Does the owner need to accompany the tow truck?
3 Answers
Does the owner need to accompany the tow truck? Introduction to tow trucks: A tow truck, also known as a tractor, is a large truck or semi-trailer that uses tools to tow between the cab and the trailer. The cab can detach from the original trailer and tow other trailers, and the trailer can also detach from the original cab and be towed by other cabs. The front part with driving capability is called the tractor, and the rear part without driving capability is called the trailer, which is pulled by the tractor. Regulations during towing: The towed vehicle must not carry any passengers other than the driver and must not tow another trailer. The width of the towed vehicle must not exceed the width of the towing vehicle.
I had my car towed recently, and actually in most cases the owner doesn't need to go with the vehicle. If your car breaks down on the roadside, you just call a towing company - they'll send professional drivers to handle it. You only need to hand them the keys or arrange a pickup point in advance, and they'll tow the car to the repair shop. That time in the city, I was still at work when the tow truck took it away, and the next day they texted me the pickup address after repairs. Saves you the hassle of making the trip yourself. But remember some small towns or special towing services might require you to sign paperwork, especially when insurance claims are involved. Overall it's quite convenient - I always prioritize not accompanying the vehicle when issues arise, as it's both safer and less hassle, particularly for nighttime tows which are even more worry-free.
As someone who frequently deals with car accidents, from both safety and insurance perspectives, it's generally not necessary for the car owner to follow the tow truck. Towing companies have fixed procedures, and you just need to provide them with the keys or authorization. I've seen many cases where the car was towed while the owner was busy documenting the accident or calling the police. The key is to ensure the vehicle handover is formalized to avoid disputes that could affect insurance claims later. For example, if there's a scratch during towing and the owner isn't present, having full video documentation can better assist in your claim. It's advisable to check the company's policy in advance to avoid a wasted trip. Nowadays, many apps allow you to track the tow truck's location in real-time and receive updates. In short, the goal is efficient handling—don't create extra trouble for yourself, and always prioritize safety first.
