Interstate 94 through Oak Creek — signed as both I-94 and I-41 — carries an enormous mix of commuters, airport travelers, and freight trucks moving between Milwaukee and Chicago. With interchanges at College Avenue, Rawson Avenue, Drexel Avenue, and Ryan Road, there are constant merges, lane changes, and sudden slowdowns. When a crash happens on this stretch, everything moves fast, and it is hard to think clearly. This guide is meant to be read before you ever need it, so you know what to do in the first minutes after a collision and what happens when our recovery crew arrives.
The first minute: check for injuries
Before anything else, check yourself and your passengers. If anyone is hurt, complains of neck or back pain, or seems confused, call 911 immediately. Do not move someone with a possible neck or back injury unless they are in immediate danger, such as a fire. Even if everyone seems fine, adrenaline can mask pain, so take a moment before you decide you are unhurt.
Should you move the car?
On a freeway, staying in a live lane is extremely dangerous. If the crash was minor, no one is hurt, and the cars can be driven, Wisconsin drivers are generally expected to move them out of the travel lanes to the shoulder or the nearest safe spot. If a car cannot move, is leaking fluid heavily, or someone is injured, leave it where it is, turn on the hazards, and get everyone to a safe place away from traffic — behind a guardrail if possible. Never stand between vehicles or in front of a damaged car.
Calling for help
Call 911 if anyone is injured, if the vehicles are blocking lanes, or if there is significant damage. Police on the interstate will manage the scene and document the crash. Then call us at (414) 520-7264. Give the dispatcher your direction of travel, the nearest exit, how many vehicles are involved, and whether any are blocking lanes or off the road. If police have already requested a tow, you can still tell them you prefer a specific company; in many cases they will honor your choice if it does not delay clearing the road.
Documenting the scene
If it is safe to do so, collect information that your insurer will need:
- Photos of all vehicles from several angles, including license plates.
- Photos of the road, skid marks, debris, and traffic signs.
- The other drivers' names, phone numbers, insurance companies, and policy numbers.
- Names and contact information for any witnesses.
- The responding officer's name and the report number.
Avoid arguing about fault at the scene. Stick to facts when you talk to the other driver and the police.
What our recovery crew does
Freeway recovery is about speed and safety. When our truck arrives, the operator positions it with warning lights on to protect the scene. Wisconsin's Move Over law requires passing drivers to change lanes or slow down for stopped emergency and tow vehicles, but our crews still work with constant awareness of traffic. The operator then:
- Assesses the damage and how the vehicle can be moved — rolling on its own wheels, on dollies, or winched onto a flatbed.
- Secures loose parts, such as a hanging bumper, so nothing falls onto the road during transport.
- Loads the vehicle onto a flatbed so damaged wheels and suspension parts are not dragged on the pavement.
- Cleans up debris from our vehicle — glass, plastic, and metal fragments — so the lane can reopen safely.
Where should the car go?
After a crash, you have several options. We can take the vehicle to a body shop you choose, a shop your insurer recommends, your home, or secure storage while the insurance adjuster decides whether it can be repaired. If you are not sure yet, storage gives you time to make the decision without rushing. Tell the dispatcher what you prefer, and we will handle the rest.
Working with your insurance company
Lake Front Towing works directly with most insurance providers. Call your insurer as soon as you can, usually from the scene or right after. They will open a claim and may tell you where they want the vehicle taken. Keep the receipt from the tow and any paperwork from the police. If your policy includes towing coverage, ask whether you need to pay upfront and get reimbursed, or whether the insurer pays us directly.
Beware of unsolicited tow trucks
Occasionally, a tow truck shows up at a crash scene without anyone calling for it. Only allow your vehicle to be towed by a company you called or one the police requested. Do not sign any paperwork you do not understand, and always ask where your vehicle is being taken and what it will cost.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tow a car with airbags deployed?
Yes. A car with deployed airbags should not be driven; we will load it onto a flatbed and take it wherever you choose.
Can I ride with my vehicle?
When space allows and you are not injured, yes. Tell the dispatcher how many people need a ride.
How quickly can you get to a crash on I-94 in Oak Creek?
We are based in Oak Creek, so we are close to the interstate. Our average response across the area is around 25 to 30 minutes, and crash calls are prioritized.
If you have been in a crash in Oak Creek, call (414) 520-7264. Learn more on our accident recovery page.