Crunch. Not a big one. But your bumper is now part of somebody else’s bumper, right in the middle of Okeechobee Blvd. Hearts race. Horns start. Here’s what to do after a minor car accident, one step at a time.
Short answer: Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Stay at the scene. If the cars still drive and block traffic, move them out of the lanes. Swap information, take photos, and if your car can’t be driven safely, call (561) 594-4502 for a tow.
What should you do first?
- Stop. Hazards on.
- Check yourself and your passengers. Anyone hurt? Call 911 now.
- Look before you open a door. Traffic keeps moving.
- If you smell fuel or see smoke, get everyone out and well away from the cars, then call 911.
Do you have to stay at the scene?
Yes. Under Florida Statutes 316.061, drivers in a crash that only damages vehicles or property must stop at or near the scene and stay there until they’ve done what the law requires. The same law says that if a damaged vehicle blocks traffic, the driver should make every reasonable effort to move it, or have it moved, out of the way.
Should you move the car out of traffic?
| Your situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Car drives fine, nobody hurt | Move it to the shoulder or a nearby lot |
| Car drives, but something’s leaking or dragging | Pull just far enough to clear the lanes, then stop |
| Car won’t move, or steering feels wrong | Leave it, hazards on, and call for a tow |
| Anyone hurt | Don’t move them. Call 911 and wait |
What information should you swap?
- Names and phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Insurance company and policy numbers
- Plate numbers, plus the make, model and color of each car
- The exact spot: road, direction and nearest cross street
What photos help later?
- Each car from all four sides
- Close-ups of the damage
- The other car’s plate
- The road, signs and skid marks
- Anything leaking under the car
Photos take a minute and can save you hours of back-and-forth later.
When do you need a tow truck?
Call for a tow if the car won’t start, a wheel is bent, a tire is torn, fluids are leaking, lights are smashed or the hood won’t close. Driving a damaged car home “to see if it’s fine” usually ends with a second call. Ours. We take it to your body shop, your mechanic or your driveway. Luxury, exotic, lowered and all-wheel drive cars always ride on a flatbed. See car towing.
What if it’s just a flat or a dead battery after the bump?
Sometimes a minor hit leaves you with a flat or a car that won’t crank. We do flat tire service and jump starts too. If that doesn’t do it, we tow it.
Minor accidents around West Palm Beach
We help drivers after fender benders in West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Lake Park, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm Beach, Haverhill, Greenacres, Lake Worth Beach, Royal Palm Beach and Wellington, on I-95, the Turnpike, Okeechobee Blvd, Southern Blvd and Military Trail. See all our tow services.
Frequently asked questions
Should I call 911 for a minor accident?
Call 911 if anyone is hurt, a car blocks traffic and can’t be moved, or something feels unsafe.
Can I move my car after a crash?
If it drives safely and nobody is hurt, Florida law expects you to make a reasonable effort to clear the lanes.
Can you tow my car to my body shop?
Yes. We tow to the address you choose.
Do you tow damaged cars at night?
Yes. We’re open 24/7. Call (561) 594-4502.
Do you give free estimates?
Yes. You get a free estimate before any tow.
Fender bender and a car that shouldn’t be driven? Call (561) 594-4502. We’re open 24/7.