ORLANDO, Fla. – Crashes are stressful. Your heart is racing, you’re trying to make sure everyone is OK, and at the same time, traffic is still flying by.
The short answer is no.
Under Florida Statute 715.07, tow truck operators are not allowed to solicit business at the scene of a crash unless they were specifically requested by the vehicle owner, the property owner, or law enforcement. In many areas, law enforcement agencies use a rotation system to call tow companies so that the process stays fair and organized.
The reason for the law is simple. A crash scene is already stressful and confusing. Drivers shouldn’t have to deal with someone pulling up and pressuring them to make a quick decision about where their vehicle is going.
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If you find yourself in a crash and a tow truck driver approaches you offering their services without being called, remember that you are under no obligation to accept it. Take a moment, breathe, and speak with the responding officer about what the next step should be for your vehicle.
Moments like that are overwhelming enough. The law is designed to make sure no one takes advantage of you while you’re trying to figure everything out.