Where do San Diego Police Tow Cars After a Car Accident?
Being involved in a car accident is a stressful experience. Your safety and the safety of others involved are the immediate concerns. Once the dust settles, however, a new set of questions arise, one of which is: Where did the police tow my car? If you suffer an accident in the San Diego area and wonder where do San Diego police tow cars after a car accident, here’s an answer for you.
In San Diego, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) works with a network of contracted towing companies to remove vehicles from accident scenes. Understanding the process of vehicle impoundment and how to locate your car can help ease some of the stress during this already difficult time and even help you recover your vehicle.
How to Locate Your Towed Vehicle After an Accident in San Diego
If your car was towed after an accident, here’s what you can do to find it:
Ask the Police Officer
The officer at the scene will likely be able to tell you which towing company took your car. They may also provide you with a tow information sheet with contact details for the tow yard.
Contact the San Diego Police Department Tow Administration
The SDPD maintains a database of towed vehicles. Call them at (858) 495-7830 or email Tow-Admin@pd.sandiego.gov. Be prepared to provide them with the following information:
- Your name
- Your driver’s license number
- The make, model, and license plate number of your car
- The location of the accident
Use AutoReturn
The City of San Diego contracts with AutoReturn to manage towing services. They have an online database where you can search for your vehicle using your license plate number.
Check for Tow Information Signs
Look around the accident scene for signs posted by towing companies. These signs will typically display the company’s contact information and instructions for retrieving your vehicle.
Recovering Your Towed Vehicle
Once you’ve located the tow yard where your car is being held, you’ll need to take steps to recover it. Here’s what to expect:
Fees
You will be responsible for paying towing and storage fees. The towing company sets the rates, which can vary depending on the size and type of vehicle, the length of storage, and any additional services required (e.g., after-hours retrieval).
Documentation
When retrieving your car, be prepared to show proof of ownership (vehicle registration) and your driver’s license.
Vehicle Condition
It’s important to inspect your car for any additional damage that may have occurred during towing or storage. Take photos and document any pre-existing damage before leaving the tow yard.
Additional Considerations
Impounded Vehicles
In some cases, the police may impound your vehicle. This typically happens if the car is involved in a serious crime or if the driver cannot provide valid insurance or registration. Impoundment fees are typically higher than towing and storage fees. You may need to attend a court hearing to get your car released.
Getting Help
If you struggle to afford towing and storage fees, resources may be available to help. Contact a local legal aid organization or social service agency for assistance.
Preventing Tow-Away After an Accident
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent your car from being towed after an accident, here are some steps you can take to minimize the risk:
- Move Your Car to a Safe Location: If your car is drivable and does not pose a safety hazard, try to move it to a safe location off the road while you wait for help to arrive.
- Exchange Information with the Other Driver(s): Obtain contact and insurance information from all parties involved in the accident. This will be helpful if the police need to reach you later.
- Call a Tow Truck Yourself: If your car is not drivable but does not pose a safety hazard, you can call a private tow truck company to move your vehicle to a repair shop of your choice. This can help you avoid the potentially higher fees associated with police-impounded vehicles.
It’s important to prioritize your safety and the safety of others at the scene of an accident. Never attempt to move your car if you are injured or if doing so would put yourself or others at risk.
Why Do Police Tow Cars After Accidents?
There are several reasons why the police might tow a car after an accident:
- Safety: If the car is blocking traffic, poses a safety hazard (e.g., leaking fluids), or is too damaged to be driven safely, it will likely be towed.
- Evidence Collection: In some cases, the police may need to tow the vehicle to a secure location for further investigation. This is especially true in accidents involving serious injuries, fatalities, or suspected DUIs.
- Abandoned Vehicle: If the driver cannot be located or cannot move the car, it may be towed.
Legal Considerations After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can have legal ramifications. Here are some additional tips:
- Do Not Admit Fault: Even if you believe you may be partially to blame for the accident, avoid making any statements that could be construed as an admission of fault.
- File an Accident Report: In California, you must file a report with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) if the accident resulted in injuries, property damage exceeding $750, or involved a hit-and-run driver.
- Gather Evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, the damage to your vehicle, and any injuries sustained. Also, obtain witness statements if available. This information will be valuable if you need to file an insurance claim or take legal action.
- Consult with an Attorney: If you have been injured in a car accident, or if the accident is complex, it is advisable to consult with an attorney specializing in personal injury law. They can advise you of your rights and options and represent you in legal proceedings.
If you’re looking for an accident lawyer in San Diego to start an accident claim, consider calling My Lawyer Mark. We offer free consultation and aggressive representation to all our defendants. Call (866) 721-5808 and obtain quality representation to get maximum compensation for your damages.