How much does accident recovery cost?

Accident recovery costs depend on the complexity of the situation, including how difficult your vehicle is to access, how much winching is required, and the distance to your destination. Complex recoveries involving steep embankments or multiple attachment points cost more than simple extractions. Most auto insurance policies cover accident recovery and towing as part of collision coverage. We work directly with insurance companies and can help you understand your coverage and file claims. We provide cost estimates before beginning work whenever possible.

Do I need to be present during accident recovery?

For most accident recoveries, you do not need to be present during the actual extraction work. If law enforcement is on scene, they will typically stay until recovery is complete. However, we do need someone authorized to sign for the vehicle and make decisions about where to transport it. If you cannot be at the scene, you can authorize someone else or provide instructions over the phone. For insurance purposes, it is helpful if you or your representative can be present for the condition documentation.

Can you recover any vehicle from any location?

We can handle most accident recovery situations that passenger vehicles encounter. Our equipment is designed for cars, SUVs, pickups, and light commercial vehicles. Extremely remote locations that our trucks cannot reach, or situations requiring specialized heavy equipment like cranes, may need additional resources. When you call, describe your situation and location, and we will tell you honestly if we can handle it or if we need to bring in additional equipment or assistance. Safety is our top priority, so we will not attempt recoveries that exceed our capabilities.

Accident Recovery & Winching

Professional vehicle recovery from ditches, embankments, and difficult situations in Arlington Heights, IL.

Professional accident recovery and winching equipment for vehicle extraction in Arlington Heights, IL

Call (847) 996-9478

What Is Accident Recovery

Accident recovery is the specialized service of extracting vehicles from difficult or dangerous locations after an accident or off-road incident. This goes beyond regular towing because your vehicle might be in a ditch, down an embankment, stuck in mud, trapped under debris, or positioned in a way that makes standard towing impossible.

When an accident happens, your vehicle does not always end up in a convenient location. You might slide off an icy road into a ditch, lose control on a curve and end up in a wooded area, or have your car pushed off the roadway by another vehicle. In these situations, simply hooking up a tow truck and pulling your car out could cause additional damage or create safety hazards.

At CanDoWorks Arlington Heights Towing, we specialize in complex accident recovery situations that require skill, planning, and specialized equipment. Our team has the experience to assess each unique situation, develop a safe recovery plan, and execute it without causing further damage to your vehicle or property. We work with local police, fire departments, and insurance companies regularly, so we understand the protocols and documentation required after accidents.

Accident recovery often involves winching, which uses a powerful cable and pulley system to pull vehicles from locations where they cannot be driven or easily towed. Our winches can generate thousands of pounds of pulling force, allowing us to extract vehicles from deep ditches, steep slopes, mud, snow, or other challenging terrain. This capability makes the difference between a successful recovery and a vehicle that stays stuck.

Common Accident Recovery Situations

We handle a wide range of accident recovery situations throughout Arlington Heights and surrounding areas. Here are the most common scenarios:

Vehicles in Ditches

Running off the road into a ditch is one of the most common accident scenarios we respond to. Whether caused by icy conditions, avoiding an animal, or simply losing focus, vehicles in ditches require careful extraction. We assess the angle of your vehicle, the depth of the ditch, and the terrain before beginning recovery. Our winch system allows us to pull your vehicle out at the correct angle to minimize damage to the undercarriage, suspension, and body panels.

Off-Road and Embankment Accidents

Vehicles that go down embankments or roll off the roadway into fields or wooded areas present unique challenges. These recoveries often require multiple attachment points and careful coordination to bring your vehicle back up to the road safely. We use tree saver straps and anchor points to protect both your vehicle and the surrounding environment during recovery.

Vehicles Stuck in Mud or Snow

Severe weather can leave vehicles hopelessly stuck in mud, snow, or ice. Spinning your wheels only makes the situation worse, digging your vehicle deeper. Our winching service can pull your vehicle out of these conditions without causing damage to the drivetrain that aggressive self-recovery attempts might cause. We use proper anchoring techniques and pulling angles to extract stuck vehicles efficiently.

Multi-Vehicle Accidents

When multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, recovery becomes more complex. We need to carefully extract each vehicle without disturbing evidence or damaging other vehicles. We work closely with law enforcement and accident investigators to ensure recovery is done properly and documented thoroughly.

Rollover Accidents

Vehicles on their side or upside down require specialized recovery techniques. We must stabilize the vehicle first, then carefully right it before transport. This prevents additional damage and ensures safety for everyone involved. Our team is trained in rollover recovery procedures that protect both the vehicle and our operators.

When to Call for Professional Recovery

Your vehicle is not accessible by normal towing methods
The vehicle is in a dangerous location near traffic
You cannot safely stay with your vehicle while waiting
Your vehicle is leaking fluids or creating environmental hazards
The recovery requires specialized equipment or multiple attachment points
Law enforcement has requested professional recovery services
You want to minimize additional damage during extraction

Our Accident Recovery Process

Professional accident recovery follows a careful process to ensure safety and minimize damage:

Scene Assessment

When we arrive at an accident scene, we first assess the entire situation. Where is the vehicle? What angle is it positioned at? Are there hazards like downed power lines, leaking fluids, or unstable terrain? Is the vehicle on private property? We answer all these questions before beginning recovery. This assessment allows us to develop the safest and most efficient recovery plan.

Safety Setup

Before recovery begins, we set up proper safety measures. This might include traffic cones and warning triangles if we are working near a roadway, stabilizing the vehicle to prevent rolling or shifting, and identifying secure anchor points for our winch system. Safety always comes first in accident recovery.

Winching and Extraction

Using our professional winch equipment, we carefully extract your vehicle from its location. We choose pulling angles that minimize stress on your vehicle structure. Multiple attachment points may be used for complex recoveries. Throughout the process, we monitor the vehicle and surrounding area to ensure everything proceeds safely.

Damage Documentation

We photograph and document the condition of your vehicle before, during, and after recovery. This documentation is important for insurance claims and protects both you and us. We note any pre-existing damage and any new damage that may have occurred during the accident, carefully distinguishing between the two.

Transport to Destination

Once your vehicle is safely extracted, we provide flatbed towing to your chosen destination. This might be a repair shop, your insurance company's preferred facility, or your home. For vehicles with significant damage, flatbed transport is the safest method because the vehicle is completely off the ground and protected during transport.

Why Choose Our Recovery Service

We have the right equipment for complex recoveries including heavy-duty winches, multiple attachment points, and proper safety gear. Our drivers are trained in recovery techniques and work with accidents regularly, so they know what to expect. We are available 24/7 for emergency recovery because accidents do not follow schedules. We also maintain good relationships with local authorities and insurance companies, making the entire process smoother for you.