Your heart’s racing. Traffic’s swerving around you. Your car’s disabled on I-94 during rush hour near Benton Harbor. Your hands are shaking. You don’t know what to do next.
This scenario plays out hundreds of times yearly on Southwest Michigan highways. Most drivers aren’t prepared for the chaos of an accident moment. Panic clouds decision-making. Fear leads to mistakes.
Here’s what happens if you’re unprepared: You make wrong calls to wrong people, insurance denies coverage due to procedural errors, towing damage worsens your situation, and costs skyrocket from $2,000 to $8,000+.
But if you know the five-step protocol, the outcome changes completely. You follow procedures. Insurance covers appropriately. Professional towing protects your vehicle. Costs stay manageable. Your emergency becomes a managed situation.
This guide provides the exact protocol every Benton Harbor driver needs before winter (when accidents spike) or any season. Whether you’re on I-94, I-196, or local roads near Benton Harbor, this information saves money, reduces stress, and prevents secondary accidents.
In an accident right now? Call Arndt’s Auto Towing immediately at 269-925-8969. We handle accident recovery 24/7 across Benton Harbor and surrounding areas. But first, follow this five-step protocol.
Immediate Safety—The First 60 Seconds
Your priority in the first minute isn’t paperwork or phone calls. It’s survival.
Step 1: Ensure Physical Safety
If your vehicle is drivable and you’re in traffic:
- Turn on hazard lights immediately
- If safe and traffic is light, move vehicle to shoulder or nearby parking
- If traffic is heavy (I-94 rush hour), DO NOT attempt to move vehicle
- If you cannot move the vehicle, stay inside with seatbelt on until professional help arrives
If your vehicle is not drivable:
- Shift to Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual)
- Turn off engine
- Engage parking brake
- Stay in vehicle if on active highway (safer than roadside exposure)
- Turn on hazard lights
Why this matters for I-94 near Benton Harbor: This highway carries speeds of 65-70 mph. Disabled vehicles create understandable danger. Passing vehicles don’t always see you. Standing outside your vehicle increases injury risk.
Step 2: Check for Injuries
Immediately after securing the vehicle:
- Do a quick personal injury assessment: Can you move all limbs? Any sharp pain? Any bleeding?
- Check passengers: Ask if they’re injured
- Look for serious injuries (unconsciousness, bleeding, broken bones)
- If anyone has serious injuries, this becomes a 911 call immediately
Important: Adrenaline masks pain. You might feel fine in the moment but injured. Document any pain, discomfort, or unusual sensations you notice—you may discover injuries later.
Step 3: Activate Warning Systems
If you’re safely on the shoulder:
- Set up warning triangles or flares 50+ feet behind your vehicle (if you have them in your emergency kit)
- This alerts approaching drivers to slow down
- Prevents secondary accidents where other vehicles hit yours
If you’re blocked in traffic:
- Keep hazard lights on
- Don’t exit vehicle into traffic
Step 4: Move to Safety
If your vehicle is partially in traffic:
- If it’s safe to do so (no heavy traffic immediately coming), move to the shoulder
- Move passengers away from traffic
- Keep everyone together and visible
If you must wait in the vehicle:
- Keep seatbelts on (protects you if second vehicle hits yours)
- Keep doors locked
- Keep hazard lights on
The Five-Step Response Protocol (In Order)
Most drivers call wrong people in wrong order. This causes delays, missed documentation, and insurance complications. Follow this exact sequence:
STEP 1: Call 911 or Local Police (FIRST)
This is always your first call—before insurance, before your mechanic, before Arndt’s.
When to call 911 (Emergency Line):
- Anyone has injuries
- Anyone is in immediate danger
- Vehicles are blocking traffic lanes
- Fuel or fluids are leaking
- Fire or smoke visible
- Traffic is moving at highway speeds nearby
- Severe weather conditions
When to call non-emergency police:
- Minor fender-bender with no injuries
- Both vehicles are safely off traffic lanes
- No hazardous conditions
- Traffic flow isn’t disrupted
What to tell police dispatcher:
- Location: “I-94 westbound near exit 73 (Benton Harbor area)” – Be specific with exit numbers or mile markers
- Vehicles involved: “Two-vehicle accident” or “Single vehicle”
- Injuries: “No injuries” or describe injuries
- Hazards: “Traffic is heavy” or “Vehicle fluid leaking”
- Your location: “I’m in my vehicle on the shoulder” or “I’m safely away from traffic”
Why this matters: Police create official accident reports that insurance requires. You legally need a police report for insurance claims in Michigan. Average response time in Benton Harbor area: 15-20 minutes.
