Car accidents are never on anyone’s to-do list. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or something more serious, the moments afterward can feel like a blur—your adrenaline’s pumping, emotions are running high, and you’re not always thinking straight. As a towing company, we’ve seen just about every kind of post-accident scenario, and believe us, some of the most common mistakes are totally avoidable.
So, let’s talk about what not to do when you find yourself in a crash.
1. Leaving the Scene Too Quickly
This one happens more often than you’d think. After a minor accident, some drivers convince themselves that everything’s fine, shake hands with the other party, and drive off. No photos, no report, no nothing.
Big mistake.
Even if there’s little visible damage, issues can pop up later. Plus, if the other driver suddenly claims injuries or damages, you’ve got no record of what actually happened.
Real talk: A customer once called us after a low-speed bump in a shopping centre car park. She and the other driver agreed to “just let it go.” A week later, she received a demand letter for repairs and medical treatment. No police report. No photos. She had no proof to defend herself.
What to do instead: Always stop. Exchange information. Take photos. Call the police if necessary. Better safe than stuck.
2. Forgetting to Take Photos
You’re standing there in the rain, your bumper’s hanging off, and all you want is to go home and pretend this never happened. We get it. But skipping photos? That’s another misstep that can come back to bite you.
Here’s the thing: Your memory can be foggy, especially after an accident. Photos are your best defense. They tell the story—where the cars were, what the damage looked like, even the road conditions.
Quick tip: Snap pictures from multiple angles. Include license plates, street signs, skid marks, and any visible injuries or property damage.
3. Admitting Fault at the Scene
A lot of folks, especially Australians (we’re polite, it’s in our DNA), are quick to say “Sorry, that was my fault” even when they’re not entirely sure.
Here’s the truth: don’t admit fault, even casually. Let the insurance companies and the police do the investigating. You might think you were in the wrong, but traffic cams, witness statements, or road signs you missed might paint a different picture.
One example: We once towed a ute involved in a roundabout crash. The driver admitted fault on the spot, only to later learn the other party was speeding and didn’t give way. His premature apology made the insurance process ten times harder.
4. Not Calling a Tow Truck When You Should
Just because your car can move doesn’t mean it should. After an accident, you might be tempted to drive off just to avoid the hassle or cost of a tow. But here’s the kicker: that could make things worse.
If your car’s leaking fluids, your wheels are wobbling, or it just doesn’t feel right, don’t risk it. You might turn a minor issue into a major one.
We had a bloke once try to drive his car home after a side impact. What he didn’t realise was that his suspension was shot. He made it about three blocks before the wheel gave way. The towing job got a whole lot more complicated—and expensive.
Pro tip: If you’re ever in doubt, call a tow truck. It’s safer for you, your car, and everyone else on the road.
5. Not Notifying Your Insurance Company
Some people worry that telling their insurer will instantly cause their premiums to skyrocket, so they try to sort things out privately. That might sound like a smart move in theory, but it can get messy.
Here’s the issue: What if the other party changes their story later? Or files a claim behind your back? If your insurer finds out about the accident through someone else, they might deny your coverage.
And in some cases, you’re legally required to report it.
The better move: Give your insurance provider a heads-up, even if you’re not making a claim. Transparency now saves headaches later.
6. Failing to Get Medical Attention
This one is sneaky. After a crash, you might feel completely fine. No bruises, no bleeding, just a bit shaken. But injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage don’t always show up right away. Sometimes the pain starts hours—or even days—later.
We’ve had customers who walked away from accidents feeling okay, only to be in pain a week later with no medical records to support a claim. By then, it’s hard to prove the injury came from the crash.
Moral of the story: Go see a doctor or visit urgent care. Even if it’s just to get checked out, it’s worth it.
7. Trusting Verbal Agreements
“You don’t need to call the cops.”
“Let’s just deal with this ourselves.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll cover the damage.”
It might sound reasonable in the moment, especially if the other driver seems genuine. But without anything in writing, it’s just words—and that won’t hold up later.
What happened next: A customer we helped in Richmond once agreed to settle privately after a rear-end accident. The other driver promised to pay. Then he ghosted. No phone number, no insurance details, just gone. That left our customer footing the bill.
The fix: Always get everything documented. If the other driver’s offering to pay, great—get it in writing. Otherwise, go through the proper channels.
8. Not Knowing Who to Call
In the chaos of an accident, you’re expected to remember 10 different things at once—how to file a claim, who to call, where your insurance info is, what your rego number is… it’s a lot.
Why it matters: Having a plan makes all the difference. Keep a list in your glovebox or on your phone: insurance company number, roadside assistance, your go-to tow truck service (hey, that’s us!).
Even something as simple as knowing where your nearest 24/7 towing service is can save you heaps of stress. Especially if it’s late at night, in the rain, on a highway shoulder.
It’s Not Just About What You Do—It’s About What You Don’t Do
Look, accidents are stressful. You’re shaken, maybe hurt, definitely annoyed. And in that fog of stress, it’s easy to make snap decisions that seem harmless at the time.
But if you remember anything from this post, let it be this: take a breath. Slow down. Call the right people. Document everything. And if you’re ever in doubt—don’t wing it. Reach out to someone who deals with this stuff every day.
Like us.
Because while no one wants to need a tow truck, when you do, having someone reliable makes all the difference. We’re not just here to move your car—we’re here to help you get through one of your worst days with as little hassle as possible.
Need a hand after an accident? We’ve got your back, 24/7. Just give us a ring, and we’ll sort it out from there.
If you are in Warneet, and looking for a tow truck service, this is the best way to visit us.
Cranbourne Tow Trucks
39 S Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne VIC 3977
(03) 7042 2059
info@cranbournetowtrucks.com.au