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The Costly Post-Accident Tug-of-War: Tow Truck Fees and Storage

Hey there, Georgia! Your trusty personal injury lawyer, Michael M. Day, is here to shed some light on a sneaky expense that can catch you off guard after an auto accident – tow truck fees and storage. While your mind might be focused on recovery and insurance claims, these costs can silently creep up and add to your post-accident woes. Let's break it down in plain and simple terms.

The Tow Truck Tango

1. The Tow Truck Arrives: So, you've been in a car accident, and now your damaged vehicle needs a lift. Enter the tow truck, your vehicular savior. They hook up your car and whisk it away to a safe place for assessment and repairs.
2. The Initial Tow Fee: Here's the first kicker – the tow truck operator charges a fee just for picking up your vehicle and towing it to a nearby lot or repair shop. This initial fee can range from $75 to $125 or more, depending on the distance.

The Storage Surcharge

3. Storage Facility Blues: Once your car is in the storage facility, the meter starts ticking. Storage fees accumulate daily, and they're not your friendly neighborhood discount store prices. These costs can pile up faster than a kid's toy collection.
4. Daily Dues: Storage fees can vary widely, but they typically range from $20 to $50 per day. Some facilities charge even more. It's like paying rent for a tiny parking space where your car sits, waiting for its fate to be decided.
5. The Longer It Lingers: The longer your car stays in storage, the more you'll owe. If you're dealing with a complex insurance claim or waiting for repairs, those storage fees can become a real headache.

Why It Adds Up

Now, you might wonder why these fees add up so quickly. Well, it's a combination of factors:

• Daily Charges: The daily storage fees don't stop, and they can quickly accumulate into a substantial amount.
• Insurance Delays: If there are delays in processing your insurance claim or determining liability, your car may linger in storage longer than anticipated.
• Repair Time: Sometimes, repairs take longer than expected, especially if parts are hard to come by or the damage is extensive.
• Legal Matters: If you're involved in a personal injury case or liability disputes, it can prolong the time your car spends in storage.

So, there you have it, Georgia friends – the lowdown on why tow truck fees and storage costs can add up after an auto accident. It's a little-known aspect of the aftermath that can sneak up on you. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and make sure you're aware of these potential expenses when navigating the post-accident journey.