Need a Tow With Passengers? Plan Everyone’s Ride

Need a tow with family or passengers? Call Rick’s with the passenger count and arrange a safe ride before loading begins.

Rick’s Emergency Roadside Assistance · October 24, 2026 · English & Spanish

Moving the car and moving its passengers are separate plans

When you request towing on Chicago’s North Side, tell us how many adults and children are with the vehicle. Do not assume the truck can carry everyone. Confirm whether suitable passenger seating is available; if not, arrange a separate ride with enough appropriate seating.

Report any mobility needs and essential equipment before dispatch. This allows the pickup and passenger arrangements to be discussed together. Do not make plans around an unconfirmed seat or an assumed accessible vehicle.

Children need a suitable restraint in the replacement vehicle

NHTSA advises choosing a car seat for the child’s age and size and making sure it fits the vehicle. Follow both the restraint instructions and the receiving vehicle’s manual. A breakdown does not make an unsuitable seat or installation safe.

If a child uses a car seat or booster, say so while arranging the ride. Confirm the replacement vehicle can accommodate the required restraint. Do not assume the tow operator supplies or installs one. Arrange to retrieve the child’s restraint from your car only when the location is safe and the operator says it is safe to do so.

Coordinate a safe meeting point

On a busy street, a second vehicle stopping directly beside the disabled car can complicate access. Once safely stopped, discuss a nearby lawful pickup point for the passenger ride and provide that location to its driver. Avoid crossing traffic lanes or standing behind a vehicle being loaded.

If people are exposed to immediate danger or need emergency medical assistance, call 911. Tell Rick’s about the hazard as well. A routine tow request is not an emergency-response substitute.

What to keep with you

Your phone, charger, identification and payment method.
Essential medication and weather-appropriate clothing.
Required child restraints, when safe to retrieve.
The repair facility’s address and receiving instructions.

Coordinate key handoff with the operator before leaving. Confirm who will receive the car and how you will get the completion update. Do not leave without discussing access or assume the shop will be open.

Make the vehicle pickup straightforward

For a Lake View East tow, report cross streets, the side of the street and any alley or garage restrictions. We also need the year, make, model, drivetrain, keys and whether the vehicle rolls and steers. Rick’s uses compatible light-duty wheel-lift equipment, with dollies when appropriate.

Call 24/7 to confirm equipment fit, availability, arrival estimate, price and passenger arrangements. English and Spanish assistance is available.

Safety source and pickup checklist

Source: NHTSA child-seat selection and installation guidance. For the car’s side of the arrangements, read the towing preparation checklist. More practical answers are in our driver guides.

If the vehicle cannot be driven safely, review Rick’s wheel-lift towing. Give the pickup and destination, vehicle details, keys, drivetrain and roll/steer condition so equipment and access can be checked.

Need a Tow With Passengers? Plan Everyone’s Ride

Moving the car and moving its passengers are separate plans

Children need a suitable restraint in the replacement vehicle

Coordinate a safe meeting point

What to keep with you

Make the vehicle pickup straightforward

Safety source and pickup checklist

Choose the service that fits your situation

What to expect when you call Rick’s

About Rick’s Emergency Roadside Assistance — 24/7 Lakeview & North Side Roadside Assistance

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