Document the response:
- Ask for police report number
- Get officer’s name and badge number
- Take photos while police are present if safe to do so
STEP 2: Call Your Insurance Company (SECOND)
Wait until police have arrived or police report is filed before calling insurance (unless there are serious injuries).
What your insurance will ask:
- Policy number (have it ready)
- Date and time of accident
- Location (I-94 near Benton Harbor, specific exit, etc.)
- Other driver’s information
- Police report number (if filed)
- Vehicle damage description
- Injury status
Critical questions to ask your insurance:
- “Does my policy cover towing?” (Most do, but verify)
- “What’s my towing coverage limit?” (Typical: $50-100, often insufficient)
- “Which towing services can I use?” (Many insurers partner with specific providers)
- “Do I have accident waiver?” (This covers towing costs not covered otherwise)
- “What’s my deductible for this claim?” (Collision claims typically have $500-1,000 deductible)
Why this matters: Your insurance may recommend a specific towing service. If they do, use that service—it may be fully covered. If they don’t recommend anyone, you can choose Arndt’s Auto Towing, and insurance typically covers towing costs.
Document the call:
- Insurance claim number
- Adjuster’s name
- Towing authorization (if given)
- Coverage details
STEP 3: Call Professional Towing (THIRD)
After police report is filed and insurance is contacted, now you call towing.
What to tell Arndt’s Auto Towing dispatcher:
- “I’ve been in an accident on I-94 near Benton Harbor”
- Your exact location (exit number, mile marker, nearest town)
- Vehicle description (color, make, model, license plate)
- Vehicle condition (Does it run? Can it be towed? Any fluid leaks?)
- Other vehicles involved count
- Injuries status
- Police report number (if you have it)
- Insurance claim number
- Preferred destination (repair shop, dealership, home)
Why call us: Arndt’s Auto Towing specializes in accident recovery. We understand insurance procedures, handle documentation, and tow safely to protect your vehicle. Response time: 20-30 minutes in Benton Harbor area.
Accident recovery specifics: We have flatbed tow trucks for severe damage. Standard tow trucks for minor accidents. We photograph your vehicle (insurance requires this). We handle all communication with your insurance adjuster.
Document the call:
- Tow truck dispatch number
- Estimated arrival time
- Driver name and phone number
Information Exchange with Other Driver
While waiting for police and towing, you need information from the other driver. This is critical for your insurance claim.
What to Collect
Other driver’s information:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Home address
- Driver’s license number (note state of issue)
- Driver’s license expiration date
- Vehicle year, make, model, color
- License plate number
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) – usually on dashboard at windshield bottom
- Insurance company name
- Insurance policy number
- Insurance agent contact information
Witness information:
- Any witnesses to the accident? Get their names and phone numbers
- Ask witnesses if they’ll provide statements to police
- Don’t pressure—just ask
What NOT to Do
These mistakes hurt your insurance claim:
- ❌ Do NOT admit fault (“I’m sorry,” “That was my mistake,” “I wasn’t paying attention”)
- ❌ Do NOT discuss accident details with the other driver (let insurance handle it)
- ❌ Do NOT accept cash settlement from other driver (use insurance)
- ❌ Do NOT sign anything except police forms and insurance forms
- ❌ Do NOT leave scene before police arrive (illegal in Michigan for accidents with damage/injuries)
Why: Admitting fault can be used against you. Insurance determines liability, not your apology. Cash settlements often don’t cover full damage. Signatures on non-official documents create legal liability.
Documentation
Take photos/video if safe to do so:
- Overall accident scene from multiple angles
- Close-ups of vehicle damage (your vehicle and other vehicle)
- Other vehicle’s license plate and VIN
- Accident location and road conditions
- Debris field or impact marks on road
- Traffic patterns (one-way, multi-lane, etc.)
- Time of day lighting
Use your phone camera. These photos are essential for insurance claims.
Understanding Insurance Claims & Towing Coverage
This is where most drivers get confused. Here’s the reality.
Who Pays for Towing?
