What happens to damaged vehicles after RTAs

If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a road accident ( an RTA) in which your vehicle is damaged so that it cannot be driven, then it is in the power of the Police to arrange for your vehicle to be removed from the scene to a safe place (i.e. storage – often at a local garage) so as not to cause an obstruction.

If you happen to have also suffered personal injury in the accident, it is common that you will be taken from the scene in an ambulance for medical attention, and what happens to your vehicle may be the last thing on your mind!

It is the responsibility of the Police attending the scene to inform the owner that the vehicle has been recovered and where to, and it is then the responsibility of the owner to contact the recovery operator/ storage facility within 7 days otherwise the car/ motorbike may be disposed of by sale or scrapped.

If your vehicle has been removed by the police, charges incurred for the recovery of the damaged vehicle and it’s subsequent storage (and disposal) will be your responsibility.

The relevant charges are set out in Regulations and currently are as follows:

• Removal - £150 to £300, depending on the amount of damage to, and position of your car or motorbike
• Storage - £20 per day for a car, £10 per day for a motorbike
• Disposal i.e. Scrappage - £75 for a car, £50 for a motorbike

The garage storing your vehicle may be entitled not to release it back to you until the relevant charges have been paid. This can cause difficulties, particularly for someone of limited means, as it may not be possible due to cash flow restrictions.

However you can claim these charges back as part of a claim from either your insurance, or from another ‘at fault’ driver’s insurer. Although you must be aware that you should take all reasonable steps to try and reduce the amount of the charges by making appropriate arrangements with the storage garage as soon as possible.

We deal with this issue regularly when dealing with personal injury and RTA claims and our dedicated team of RTA lawyers can advise you on the process, your rights in respect of your vehicle, and also the best way to deal with the garage concerned. In some cases we can provide an undertaking to the garage that we shall pay their charges at the conclusion of a claim, so that you can get your vehicle back as soon as possible.

If you have been involved in a RTA and suffered injury as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries and for any financial losses that you have suffered including the charges for the recovery of your vehicle.

In most cases, we can work for you on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, or under terms of any legal expenses policy that you already have, to ensure that you receive 100% of your compensation.

If you wish to speak with someone about a possible claim , at no charge and with no obligation then please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Personal Injury Team.