New Berlin's roads range from busy freeway ramps to quiet rural lanes. Interstate 43 crosses the southern part of the city, Moorland Road carries some of the heaviest traffic in Waukesha County, the business parks fill with trucks and vans, and the west side opens up into fields and woods. Crashes happen in all of these places, and each brings its own challenges for recovery. Lake Front Towing responds to collisions across New Berlin 24 hours a day. This guide explains what to do after a crash and what to expect from our crews.
Crashes on I-43 and its ramps
The interchanges at Moorland Road and Racine Avenue see a lot of merging and braking, and rear-end crashes on the ramps are common, especially when traffic backs up onto the freeway. If you are in a crash on a ramp or on I-43 itself, your top priority is getting out of the traffic stream. If the cars can be driven and no one is hurt, move them to the shoulder or off the freeway. If not, put the hazards on and get everyone to a safe spot behind a barrier, away from the vehicles. Call 911 if anyone is injured or lanes are blocked, and then call us at (414) 520-7264.
Moorland Road and commercial corridors
Moorland Road's many lanes, signals, and turn bays produce frequent intersection crashes. These are usually low-speed but can still leave cars undrivable with damaged radiators, bent wheels, or broken lights. Move the vehicles into a parking lot if you safely can. When you call us, tell the dispatcher which intersection you are near, whether your car can roll, and where you would like it to go.
Work vehicles and the business park
New Berlin's industrial and business parks mean many crashes involve company cars, cargo vans, and pickups loaded with tools or materials. If a work vehicle is damaged, let the dispatcher know what it is carrying and whether the load has shifted. Heavy or unsecured cargo affects how the vehicle can be safely towed. Our light- and medium-duty equipment handles most work vans and pickups, and we can deliver the vehicle to your fleet's preferred repair facility.
Rural crashes on the west side
On New Berlin's quieter western roads, crashes are more likely to involve a single vehicle leaving the road — on a curve, on ice, or after swerving to avoid a deer. Vehicles may end up in ditches, against trees, or on embankments. These recoveries require planning: the operator must find a solid anchor point, rig the vehicle so it comes out straight, and avoid causing more damage. When you call, describe how the vehicle is sitting — nose-down, on its side, against an object — and whether it is leaking fluids.
Our recovery process
When our truck arrives, the operator:
- Positions the truck with warning lights to protect the scene from traffic.
- Talks with you and any police on scene about the situation and the destination.
- Walks around the vehicle to assess and note damage.
- Uses winches and rigging to recover vehicles that are off the road.
- Loads the vehicle onto a flatbed, securing loose parts so nothing falls during transport.
- Clears debris from your vehicle so the road is safe.
After the crash: insurance and repairs
Lake Front Towing works directly with most insurance providers. Report the crash to your insurer as soon as possible. Keep photos, the other driver's information, the police report number, and your tow receipt together. You can choose where your vehicle is repaired; if you have not decided, we can take it to secure storage or your home while you talk to your insurer.
Winter crashes on Racine Avenue and the hills
New Berlin is hillier than many of its neighbors, and roads like Racine Avenue and the west-side lanes have grades that get slick fast in freezing weather. Cars that lose traction on a downhill tend to slide toward the outside of curves and into ditches or guardrails. In these situations, the vehicle may be resting on a slope where it could shift once someone touches it. Do not try to push or rock it free. Leave it in park with the parking brake set, get everyone clear, and let our operator stabilize it before winching. That extra care prevents a second slide and protects whoever is working near the car.
Taking care of the details
Before the vehicle is towed, remove personal items you will need: phone chargers, house keys, garage remotes, sunglasses, child seats, and any important documents. If a child safety seat was in the car during a moderate or severe crash, many manufacturers recommend replacing it, so check with your insurer about coverage. And write down what you remember about the crash while it is fresh — details fade quickly.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tow a vehicle that is still drivable but damaged?
Yes. If the car runs but is unsafe — leaking coolant, broken lights, bent wheel — towing is the safer choice.
Do you handle vehicles that went into a retention pond or water?
Water recoveries are special situations. Call 911 first if anyone is in the vehicle. For recovery, tell the dispatcher the details so we can assess what is needed.
Can you help if I crashed in Muskego or Brookfield, near New Berlin?
Muskego is part of our regular service area. For locations on the edges of our coverage, call and the dispatcher will confirm.
If you have been in a crash in New Berlin, call (414) 520-7264. See our accident recovery service for more.