunk will not close
- Airbags have gone off
Driving a damaged car can make the damage worse and can be unsafe. When in doubt, tow it.
How We Handle Accident Towing
We use Flatbed Towing for almost every wreck. A flatbed lets us move cars with broken suspension or locked wheels without dragging them. If the car went off the road, we may use a Winch Out first to pull it back to pavement. For crashes inside a garage, our Parking Garage Towing setup can reach low ceilings. If the crash leaves you stuck at night, see our Emergency Towing page.
Wrecks on Dallas Roads
Many crashes in our area happen on I-30, I-345, US-75 and I-35E near downtown, where lanes merge fast and shoulders are narrow. Surface streets like Gaston Avenue, Ross Avenue, Elm Street and Commerce Street see fender benders at busy lights. On wet days, the first rain after a dry spell makes roads slick with oil.
Hail and flash floods also lead to tows. We move flood-damaged cars on a flatbed so the engine never has to start, which can stop more damage.
What to Do Before the Tow Truck Arrives
- Move to a safe spot away from traffic if you can.
- Take photos of the cars, the road and any damage.
- Trade insurance info with the other driver.
- Get a police report number if officers came.
- Take your keys, phone, papers and valuables out of the car.
Insurance and Accident Towing Cost
Many auto insurance policies help pay for towing after a crash. Check your policy or call your agent. We can tow to the shop your insurer picks, and we give you a receipt for your claim.
The cost depends on distance, how badly the car is damaged, cleanup at the scene and any winching. We will quote the tow before we load. Texas tow rules are set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Who Calls the Tow Truck After a Crash?
In Texas, when police respond to a crash, they may call a tow company from their rotation list if the car must be moved right away and the driver cannot choose. If you can choose, you may request your own tow company. Ask the officer if you can call Dawson Tow Service. If your car is already at a storage lot, we can tow it from there to your body shop once it is released.
Moving a Wrecked Car From a Storage Lot
Storage lots charge a daily fee, so moving the car soon can save money. Bring your ID, proof of insurance and any release papers to the lot. Then call us with the lot address and your drop-off. We will meet you there, load the car on a flatbed and take it to the shop your insurer picked or the shop you trust.
Common Mistakes After a Wreck
- Driving a car with a leaking radiator or bent wheel.
- Leaving the car on the shoulder overnight.
- Forgetting to take photos before the tow.
- Leaving papers, garage remotes and valuables inside.
- Not asking where the car is going before it is towed.
Why Drivers Choose Dawson for Accident Towing
A crash is stressful. We keep it simple: a clear quote, careful loading on a flatbed, a receipt for your insurance and a tow to the place you pick. We also clean up loose parts from the scene before we leave.