Towing Options to Consider When You Have a Car Accident

If you have been involved in an automobile accident, you may need to hire a towing company to help transport your vehicle. It’s important to understand that while you may be responsible for paying for the towing, you are not automatically liable for any damage to your car or property. Depending on your state, you can still be liable for damages if you are not insured.

Get information about the towing company

If you have been in a car accident, you need to make sure you get information about the towing company for the right reasons. The towing service may be able to help you get your car back. You might also be able to get some reimbursement for the towing costs.

Depending on the severity of the accident, your insurance policy may cover the tow costs. If you have no insurance, you will need to choose a tow company yourself. It might be a good idea to check with your auto club for free roadside assistance.

Choosing the best tow business for your situation is not an easy task. There are many car accident towing companies in the market, and some are out to scam you. In order to avoid getting ripped off, you need to find out as much as you can about the towing services available to you.

Get your possessions out of the towed car

Getting your possessions out of a towed car can be a pain. While there are several options available, one of the best ways to go about it is to call a local towing service and let them handle the details.

You’ll also want to get the ball rolling with your insurance company, especially if the accident is your fault. Aside from making it possible to retrieve your personal items, you could be eligible for reimbursement.

Before you settle on a towing company, make sure you get the details on their fees and procedures, especially if you’re paying for a tow yourself. While you’re at it, ask if you’ll be able to retrieve your personal items on their schedule. The cost of a tow can run as high as thousands of dollars.

Avoid accidents when towing

Whether you need to tow a vehicle or move a trailer, there are steps you can take to avoid car accidents when towing. Towing adds weight to your vehicle and forces you to slow down or speed up to handle the load. If you’re not careful, you can cause serious accidents.

One of the best ways to avoid car accidents when towing is to ensure that you have all the proper equipment and that you are fully trained in its use. This includes selecting the right tow vehicle, learning the appropriate hand signals, and learning the maneuvers that can be performed while towing.

When towing a trailer, you need to ensure that the connection is made properly. Your tow vehicle must have a brake system that helps to reduce the wear and tear on your car’s brakes. In addition, the trailer must have the proper brake lights and reflectors.

Property damage part of your case

When towing car accidents there are a lot of things to consider. One of these is your insurance coverage. If you have no insurance, you may have to pay for your own towing and storage.

Luckily, you can make a claim. Your insurance company will inspect your vehicle to determine the extent of the damage and decide whether it can be repaired or if it will need to be towed away. The costs will vary depending on the at-fault driver. It’s a good idea to know what your insurance will cover so you can avoid paying for unnecessary services.

Towing and storage costs can add up fast. You might have to spend hundreds of dollars to get your car back on the road. Fortunately, many auto insurers will cover these expenses until your car has been inspected.

Uninsured/Underinsured drivers still liable for damages

If you have been injured in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, you have a number of options for compensation. You may file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company, or you can sue the driver directly. However, if you decide to go to court, you must be realistic about your expectations.

Depending on how much fault the other driver is found to have, you could be able to collect compensation. In most states, you can recover monetary damages for your injuries and medical expenses. This includes economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages are not covered by the other driver’s liability policy.

When you are filing a compensation claim, your insurance company will ask you for proof of your injuries. They will also request a report of the damage to your vehicle. A police report will also be helpful.

Tips for driving in upstate NY winter weather conditions

Driving in winter is dangerous, especially in the crazy snow bands of upstate New York around Buffalo, Syracuse and Rochester. You need to be cautious to avoid a collision. If you live or have traveled areas that experiences snow in winter, you need to be armed with winter driving tips. The tips could make a big difference and help you navigate safely in winter conditions and avoid accidents and a need for a tow.

Reduce Travel Distances

The best tip of all time is to avoid driving in severe winter conditions. If you have the option of keeping off the snowy roads, it is advisable to do so. If you have to drive to work or school, however, you need to be extra careful on the road.

