A car accident can leave even the calmest person feeling rattled. One minute you’re driving along, the next you’re dealing with flashing lights, damaged vehicles, and a thousand thoughts racing through your head. In that moment, knowing who to call first can make a stressful situation safer and easier to manage.
The short answer is this: safety comes first, then emergency services if needed, followed by a tow truck and your insurer. But the right order depends on what’s happened and how serious the accident is.
Let’s walk through it step by step.
Who should you call immediately after a car accident?
If anyone is injured, trapped, or in danger, call emergency services straight away. In Australia, that means calling 000.
Emergency services should always be your first call if:
- Someone is injured or unconscious
- Vehicles are blocking traffic or creating danger
- There’s a fire, fuel leak, or smoke
- The accident involves pedestrians or cyclists
Police and paramedics can secure the scene, provide medical help, and manage traffic. Nothing else matters until everyone is safe.
Do you need to call the police for every accident?
Not every accident requires police attendance, but some situations do.
You should contact the police if:
- Someone is injured or killed
- A driver fails to stop or leaves the scene
- One or more drivers are unlicensed or intoxicated
- There’s significant property damage
- The accident causes traffic hazards
For minor accidents with no injuries, police may not attend, but you may still need to report the accident later, depending on your state or insurer’s requirements.
When should you call a tow truck after an accident?
If your vehicle isn’t safe to drive, calling a tow truck early can prevent further damage and reduce stress.
Call a tow truck if:
- The car won’t start or won’t move
- The wheels, steering, or suspension are damaged
- Airbags have deployed
- The vehicle is leaking fluids
- You’re blocking traffic or parked unsafely
A professional tow operator can remove the vehicle safely and transport it to a repairer, your home, or a holding yard. In many cases, this is quicker than waiting for insurance approval on the roadside.
Should you call your insurance company first?
It’s usually better to secure the scene and organise towing first, then contact your insurer once you’re safe.
Insurance companies typically ask for:
- Driver and vehicle details
- Photos of the accident scene
- A police event number (if applicable)
- Information about where the vehicle was towed
Calling them after the immediate situation is under control helps you provide clearer information and avoid rushed decisions.
What information should you collect at the scene?
If it’s safe to do so, gather as much information as possible before leaving the scene.
Useful details include:
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all drivers
- Vehicle registration numbers
- Insurance provider details
- Photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and signage
- Contact details of witnesses
These details can make insurance claims and repairs much smoother later on.
What if the accident wasn’t your fault?
Even if you weren’t at fault, the steps are largely the same. Safety and documentation still come first.
If another driver caused the accident:
- Don’t argue at the scene
- Exchange details calmly
- Let insurers determine fault later
Your tow truck operator can also help by safely removing your vehicle and preventing further damage while liability is assessed.
What happens if your car is written off after an accident?
If your vehicle is severely damaged, it may be declared a write-off. This usually happens when repair costs exceed the car’s value.
In these situations:
- Your insurer may take ownership of the vehicle
- The car may be towed to an assessment yard
- You may be offered a payout based on market value
If the car isn’t insured or the claim is declined, many drivers choose car removal services that collect accident-damaged vehicles and pay cash, often with free towing included.
Why choosing a local tow truck matters after an accident
Not all tow services are the same. A local towing company understands:
- Local roads and traffic conditions
- Accident-prone intersections
- Safe vehicle handling and recovery
- After-hours and emergency callouts
Having a reliable tow truck contact can save time, money, and unnecessary complications especially during busy periods or late at night.
What should you avoid doing after an accident?
In the confusion after a crash, a few common mistakes can cause problems later.
Try to avoid:
- Leaving the scene too quickly
- Admitting fault on the spot
- Accepting towing services you didn’t request
- Signing documents you don’t understand
Take a moment to breathe, assess the situation, and make informed calls.
A vehicle accident can turn your day upside down in seconds, but knowing who to call and in what order helps bring calm back into the situation. Focus on safety first, get professional help when needed, and deal with insurance once things are under control. Having a trusted tow truck service ready to help can make all the difference when you need support the most.
If you are in Narre Warren, 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