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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - A driver’s first thought after an accident is most likely an expletive, and if the car won’t drive, most aren’t thinking about how to vet a reputable, state-licensed and insured towing company.service de remorquage Mike Sutton, owner of All-Star Towing, said drivers in an accident aren’t thinking straight. “When you break down, you are in a crisis position, and you need help,” Sutton said. “So a lot of times, you don’t think. You’re confused. What do I do and who do I call?” Erica Thomas said the tow truck driver who removed her car and gave her a ride was nice. Thomas said Jay’s Towing LLC texted the bill and told her to contact her insurance company. GSP confirmed its owner, James Collins Jr., is not licensed with its the agency’s Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) and does not have an active D.O.T. number. It issued Collins a cease-and-desist order in November. Pro Auto was the towing company listed on the police report. MCCD’s investigation said Pro Auto had a business connection with Collins and confirmed the company is registered with the Georgia Secretary of the State. “However, they are not registered as a motor carrier,” said GSP spokesperson Lt. Michael Burns. “MCCD will continue to follow up on this and will act accordingly. If any of his companies are (re)discovered as an illegal non-consensual towing carrier, MCCD will serve them with a cease-and-desist order under the new name, and each violation may result in fines up to $15,000, criminal charges, additional fees, and any civil penalties issued by a court.” If the driver is not injured, GSP said the parties involved can use whatever towing service they like, but it’s never a good idea for drivers to use a company of which they are unfamiliar. “When it’s someone who just pulls up on a scene, you don’t know anything about them,” Lt. Burns said. “The trooper doesn’t know anything about them. They just have a wrecker.” GSP’s standard practice is to warn drivers about wrecker services not on its list. A dashcam video obtained by Atlanta News First Investigates shows the trooper did exactly that. “I just kind of want to give you a little disclaimer,” the trooper said. “These are not state-approved tow trucks. These are not the guys we call. If you want to have them tow, fine. If they accept insurance, great! I just want to let you know these are not the people we call.”