Set A Flexible Travel Schedule

If you have to drive in winter, avoid tight schedules. Have a flexible schedule and allow extra time to maneuver from one place to another. Don’t rush to get to your destination lest you cause an accident. You need to drive at a slower speed, and you will need more time to cover the distance. You are also likely to be stalled by cars involved in accidents along the way.

Slow Down

Avoid speeding in winter. Driving at high speed in icy roads is dangerous. Even when the way seems clear, drive slowly and observe road signs. Slowing down not only reduces chances of accident but also helps you to stay in control when you encounter unexpected problems on the road.

Drive With Lights On

Visibility is very low during winter. Whether it is snowing or not, drive with lights on. The headlights of your vehicle will increase visibility and serve as a safety measure. Driving with the lights on is one of the crucial tips that you should never forget when driving in winter.

Keep Distance

Keep in mind that anything can happen when driving on icy roads. Maintain a significant distance between you and the car in front of you. This ensures you have enough time to apply brakes the driver in front applies instant brakes.

Use Low Gear

Lower gear increases traction when driving on icy roads. If you want to accelerate quickly and drive consistently, use lower gears and slower speed. This tactic gives your control and severe winter conditions. Avoid cruise control because it is deadly on slippery roads.

You should avoid driving in winter to minimize the risks. If you have to travel, however, take the necessary safety measures. Keep in mind the tips we have highlighted above for safe driving in winter conditions.

While heavy moving trucks are typically stable in icy and snowy conditions, it is vital to exercise caution when operating a large U-Haul or Budget box truck. If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call on the top moving companies in New York.

Benefits of backup cameras for cars and trucks

backup camera

The benefits of having a car equipped with a rear back up camera are numerous.

They allow you to see a larger line of sight, as well as alerting you to oncoming cars from either side. It also shows you if any people or animals are behind you reducing the likelihood of hitting animals, pets, and even small children.

By having a rear back up camera you are able to cut down on things like accidents while parking and reversing. That way you won’t need towing service in Brighton, CO if you’re visiting the greater Denver area or Rocky Mountains.

The benefits certainly speak for themselves and can even get you lower insurance premiums and discounts on things like roadside service.

Companies like to know that you are taking making every effort possible to be as safe as you possibly can, and in doing so they pass on the benefits for you. Many insurance companies lower your premium for every six months you remain accident free and some will even give you bonuses when you do.

When buying a vehicle – new or used – do your research on if it has a backup camera, and how it works. Many alert you to oncoming obstructions with a beeping noise.

Many cars these days that are equipped with backup cameras are affordable -even for those on tight budgets. It can be argued that this is a better investment for your vehicle than window tinting.

You can also install a backup camera on your own. They can be purchased in store or online at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, a variety of auto parts stores and shops, or online at Amazon.com among many other outlets.

Many backup cameras can be installed in 10 minutes or less. Wireless seem to have the best reviews among users.

For complete safety, the Brighton Tow Truck company equips each of the trucks in its fleet with backup cameras. To find more information about the Brighton service company visit: https://www.towtruckbrightonco.com

The pros and cons of snow tires

snow tire

Most drivers use snow tires for cars during the winter season when extra traction is required. Snow tires vary from normal tires because they have high-quality rubber. The manufacturer included studs as the major components to increase grip. The tires ensure firm grip while driving on slippery ground or wet surface. The discussion below highlights both disadvantages and advantages of snow tires.

Pros

Superior braking- most of the snow tires enhance breaking activities of the car. Cars fitted with good snow tires can brake hard on a wet road and dig deep unlike the ordinary skidding tires. Such characteristic helps to prevent accidents and risk driving.

Better grip capability- snow tires ensure maximum grip on a snowy region. The tires have a combination of hard studs and gripping rubber that can hold on an ice road and retain stability of the car.

Cons

Tough on other roads- the snow tire grips damage the road. Because the grips are tough, they increase reaction with the dry surface thus damaging the normal roads.

Fragile- most of the snow tires are made of sifting rubber. As a result, they wear out faster as compared to regular tires. It is not advisable to use them in normal conditions because you can ruin the treads.

