Key Takeaways:
- After an automobile accident, check for visible damages, hidden damages, and essential safety features like headlights, brake lights, mirrors, and fluid levels. If there's any doubt, have your vehicle inspected by a professional before driving.
- Operating an unsafe vehicle after an accident can lead to further damage, liability issues, and potential claim denials from your insurance provider. Always verify your policy limits and consult your insurance agent if unsure.
- Even minor accidents can cause accident-related injuries that require medical attention. Chiropractic care can help with recovery, while consulting a personal injury attorney ensures your rights are protected and you receive fair compensation.
Deciding whether your car is safe to drive after an automobile accident isn’t always straightforward.
The extent of external damage, visible damages, or hidden damages can impact your vehicle’s safety.
Driving an unsafe vehicle puts you and other road users in danger and may even affect your insurance claim.
Before deciding, you need to assess essential safety features, fluid levels, brake lights, and any broken safety equipment.
In this article, we’ll walk you through five critical questions to help you determine if your vehicle is in perfect condition to drive or if you need roadside assistance, auto body repairs, or a professional inspection.
Table of Contents
- Can I drive my car after a car accident?
- 5 questions to answer 'yes' to before driving your car after an accident
- Making the decision to drive
- If you are injured, seek chiropractic care
- Free chiropractic consultation
Can I Drive My Car after a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Deciding whether your car is safe to drive after an automobile accident depends on the extent of external damage, visible damages, and any hidden damages that could compromise essential safety features.
Even minor accidents can lead to issues like a broken light, brake oil leaks, or misaligned wheels that make driving unsafe.
If your vehicle has sustained property damages, law enforcement may require an initial inspection before allowing you back on the road.
If you continue driving an unsafe vehicle, you risk another accident, putting yourself and other road users in danger.
Additionally, your insurance provider may deny your insurance claim if they determine you were driving a vehicle in an unsafe condition.
Before making a decision, assess your vehicle for signs of damage, check fluid levels, and consider a professional inspection at an auto body repair shop.
If there’s any doubt, roadside assistance or a tow to a repair shop is the safest option.
Prioritizing safety can also help protect your accident claim and potential financial compensation.
Additionally, there are several benefits of chiropractic care after a car accident.
5 Questions to Answer 'Yes' to Before Driving Your Car After an Accident
After an automobile accident, it’s crucial to assess your vehicle for external damages, visible damages, and hidden damages before getting back on the road.
Driving an unsafe vehicle puts you at risk and endangers other road users.
Your insurance provider may also deny an insurance claim if they determine your car was unfit to drive.
Before making a decision, go through these five critical safety checks.
1. Are your headlights and tail lights functioning properly?
Your headlights, tail lights, and brake lights are essential safety features that ensure visibility for you and other drivers, especially in poor weather conditions.
If you have a broken light or missing headlamp, you could be pulled over by law enforcement or involved in another accident due to low visibility.
If the damage is minor, an auto body repair shop can fix it quickly, but if multiple lights are out, your vehicle may be unsafe to drive.
2. Are your side mirrors intact?
Side mirrors provide a clear view of surrounding traffic and prevent accidents, especially on busy roads.
If your driver’s side mirror is intact, but the passenger-side mirror is missing, you may still be able to drive using the rearview mirror.
However, if both mirrors are damaged, you’re at greater risk of a collision, particularly in heavy traffic or bad driving conditions.
Some auto insurance policies require a professional inspection before covering repair costs, so check with your insurance provider if your mirrors need replacing.
3. Are there any leaking fluids?
Fluid levels should be checked immediately after an accident. Transmission fluid, brake oil, and coolant leaks are serious issues that can cause severe engine damage or complete brake failure.
Even minor accidents can lead to hidden damages that may not be immediately visible, so if you notice fluid pooling under your car, it’s best to tow it to a repair shop.
Ignoring fluid leaks could also impact your insurance policy, as driving a damaged vehicle may violate policy limits.
4. Are your wheels properly aligned?
A collision can knock your wheels out of alignment, making it difficult to control your car.
Misaligned wheels can cause your vehicle to drift to one side, increasing the risk of another accident.
If you experience unusual noises, a flat tire, or difficulty steering, your car may need auto body repairs before it's safe to drive.
An initial inspection at an auto body shop can determine if realignment is necessary.
5. Is your hood able to buckle and lock closed?
A damaged hood can be a major hazard.
If the locking mechanism is broken, wind pressure could force the hood open while driving, blocking your view and causing a dangerous accident.
Law enforcement agencies often cite vehicles with broken safety equipment, so if your hood doesn’t securely latch, you should get a professional inspection or consider roadside assistance.
Taking the time for a proper inspection after an automobile accident can prevent further accident-related damages and ensure you’re not driving an unsafe vehicle.
If you're uncertain about your vehicle’s condition, consult your insurance agent, visit an auto body shop, or seek roadside assistance for a safer recovery.
Making The Decision To Drive
After an automobile accident, deciding whether your car is safe to drive requires careful consideration.
External damage, hidden damages, or broken safety equipment could endanger you and other road users.
If you’re unsure about your vehicle’s condition, it’s best to have it towed to an auto body shop for a professional inspection.
Your auto insurance policy may cover towing costs, especially if the responsible party caused the accident.
However, if you drive a damaged vehicle and get into another accident, your insurance provider may deny your auto insurance claim, leaving you with a significant financial burden.
Additionally, law enforcement may cite you for driving an unsafe vehicle, further complicating the claims process.
To protect your insurance claim and ensure your safety, verify your policy limits, check for visible damages, and consult your insurance agent before getting back on the road.
If in doubt, roadside assistance or a tow is the safest choice.
If You Are Injured, Seek Chiropractic Care
A car accident can be a jarring experience, leaving you with physical damage to your car as well as accident-related injuries that may not be immediately obvious.
Even minor accidents can cause hidden damage to your body, leading to chronic pain or long-term mobility issues.
Seeking medical attention right away is essential, not just for your health but also for protecting your personal injury claim.
At Arrowhead Clinic, our chiropractors have decades of experience treating accident victims suffering from neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, back injuries, and soft tissue damage.
We work closely with personal injury lawyers to ensure accident victims receive the medical care and financial compensation they deserve.
If you were hurt in a Car Accident, let our Chiropractic Doctor help with your recovery. Click below to schedule a free consultation today.
Let our skilled doctors and experienced attorneys help you on the road to recovery.
