Accident recovery, once everyone is safe

At the scene, before we arrive

People first. Check everyone in the vehicle, put the hazards on, and move away from the carriageway if you can do it safely.

Then, if it is safe to stand there, photograph the vehicles where they are and the wider scene. Note the registration of anything else involved.

Leave broken glass and dropped parts where they are until you have those photos. We can sweep round the vehicle when we load it.

We do not advise on claims, liability or anything legal. That is between you, your insurer and the police.

Why damaged vehicles go on the bed

A hit that bends steering or suspension leaves wheels that will not point or turn. Towed on its own wheels, that vehicle fights the truck and does more damage on the way.

On a flatbed it is winched aboard on skates if it has to be, then strapped down flat. It travels once, in one piece, to a garage, a body shop or your address. The mechanics of that are set out on the vehicle recovery page.

If it needs moving again later — assessor to repairer, repairer to home — that is a booked vehicle transport job rather than an emergency call.