Operating a moving truck under snowy and icy road conditions can be treacherous and dangerous for you and other motor vehicle drivers and passengers. The good news is that most rental trucks from U-Haul, Penske, Ryder, and the like have reliable winter tires.

However, if you do not feel comfortable driving a rental truck, consider calling on the services of one of the professional moving companies in Syracuse, NY.

How to prepare your vehicle for winter

While many people take necessary precautions in their homes and houses when the winter weather is heralded by its many facets, little regard of similar magnitude is directed to the vehicle, which is one of the most important mobility assets.

Overlooking essential preparations tips for a winter season is very perilous and life threatening to both the vehicle and its users. The winter weather is extreme and can put undue strain on the car safety, functionality, appearance as well as the personal security of the driver and companions.

Quick tips to prepare a car for winter

Emergency kits

It is imperative to have a kit, an additional one for that, that can help overcome the roaring snow, ice and fog that may befalls on the way. Such kits include a torch, a heavy sweater, oil, candles, matches, shovel, pocket knife, and a sleeping bag.

Construct a shelter for the car

A garage is essential to cover the car from the razing weather. Failure to do this would have the car appearance fully distorted the falling can work negatively against the car paint. The extreme ice falling can also have adverse effect on the radiator fluids, making it to freeze.

While it may be difficult to have a car shade all the time, it is important to own a car cover, with bright colors to protect the car appearance.

Check the coolant system

Dysfunctional anti-freeze system such as leaking can affect a great deal the temperatures f the car. Overheating because the freezing system is not working is tantamount to making a driver stuck on the road. As the season heralds it is essential to make sure that this system is in proper and good working condition. This means visiting the garage.

At the garage, the mechanics should also help in checking other defects that the car has. This include checking the oils, the wheels, whether they have the right tread depth, as well as installing anti ice complimentary such as heater system, blowers, windshield wipers ,as well as window defrosters. They ones that are defective should be replaced immediately.

Other features that should be examined include the car electrical system, the car fluids, and regular checking of tire pressure. It is important to also own a pressure and oil gauge.

Understanding DUI

Let’s get serious for a minute. Too many people in our area — young and old — are driving after drinking. A local MADD advocate wanted to share the following:

Before getting your driver’s license, you must successfully pass certain tests plus demonstrate a basic familiarity with operating a vehicle. Normally, these kinds of tests go over information on driving under the influence along with what is deemed a violation of this type. Driving under the influence is a substantial criminal offense and therefore includes harsh consequences so the more you fully understand about this, the much better you’re going to be in the long term.

If you’re charged with drunk driving, the first thing you need to do is find out what is recognized as drunk driving and also whether or not you really are going to be accused of some sort of misdemeanor or even a felony. A good Orange County DUI Attorney will undoubtedly be of great assistance when charged with this crime.

If you are of legal age and you are pulled over with regard to drunk driving, an officer determines your blood alcohol level. When it is 0.08% or more, you will be thought to be driving under the influence. For those below the age of 18 years of age, virtually any beer in the body can result in a charge of this specific sort. Industrial drivers will have to fulfill a unique standard.

Any commercial vehicle driver with a BAC that is 0.04% or higher is regarded as driving while impaired. The policeman holds the right to charge you with driving while intoxicated in the event you refuse the breath analyzer or any other chemical substance assessment.

Many DUIs tend to be misdemeanors, but there are certainly cases where you can be arrested for a felony. If you have multiple DUI prosecutions, three or more, the judge may well charge you with a felony and also the same holds true if you’ve been in a major car accident. Whenever these circumstances aren’t met, you may still find you’re faced with a felony when 3 or more circumstances are actually fulfilled.

If you were enacting some sort of vehicular traffic infringement AND wounded another person because of the violation, the court will likely charge you with a felony and you will really need to use a DUI Lawyer.

Remember the great Dale Earnhardt

dale earnhardt

Dale Earnhardt, Sr. is greatly missed in the world of stock car racing and NASCAR. He was killed instantly during the Daytona 500 on February 18, 2001 after a collision with Ken Schrader and Sterling Marlin on the final lap.

