Accident Towing: What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident

Near Lilydale, VIC, a car accident can happen without warning. Knowing what to do in those first moments protects your safety, your legal rights, and your vehicle. Here are five clear steps to follow after a crash, including how towing works under Victorian law.

Step 1: Secure the Scene

If your vehicle can be moved safely, pull it to the side of the road and away from traffic. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. On busy roads like the Maroondah Hwy or Mt. Dandenong Rd, stay well clear of travel lanes and wait behind a barrier where possible.

Check yourself and any passengers for injuries before exiting. Victorian law requires drivers to remain at the scene until the proper steps are completed.

Step 2: Call Emergency Services

Call 000 immediately if anyone is injured, a vehicle is blocking traffic, or there is a hazard such as spilled fuel. Police may attend and take a report, which is critical for your insurance claim. You will need a police event number for most insurance claim processes.

Step 3: Document the Accident

Before any vehicles are moved, photograph the position of all vehicles, tyre marks, road damage, number plates, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Swap name, address, phone number, licence number, and insurer details with all other drivers. Collect witness contact details if available.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurer

Notify your insurer as soon as possible, ideally from the scene. Have your police event number, the other driver's details, and your photos ready. Your insurer may organise towing directly or ask you to arrange it. Either way, confirm any tow complies with your policy.

What to Know About Accident Towing in Victoria

Accident towing near Lilydale is governed by the Accident Towing Services Act 2007, which regulates how tow trucks attend crash scenes and what fees may be charged. In designated controlled areas around metropolitan Melbourne, tow jobs are allocated through a centralised VicRoads system. Lilydale sits on the fringe of this zone, so in some locations you may have the right to choose your preferred operator.

Always confirm the tow truck driver presents a valid authority-to-tow docket before your vehicle is moved. You have the right to nominate where it is taken.

Need Accident Towing Near Lilydale?

If you have been in a crash in the Lilydale, VIC, area or anywhere across the Yarra Ranges, Yarra Valley Towing is available around the clock. Call 1300 869 247 any time, day or night, for a fast response. Visit our accident and breakdown towing service page or get in touch online to arrange assistance or request a quote.