Franklin's road network has two very different personalities. On the east side, South 27th Street and Highway 100 bring heavy traffic, frequent signals, and lots of turning vehicles. On the west and south sides, the city opens into farmland and parkland, with long two-lane roads where speeds are higher and deer cross at dusk. Crashes happen in both settings, and while the first steps are the same, the details are different. This guide covers what Franklin drivers should know after a collision, and how Lake Front Towing helps you recover.

Intersection crashes on 27th Street and Highway 100

Most collisions in Franklin's commercial areas happen at intersections and driveways: rear-end crashes at red lights, side impacts from left turns, and fender benders in parking lot entrances. These crashes are usually low-speed, but they can still disable a car. A crushed front end can damage the radiator, causing the engine to overheat within minutes. A side impact can bend a wheel or a steering component, making the car unsafe to drive even if it looks fine.

If the crash is minor and the cars are drivable, move them out of the intersection to a nearby parking lot or side street. If a car will not move or is unsafe, turn on the hazards and get everyone to the sidewalk.

Crashes on rural roads

On the city's rural edges, crashes tend to involve higher speeds and single vehicles: a car that left the road on a curve, slid on ice, or hit a deer. These situations bring their own risks. The vehicle may be in a ditch, against a tree, or partly in the roadway, and it may be hard for other drivers to see in the dark. If you are able, turn on your hazards and parking lights, and call 911 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked. Then call us at (414) 520-7264 and describe exactly how the vehicle is sitting.

Deer strikes

Franklin's parks and open land support a lot of deer, and collisions spike in October and November, especially around dawn and dusk. If you hit a deer:

  • Pull over safely and turn on your hazards.
  • Do not approach the animal; an injured deer can be dangerous.
  • Call the police if the deer is blocking the road or if anyone is hurt.
  • Check your car for fluid leaks, broken lights, and damage to the radiator or hood latch.
  • If the car is leaking coolant, the hood will not close, or a headlight is out at night, do not drive it. Call for a tow.

Most comprehensive insurance policies cover animal strikes, so photograph the damage and the scene for your claim.

What our accident recovery includes

Our operators handle everything from simple tows of drivable-but-damaged cars to recoveries from ditches and embankments. On arrival, the operator sets up a safe work area, assesses the damage, and chooses the safest method. Damaged vehicles almost always go on a flatbed so that bent wheels and broken suspension parts are not dragged. If the vehicle is off the road, the operator uses winches and rigging to bring it back to solid ground first. We also clear the debris from our vehicle — broken glass, plastic trim, and metal pieces — before leaving.

Choosing a destination

You decide where the car goes. Common choices include:

  • A body shop you trust in Franklin or a neighboring city.
  • A shop recommended by your insurance company.
  • Your home, if you want time to decide.
  • Secure storage while the insurance adjuster inspects it.

If the adjuster later decides the car is a total loss, we can move it from storage to wherever the insurer directs.

Insurance and paperwork

We work directly with most insurance providers. Notify your insurer as soon as possible after the crash. Keep a copy of the police report number, the tow receipt, and all photos you took. If you have towing coverage, ask your insurer how it is paid. When you call, let our dispatcher know the name of your insurance company; we can help keep the details straight.

Hidden damage after a "minor" Franklin crash

Modern bumpers are designed to look intact after a low-speed bump while absorbing the impact behind the cover. That means a car can look fine and still have a cracked radiator support, a damaged parking sensor, or a misaligned headlight. Driver-assistance cameras and radar units, usually mounted behind the windshield or in the grille, may need recalibration after even a light hit. If warning lights appear after a collision, or the lane-keeping and cruise systems behave oddly, mention it to the body shop. Towing the car rather than driving it protects any evidence of damage for the adjuster as well.

Taking care of yourself after the crash

Even a minor collision can leave you shaken. Muscle soreness, headaches, or stiffness often appear a day or two later. If you notice any symptoms, see a doctor and keep records of the visit. Arrange a ride home, since you may not feel like driving even if another car is available. And give yourself time — the paperwork can wait until you have rested.

Frequently asked questions

Can you tow a car that is upside down or on its side?

Rollover recoveries require careful rigging, and our operators are trained for them. Tell the dispatcher exactly how the vehicle is positioned.

What if the police already called a tow company?

You can tell the officer you prefer a particular company. When it does not delay clearing the road, police often accommodate that request.

Can you tow two vehicles from the same crash?

Yes. Let the dispatcher know how many vehicles need towing so we can send enough trucks.

Been in a crash in Franklin? Call (414) 520-7264 any time. More on our accident recovery service.