Earnhardt was one of the great racers, as well as a team owner. He began his professional racing career in 1975 in the Winston Cup Series and won more than 76 races. One of his greatest victories was the 1998 Daytona 500.

He captured seven Winston Cup titles in all, tying the legendary Richard Petty. Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010, Earnhardt earned the nickname The Intimidator thanks to his aggressive driving style.

Earnhardt was born into a racing family in North Carolina in April 1951. His father Ralph was a noted short-track driver in his home state and mentored his son before dying of a heart attack at the age of 45 in 1973.

While Ralph did not pursue a professional career, Dale dropped out of high school to chase his driving dreams. Dale later passed his love of racing to Dale, Jr., now a top NASCAR driver.

Although Dale is known for driving the No. 3 car he started his Winston Cup career manning the No. 8 Dodge Charger. He finished 22nd in his first race and wasn’t a regular participant in the Cup series until 1979.

Earnhardt’s career blossomed after joining Rod Osterlund Racing. He won at Bristol in 1979 and finished with 11 top 5s. In 1980, Earnhardt won five races and took home his first Winston Cup championship.

Earnhardt joined Childress Racing in 1984 and finished his career with that team. The rest is history.

Today, Earnhardt is still remembered fondly around NASCAR racetracks. Earnhardt Tower, a section of seats at Dayton International was named in his honor following his death. He also has many roads and streets named after him, including one in his hometown of Kannapolis, North Carolina.

When Jimmie Johnson won his 76th career race at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2016, tying Earnhardt’s record, the driver held up three fingers out his window to honor Earnhardt. Johnson’s sign of respect was reminiscent to what fans did during the third lap of every NASCAR race following Earnhardt’s death.

He may be gone, but Dale Earnhardt’s legacy will always live.

NASCAR Through The Years

National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, better known as Nascar sends some adrenaline flowing. A stock car means the one which is available with the dealer for sale. It could also mean a racing car having the same chassis available with a normally available car. In that sense, Nascar car is not really a racing car, but the one which you drive on normal roads. But then the difference is of winning.

This difference of winning has snatched honesty of some of the people in the past. It had to be winning at any cost. Some of the prime examples of such tricks on Nascar circuit have been laid out to make your reading interesting and also to enlighten you.

Initial years of early 50’s didn’t really offer much of a chance for tricksters to showcase their talent. However, some engine tuning used to take place. Nothing more than that.

The later golden era changed some of this when strictly Stock Car banner was somehow stretched to racing. A smart driver had deployed a trick of reducing the weight of the car. He used to have loads of buckshot and get the car passed during an inspection. He would then very innocuously drop it down with a simple mechanism, and no wonder, his car would canter away because of lower weight.

Then there was one, a legend of sorts, called Smokey. He still enjoys a reputation – he had lots of parts in the car which were illegal. He was called to remove those parts, which was duly done. Even the fuel tank was found to be out of compliance, with a basketball in it to expand capacity. Smokey was asked to remove that too, this too was complied with. Who knows really what & why this happened, he was asked to take his car out, without the tank. Smokey didn’t utter a word, and took the car away!

Smokey is credited with yet another innovation. While being checked for adherence to specifications, each on the inspection team had a feeling that something was wrong, but nobody could really find out. It was known only when his car was compared to that available in the showroom. It was found that his car was made to be 13% smaller than the commercially available car. This reduction in size would have given tremendous advantage to Smokey – the car would have been much superior aerodynamically, and thereby zip ahead of others.

And now comes daddy of all the tricks as heard from storytellers – one driver actually had a small tank containing nitrous oxide. It was so beautifully camouflaged that no inspector could ever find it. A small pipe was used to inject this oxide in the combustion, and this pipe was disguised as a fuel pipe. Of course, the truth never was and will be found out.

Now the times have changed. Nascar has become stricter than ever it was. Penalties have been heavier than before, and most important – it is now difficult to race ahead of its inspection team, which rather used to be not so difficult.