Who Cleans up After a Car Accident?
If you’ve ever wondered who cleans up after a car crash, you’re not alone. We’ve done a bit of digging and unearthed some interesting facts that answer this question.
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Responsible parties
According to the state troopers with the Duluth News Tribune, the tow truck companies and operators are responsible for cleaning up debris from the vehicle they’re towing. This clean-up service is included in the towing fee.
Tow-truck operators are required to bring along certain items for this purpose, such as a shovel and broom. They’re also responsible for cleaning up any oil, coolant, or gas that the vehicle spilled on the road. That’s why they also carry some type of liquid-absorbing substance they can apply to and sweep off of the road, as Jalopnik reports.
Sometimes a crash can result in an excess of oil or toxic chemicals on the road. In these cases, the towing crew enlists the help of the local fire department or hazmat team, depending on the nature of the spill.
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Space to do the job right
Tow drivers typically do their best to clean up after a crash. But as NBC 2 News articulates, how well they clean the road partly depends on whether the drivers involved in the crash give them sufficient space for them to do their job.
From a legal standpoint, tow trucks are considered emergency vehicles, which means that the “move-over” law applies to both the victims of the crash and drivers nearby. This helps ensure that the tow-truck operators have enough space to safely and effectively clean the road.
Leftover debris
But what if you’re driving and notice some debris on the road after an accident? Lt. Jay Rodriguez with the Fort Myers Police Department recommends calling local law enforcement to notify them about it. Per NBC 2 News, police departments contract with local towing companies they can call to resolve such scenarios.
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News Sources: Jalopnik, NBC2, Duluth News Tribune
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