Scenario 1: You’re at-fault in the accident
- Your collision coverage pays for towing (subject to your deductible)
- Your insurance pays up to your towing limit
- If towing exceeds limit, you pay the difference
- Example: Towing costs $450, your limit is $100, you pay $350
Scenario 2: Other driver is at-fault
- Their insurance pays for towing (usually)
- You don’t pay anything (if their insurance accepts liability)
- Process: You file claim with their insurance, provide towing receipt, they reimburse
Scenario 3: At-fault determination is unclear
- Your comprehensive or uninsured motorist coverage may apply
- You may need to pay upfront and get reimbursed later
- This is why having roadside assistance ($5-15/month extra) helps
Common Towing Costs in Benton Harbor Area
Standard towing:
- Local tow (within 10 miles): $75-150
- Long-distance tow (20+ miles): $200-500
- Flatbed towing (for severe damage): $150-300
- Heavy-duty recovery (stuck vehicle, accident extraction): $300-1,000+
These are typical costs. Actual costs vary by situation.
Deductibles Explained
Collision deductible: $500-1,000 (you pay this per claim) Comprehensive deductible: $100-500 (sometimes waived) Uninsured motorist deductible: Often $500
Example calculation:
- Towing costs: $350
- Repair costs: $4,000
- Total damage: $4,350
- Your deductible: $500
- Insurance pays: $3,850
- You pay: $500
Common Accident Scenarios & What Happens Next
Scenario 1: Minor Fender-Bender on Business Loop I-94
Situation: Low-speed collision at traffic light in downtown Benton Harbor. No injuries. Both vehicles drivable. Light damage.
What to do:
- Exchange information with other driver
- Call non-emergency police (optional but recommended for official report)
- Call your insurance company
- If vehicle is drivable, drive to nearby repair shop or home
- Get repair estimates
Towing: Usually not needed for drivable vehicles
Insurance: May be minor claim, possibly under your deductible
Scenario 2: Multi-Vehicle Collision on I-94 During Rush Hour
Situation: Three-vehicle chain-reaction accident on I-94 eastbound near Benton Harbor. Multiple vehicles disabled. Heavy traffic.
What to do:
- Ensure safety (hazard lights, move to shoulder if safe)
- Call 911 immediately (multiple vehicles, potential injuries, heavy traffic)
- Police will arrive for official report
- Call your insurance company
- Call Arndt’s Auto Towing for professional accident recovery
- Our team handles multi-vehicle coordination with police
Towing: Multiple tow trucks may be needed. Arndt’s coordinates with other services if necessary.
Insurance: Major claim. Insurance will assign adjuster. Your deductible applies.
Timeline: Scene clearance may take 45-90 minutes with multiple vehicles involved.
Scenario 3: Hit-and-Run on I-196 Near Saint Joseph
Situation: Other driver hits you and flees. You have vehicle damage but no other driver information.
What to do:
- Call 911 immediately (hit-and-run is a crime)
- Provide police with vehicle description of fleeing vehicle (if you saw it)
- Provide your vehicle damage description
- Call your insurance company
- Report hit-and-run for police report
Insurance: Uninsured motorist coverage applies (if you have it). No deductible or reduced deductible typically applies.
Towing: Call Arndt’s Auto Towing for safe recovery. We document damage for insurance.
Important: Police report number is critical for this type of claim. Make sure you get the report number before leaving the scene.
Scenario 4: Accident with Property Damage Only (No Vehicle Collision)
Situation: You hit a utility pole, fence, or other property on local road near Benton Harbor.
What to do:
- Call police for report (if property is significantly damaged)
- Contact property owner if identifiable
- Call your insurance company
- Call towing service if vehicle is disabled
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage or collision coverage applies depending on circumstances.
Towing: Usually needed for disabled vehicles.
Section 6: After Towing—What Happens Next
Vehicle Destination Options
Repair Shop:
- Arndt’s can tow to your preferred repair shop
- Insurance adjuster meets you there
- Repair shop prepares damage estimate
- Insurance approves repairs
- Repairs proceed once authorization is received
Dealership:
- Some prefer dealership service
- Dealership handles damage assessment
- Insurance works directly with dealership
- More expensive typically but familiar to you
Home or Storage:
- If repairs aren’t needed immediately
- Allows you time to decide repair vs. total loss
- Insurance may store vehicle at impound if requested
Where to tow: Contact Arndt’s Auto Towing at 269-925-8969 with your destination preference before we arrive.
