The first moments after a collision matter most
A crash on a busy Minneapolis road can happen in seconds. Once the vehicle stops, take a breath before doing anything else. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately and stay on the line until help arrives.
If the vehicles are drivable and the accident is minor, move them to the shoulder or a nearby parking lot. Leaving cars in a travel lane on a highway like Highway 1 Trans-Canada or the Barnet Highway creates a second hazard. Turn on your hazard lights right away.
Document the scene before anything moves
Photos are your best evidence. Capture all four corners of each vehicle, the road surface, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible damage. Note the time, weather, and exact location, for example, the intersection of Highway 7 Lougheed and a local cross street.
Exchange the following with every other driver involved:
- Full legal name and contact number
- Driver's licence number and province of issue
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, year, and licence plate
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
If police attend, get the report number. You will need it when filing your insurance claim.
When to call accident towing right away
Not every fender-bender needs a tow truck, but several situations do. If airbags deployed, a wheel is bent, fluid is leaking, or the car simply will not start, the vehicle needs to be moved by a professional. Attempting to drive a structurally compromised car causes further damage and can void your insurance claim.
For serious collisions on Highway 99 or Highway 1A, police may require the road cleared quickly. A flatbed is usually the safest choice for a damaged vehicle because it keeps all four wheels off the pavement. Learn more about flatbed towing service and why body shops often prefer it for collision-damaged cars.
Ottawa Window Store connects callers with local independent operators who handle post-collision scenes across the Minneapolis area. The dispatcher matches your location and vehicle type to the right equipment.
Choosing the right tow for your vehicle type
Standard sedans and SUVs typically move on a flatbed or a wheel-lift wrecker. Larger vehicles need different equipment. A pickup truck or full-size van may require medium-duty towing, while a commercial vehicle or loaded work truck calls for heavy-duty towing service.
Electric vehicles have specific handling requirements. High-voltage battery packs can be damaged by improper towing angles, so always request a flatbed for an EV. Read the full breakdown on electric vehicle towing before your next trip.
If the car is totalled or beyond repair
Sometimes a collision writes off a vehicle completely. Once the insurance process is finished, you may be left with a car that has no title value. In that case, junk car removal is a practical next step. Local operators in the network can haul the wreck away, often at no charge depending on the vehicle's scrap value.
If the accident involved a motorcycle, the recovery process is different. Bikes are more vulnerable to secondary damage during transport. A dedicated motorcycle towing service uses the right cradles and straps to keep the frame safe.
Roadside help beyond towing after a crash
A collision sometimes leaves you stranded with problems that do not require a full tow. A battery that died from the impact, a flat tire from road debris, or keys locked inside the car are all common post-accident situations. The dispatch line can send help for any of these.
- Dead battery after a minor collision: mobile battery boost service
- Flat tire from impact debris: roadside tire change service
- Keys locked inside during the chaos: vehicle unlock service
- Ran out of fuel while waiting: emergency fuel delivery
For vehicles stuck in a ditch or off the roadway after a crash, winching and recovery service gets the vehicle back on solid ground before the tow truck hooks up.
What happens after the tow arrives
Once the operator loads your vehicle, confirm the destination with the driver. Most people choose a body shop or dealership. If you have not decided yet, a secure impound or storage yard is a short-term option while you sort out the insurance claim.
Keep all receipts. Towing costs after an at-fault accident may be reimbursable through your policy. Your insurer will want documentation of the tow company name, date, distance, and amount paid.
Ottawa Window Store's dispatch line is available around the clock. Whether the accident happens at noon on Highway 1 Trans-Canada or at 2 a.m. on a quiet side street, local operators in the network are ready to respond. For full details on post-collision towing, visit the accident towing service page or browse all available towing and roadside services.
