Accident Recovery in Gilbert, AZ
Getting into a car accident is one of the worst experiences a driver can go through. You’re shaken up, maybe hurt, your car is mangled, and you’re standing on the side of the road trying to figure out what to do next. The police are asking questions. Your insurance company needs to be called. And somewhere in the middle of all that chaos, your wrecked vehicle needs to be moved off the road and taken somewhere safe.
Thompson’s Auto Repair & Towing provides accident recovery service across Gilbert and the East Valley. We respond to accident scenes, safely remove damaged vehicles from the roadway, and transport them to our repair facility or the destination of your choice. We’ve been doing this for over 30 years, and we work directly with Gilbert PD, Maricopa County Sheriff, DPS, and insurance companies to make the process as smooth as possible during an incredibly stressful time. And because Thompson’s is a full auto repair shop — not just a tow company — your vehicle can go straight from the accident scene into our repair bay. One call handles the tow and starts the repair.
Why Choose Thompson’s for Accident Recovery
After an accident, the last thing you need is more confusion. Multiple companies, multiple phone numbers, multiple people you’ve never met all trying to be part of the process. Thompson’s simplifies everything because we handle the entire chain ourselves.
Our tow truck arrives at the accident scene, secures your vehicle, and transports it. If the car is repairable, it goes to our shop where our mechanics begin assessment. We document the damage, provide estimates, and work with your insurance adjuster. One company from the moment the accident happens until your car is back on the road (or you’re informed it’s a total loss and helped through that process).
Bryan Vivian has run Thompson’s through thousands of accident recovery calls over three decades. His team knows how to handle the sensitive nature of accident scenes. Our drivers are professional, compassionate, and efficient. They understand that you’re having one of the worst days of your life and they act accordingly — no rushed loading, no careless handling, no attitude.
We also understand the documentation side. Insurance companies need specific information about the vehicle’s condition, how it was towed, and where it was stored. We keep records that satisfy insurance requirements and can communicate directly with adjusters to keep your claim moving.
How Accident Recovery Works
Call Thompson’s at 480-418-9206 — or have the responding officer contact us. In many cases, law enforcement will call us directly. If you have a preference for your tow company, make sure to tell the officer before they dispatch one.
We dispatch the right equipment. Fender bender? A standard tow truck handles it. Major collision with debris and fluid cleanup? We bring a flatbed, cleanup equipment, and possibly a second truck. We assess the scene description and send what’s needed.
Our team secures the vehicle(s). We work around law enforcement, paramedics, and other emergency responders. We don’t touch anything until the scene is cleared for vehicle removal. Once we get the go-ahead, we load your vehicle carefully — damaged cars often have sharp edges, leaking fluids, and compromised structures that require extra caution.
We clean up the scene. Broken glass, plastic debris, fluid spills — we don’t just grab the car and leave a mess. We clear the roadway so it’s safe for other drivers.
Your vehicle goes to Thompson’s shop (or your designated destination). At our shop, we assess the full extent of the damage, photograph everything for insurance purposes, and provide you with a detailed estimate.
When You Need Accident Recovery
- Any collision that leaves your vehicle undriveable — From minor accidents where the bumper is dragging to major wrecks with frame damage
- Airbag deployment — Even if the car looks driveable, deployed airbags mean it’s not safe to drive. The windshield may be compromised, the steering column may have shifted, and the vehicle needs professional assessment.
- Vehicle is blocking the roadway — Gilbert PD and DPS want accident vehicles removed quickly to restore traffic flow. Quick tow response helps everyone.
- Hit and run — Your parked car was hit while you were away. Damage makes it unsafe or impossible to drive.
- Multi-vehicle accidents — We can deploy multiple trucks to clear complex accident scenes efficiently
- Rollover or off-road accident — Vehicle ended up on its side, upside down, or off the road surface. We have the equipment and expertise for safe uprighting and recovery.
Working With Insurance Companies
Thompson’s works with every major insurance carrier. We understand the claims process and what adjusters need to move things along. Here’s what you should know:
- You generally have the right to choose your tow company and repair shop. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If the police call a tow before you can request one, you can still have the vehicle transferred to Thompson’s afterward.
- We photograph and document all damage before any work begins. This protects both you and the insurance company.
- We provide written estimates that meet insurance company standards. Our estimates are thorough and honest.
- We communicate directly with adjusters to answer questions and provide supplemental information if the repair scope changes once we start disassembly.
Service Areas
Thompson’s accident recovery service covers:
- Gilbert: Power Ranch, Agritopia, Val Vista Lakes, Morrison Ranch, Seville, San Tan Village area, Heritage District, and all neighborhoods
- Major intersections and accident-prone areas: Gilbert/Guadalupe, Val Vista/Baseline, Power/Ray, the Loop 202 Santan on/off ramps, US 60 through Mesa and Gilbert
- Nearby cities: Chandler, Mesa, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Tempe, Scottsdale, east Phoenix
Frequently Asked Questions
The police called a different tow company. Can I still use Thompson’s?
Yes. You have the right to request your own tow company in most situations. If the police already dispatched another company, you can have your vehicle released and transferred to us. If you can, tell the officer you want Thompson’s before they make the call — it’s easier that way.
Will you work with my insurance company?
Absolutely. We work with all major insurers — State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, USAA, Farmers, and everyone else. We handle the documentation and communicate with adjusters directly so you don’t have to play middleman.
What if my car is totaled?
If the insurance company determines your vehicle is a total loss, we’ll store it safely while you work through the claims process. We can also help you understand what’s happening with your vehicle during that process.
Do you handle accident cleanup?
Yes. We clean up debris, glass, and vehicle fluids from the roadway after removing your vehicle. It’s part of the service — we don’t leave a mess behind.
How quickly can you respond to an accident scene?
Within Gilbert, our typical response is 20-30 minutes. For accidents on major highways, we may be able to arrive faster depending on traffic conditions and truck availability. We understand that quick response matters at accident scenes.
Been in an Accident? Call Thompson’s.
Take a breath. Make sure everyone is safe. Call 911 if there are injuries. Then call Thompson’s Auto Repair & Towing. We’ll recover your vehicle, take it to our shop, and handle the rest — from the tow to the repair. Over 30 years of helping Gilbert drivers through the worst days on the road.
Call 480-418-9206 for accident recovery in Gilbert and the East Valley. Available 24/7.