Insurance Adjuster Meeting
What to expect:
- Adjuster meets at vehicle location (repair shop, dealership, or storage)
- Adjuster photographs vehicle damage
- Adjuster takes measurements if needed
- Adjuster provides preliminary damage estimate
- You sign authorization for towing charges if applicable
What to bring:
- Your insurance policy
- Police report number
- Photos you took at accident scene
- Other driver’s insurance information
- Repair shop contact information
- Your ID
Repair Process
Timeline:
- Adjuster approves estimate: typically same day or within 2 days
- Repairs begin: typically within 3-5 days
- Repairs complete: depends on damage severity (1-4 weeks typical)
During repairs:
- You’ll receive rental car authorization (typically covered by insurance)
- Keep all repair receipts
- Keep all invoices
- Document any additional damage discovered during repairs
Insurance Tips to Save Money
Before an Accident Happens
Review your coverage:
- Collision deductible: Consider $500 vs. $1,000 (higher deductible = lower premiums)
- Towing coverage: Is $50-100 limit sufficient? Upgrade if needed
- Uninsured motorist: Ensure you have this coverage
- Roadside assistance: Add if not included (~$5-15/month)
Ask about discounts:
- Safe driver discounts
- Multi-policy bundling
- Good student discounts
- Defensive driving course discounts
Shop around:
- Compare quotes every 1-2 years
- Rates change; you might save money switching
At Accident Time
Don’t rush:
- Take time to get other driver’s complete information
- Don’t sign anything you don’t understand
- Ask questions
Document everything:
- Photos of damage
- Police report number
- Other driver’s information
- Witness information
Follow the protocol:
- Police first
- Insurance second
- Professional towing third
After the Accident
Keep records:
- Police report
- Insurance claim number
- Repair estimates
- Receipts
- Adjuster contact information
Track communication:
- Document all insurance calls
- Get names of all representatives
- Note dates and times
Be Prepared Before Accident Happens
Don’t wait for an accident to learn this protocol. Most drivers only learn during crisis moments—when they panic, forget steps, and make mistakes.
Right now, take these actions:
Today:
- Save Arndt’s Auto Towing number in your phone: 269-925-8969
- Review your insurance policy (check towing coverage limit)
- Take a photo of your insurance card and email it to yourself
- Create a contact card with this accident protocol—print it and keep it in your car
This Week:
- Call your insurance agent and ask about towing coverage
- Ask about uninsured motorist coverage
- Ask if roadside assistance is included
- If coverage is inadequate, upgrade it
This Month:
- Prepare your emergency kit with accident documentation supplies
- Photograph your vehicle from multiple angles (for insurance records)
- Verify your policy covers accident towing
Here’s the Bottom Line:
Accidents happen to prepared and unprepared drivers equally. The difference is what happens next. Prepared drivers follow protocol, insurance covers appropriately, professional towing protects the vehicle, and stress is minimized.
Unprepared drivers panic, call wrong people in wrong order, miss insurance deadlines, and pay thousands unnecessarily.
The five-step protocol takes 15 minutes to memorize. It saves you hours of stress and thousands of dollars if an accident happens.
Conclusion
Car accidents on I-94 and throughout Benton Harbor and surrounding areas create chaos, fear, and confusion. Most drivers aren’t prepared for the decisions required in the first hour after an accident.
But you don’t have to be unprepared.
The five-step protocol is simple:
- Call 911 or police (get official report)
- Call your insurance (get authorization)
- Call Arndt’s Auto Towing (professional recovery)
- Exchange information properly
- Document everything for insurance
Combined with understanding your insurance coverage, knowing common scenarios, and having professional towing available 24/7, you transform accident chaos into a managed situation.
Save this number in your phone right now: 269-925-8969
Arndt’s Auto Towing has served Benton Harbor for years handling accident recovery with specialized equipment and certified technicians. We’re available 24/7 because accidents don’t wait for business hours.
When an accident happens—and statistically, it will eventually—you’ll want professional help you can trust.
Call us. We’ll handle the recovery while you handle the insurance and recovery.
Arndt’s Auto Towing: Professional accident recovery when you need it most.
Visit us at arndtsautotowing.com, check our blog for more towing guides, or view our complete service area map.
