A Supercar First
Chicago was the destination, and a Lamborghini was waiting to be collected. John, one of our experienced operators, brought along Donnie, a new colleague he was training. The drive north began with plenty of joking about who would get behind the wheel of that supercar. Although specialty car towing is part of our Indianapolis towing team’s job, this assignment would give Donnie an experience he wouldn’t soon forget, as this seemingly straightforward trip took a very unexpected turn.
Donnie Takes the Wheel
Once both arrived in Chicago, Donnie drove the Lamborghini up for loading. He was nervous about it because it was his first time handling such a car on the job. John kept encouraging him, and when the moment came, Donnie successfully loaded the car onto one of our flatbed tow trucks. Once his nerves settled, he immediately called his wife to tell her what he’d just successfully done!
Since the Lamborghini’s owner had also left a tip, John and Donnie planned to stop for food on the way back. They decided to get south of Chicago first before taking a break. They ate, got back onto I-65 and continued toward Indiana.
About 20 minutes later, traffic came to a complete halt. Everything stopped.
I-65 at a Standstill
A serious crash farther along the interstate had shut down the highway. Jeff, another member of the Paddack’s team, sent word that the accident was severe. Vehicles were backed up, and nobody knew exactly when traffic would start moving again.
Rather than sit in the truck, John began walking from car to car, speaking with stranded motorists. He warned them that the closure could last three to five hours and encouraged everyone to conserve their water and food.
Most people were simply waiting for the highway to reopen. Then he reached a blue Honda CR-V.
Something Was Wrong in the Blue Honda
Inside the Honda sat an elderly woman who wasn’t responding normally. Her window was slightly open, so John opened the door to check on her. She could barely speak.
He suspected she was experiencing a diabetic emergency and immediately ran to the emergency medical crews attending the crash scene. When he was told another ambulance would be sent, he insisted that the situation needed urgent attention.
Emergency responders came to the woman’s aid and transported her to hospital.
For an Indianapolis-area tow truck operator, the day had taken a turn nobody could have anticipated. The woman was sitting alone in a vehicle surrounded by other stranded motorists. John couldn’t help wondering how long she might have remained there without anyone noticing her condition.
Seven Hours Later, Traffic Finally Moved
The highway remained closed for approximately seven hours. When our Indianapolis towing duo finally began moving again, they passed the woman’s Honda, now parked on the shoulder.
John and Donnie had no idea what happened after the ambulance took her away. They knew only that she’d been in serious distress and that emergency responders had reached her.
For operators working in towing around Indianapolis, long interstate delays are familiar territory. This one stayed with John for a different reason.
A few simple actions had helped him recognize that someone was in trouble:
- Checking on motorists rather than remaining in his own vehicle.
- Sharing information about the expected delay.
- Paying attention when someone appeared unable to respond.
- Alerting emergency medical personnel and explaining the urgency.
John later reflected on how fortunate he felt to work somewhere that gave him the opportunity to help people in so many different circumstances.
Paddack’s Wrecker Service: Providing Indianapolis Towing Since 1975
At Paddack’s Wrecker & Heavy Transport, we’ve served central Indiana since 1975. Our Indianapolis towing services have grown from a small family operation into a fleet of more than 50 trucks and service vehicles.
Today, our work includes:
- Emergency towing around Indianapolis and surrounding communities.
- Specialty car towing and vehicle transport.
- Heavy-duty towing and recovery.
- Roadside assistance and commercial vehicle support.
Our operators spend their days helping people through unexpected situations. Some assignments involve expensive vehicles and memorable firsts for newer operators. Others bring them into contact with people who need help for reasons entirely unrelated to their vehicles.
John remembers Donnie’s excitement about the Lamborghini. He also remembers the woman in the blue Honda.
He still doesn’t know how she’s doing. More than anything, he hopes she’s okay.
FAQs
Can Paddack’s transport other exotic cars?
Yes. We offer specialty car towing for exotic and luxury vehicles. Loading arrangements take into account low ground clearance, vehicle dimensions and manufacturer requirements.
What does Paddack’s recommend during a lengthy interstate closure?
We recommend following instructions from emergency personnel, monitoring official traffic updates and conserving available supplies. If someone experiences a medical emergency, call 911 and provide the most accurate location possible.
How can I get medical help if I’m stranded in highway traffic?
Call 911 immediately and explain the situation, including the highway, direction of travel and nearest mile marker. Emergency dispatchers can coordinate assistance with responders already in the area.
Does Paddack’s Wrecker Service transport vehicles outside Indianapolis?
Yes. We provide towing and transport services across central Indiana and can undertake longer-distance vehicle pickups, as illustrated by our Chicago assignment.