Human safety is the primary concern for emergency and police services when an automobile crash occurs. However, after the police personnel secure the scene, the question arises; what happens to the crash vehicles? In busy cities across Australia, accident towing services are an essential public safety requirement.

 Crash vehicles obstructing major intersections or freeways can cause delays, secondary crashes and pose safety hazards to other road users.

 Some accident recovery towing companies offer specialised services, like removing damaged or stuck vehicles using hydraulic equipment or securing the site with traffic control and clearing debris.

Motorists may enquire, what services do tow truck Melbourne companies offer after an accident?

What Tow truck services are available after a Crash?

A tow truck company's primary responsibility after a crash is securing the accident scene, ensuring the safety of motorists and removing crash vehicles. Accident personnel follow a structured process, rather than securing the vehicle to the tow truck only.

 When tow truck personnel arrive on the scene, they: 

1.     They first assess the crash vehicle's condition: is it roadworthy? Assess whether it's partially or completely wrecked.
2.     Depending on the severity of the vehicle, they will secure the vehicle to the tow truck using wheel straps, winches or tilt trays.
3.     Secure any loose parts like bumpers, wheels or doors to prevent transport hazards.
4.     If the tow truck operators cannot tow the vehicle conventionally, they must load the car onto a flatbed or tilt tray. 

Is Tilt Tray Towing Common in Vehicle Accidents?

Tilt tray towing is a standard accident recovery practice in Melbourne. Unlike traditional hook-and-chain tow trucks, tilt trays use hydraulics to lower a flat platform to ground level, allowing tow truck operators to winch or roll damaged cars onto the tray.

It reduces the risk of scraping or dragging, which is essential when dealing with vehicles that have suspension damage, broken axles or wheel blowout. For expensive vehicles or SUVs, a tilt tray is often the only safe option.

When searching for a Melbourne tow truck company, enquire whether it offers tilt tray towing as part of its accident recovery package.

Do Tow Truck Companies assist with Insurance Claims?

Although not standard practice, some accident recovery towing Melbourne providers assist motorists with filing their insurance claims. Integrating insurance with tow truck companies reduces red tape around filing claims and include extra costs related to emergency towing.

They can assist with: 

•         Providing photographic evidence of the vehicle at the accident scene.
•         Delivering damage reports alongside towing records.
•         Transporting the vehicle to an insurer-preferred repair centre.

Tow Truck Types used in Accident Recovery

Accident recovery requires specialised equipment, capable of handling various conditions, from crumpled sedans to rolled-over SUVs.        

•       Tow truck companies prefer tilt tray tow trucks for severe accidents. The flatbed allows tow truck operators to winch the crash vehicles onto the tray without dragging, preventing further structural harm. 
•       Accident recovery companies may dispatch heavy recovery vehicles when the crash involves larger commercial trucks or machinery. These rigs use hydraulic systems and stabilisers to manage extreme weights. 
•       They may use standard wheel-lift trucks for minor incidents where vehicles are fairly intact. 

Additional Towing Services Offered

Besides the regular towing services, tow truck operators understand motorists may require additional roadside assistance.

Motorists usually call tow trucks for flat tyres. Whether it’s a puncture on a freeway or a slow leak that finally gives out, the tow truck team can change automobile tyres safely and efficiently.

You notice your car battery is dead, and you're late for a meeting. No stress, tow truck companies can assist promptly with jumper cables, so you cannot only make your meeting but also do so without risking a grease stain on your perfect suit.

Stuck on the highway without fuel? A tow truck is available to supply drivers with the petrol or diesel they need to reach the nearest service station without delay.

And if drivers find themselves locked out of their car, trained operators can assist with vehicle lockouts, helping drivers regain access quickly and without damage.

Do Accident Tow Trucks Handle Other Vehicles?

Tow truck companies are not restricted to only vehicles. Melbourne's intricate road system includes motorcycles, tradespeople in vans and operators of light and heavy commercial trucks. Therefore, sometimes tow truck operators may require specialised tow trucks and equipment.

Motorcycle recovery requires soft straps and specialised cradles to avoid damage. While heavy duty trucks require specialised equipment and experienced operators, commercial vans need tilt trays. 

When searching for a tow truck Melbourne, drivers should look for companies that state their capacity to handle different vehicle classes.

What is the Towing Process after an Accident?

Tow truck companies make the towing process effortless, prioritising the safety of motorists with minimal stress.

The process begins with calling the tow operator near you. An operator is available to assist with gathering details around the accident, including location, vehicle type and the issue. Using this information allows the operator to dispatch the correct tow truck Melbourne drivers need, whether it’s a standard tow truck for a car accident or a tilt tray for larger or damaged vehicles.

On site, the tow truck operator assesses the vehicle and accident scene to ensure the safest approach. They will lift and secure crash vehicles, avoiding further damage. In case of a breakdown, they manage with a hook and go technique, a faster option.

If the crash vehicle is not roadworthy, the operator transports it to a destination of the driver's choice, their chosen repair shop or storage facility.

Communication is key throughout the process. Tow truck companies keep customers informed throughout the process, letting them know of any delays, changes to costs or additional services that are required.

Final Thoughts

From vehicle recovery to insurance coordination and safe storage, accident towing in Melbourne covers various services designed to ensure the driver's safety first. Tow truck companies, like Fast Melbourne Towing, demonstrate what drivers can expect with 24/7 availability, tilt tray technology, coverage for multiple vehicle types, and compliance with Victoria’s licensing framework.

Fast Towing Melbourne, a locally owned and operated company, is committed to upholding its strong reputation by providing reliable, high-quality service to every customer, every time.