It seems like the worst has come to pass when your car has been completely totaled. With no possible way you could have seen it coming, you’re understandably shocked, but what should you do now? While this situation isn’t comfortable to think about, it’s good to have a plan for keeping the situation under control.

Towing and collision repair company, Heinrich Collision, in Hilton, NY, explains their advice below:

• Respond to Emergencies: Before anything else, find out if anyone is injured. If so, call 911 and report the accident. At this time, you should also move your vehicle off the road if possible; if not, turn on your emergency lights to alert other drivers. 

• Call a Towing Company: Once everyone is safe, call a towing company. It is wise to save a number preemptively, to ensure you only call a reputable company. If you call the police, let them know you’re calling your preferred towing company. Otherwise, they may call a different one to the scene.

• Exchange Insurance Information: While waiting for the authorities or towing company to arrive, exchange vehicle insurance and registration information with other drivers who were involved in the collision.

• Specify a Collision Repair Center: If you already have a preferred auto body shop, tell the tow truck driver; otherwise, they’ll take your car to their usual impound lot. Heinrich Collision is both an auto body shop and towing service, so if you call them, you can save a step.

• Call Your Insurance Company: Once your vehicle has been safely towed, call your insurance representative and let them know what happened. From there, they’ll schedule an examination of the damage and tell you the next steps.

For 24/7 towing services near Hilton, NY, you can reach Heinrich Collision at (585) 392-7800. More information about the family-owned and -operated company is available online.