Should I Continue to Drive My Car After a Car Accident?
A car accident may be a terrible and stressful experience for everyone involved, especially if you've been hurt or your vehicle has been damaged.
Even if you are not wounded, one of the most common concerns after a car accident is whether they will be able to drive their vehicle or if it will need to be towed to an auto body shop.
Before you go behind the wheel again, be sure your vehicle is roadworthy.
You may also be wondering, Should I see a doctor after a minor car accident?
If you aren't certain that your car will safely transport you to your destination, you should have it inspected.
External damage is common in cars, but it isn't necessarily a reliable sign of whether or not your vehicle is safe to drive.
In many circumstances, mechanical damage that extends inward will determine whether or not your car is safe to drive.
What Are The Laws For Driving A Vehicle After An Accident?
After an accident, the regulations for driving aren't always clear.
Following an automobile collision, you should always contact the police for assistance and to submit a police report.
The officer who replies can assist you in assessing the damage to your car and determining if it fulfills the legal standards to be driven again.
Checking the primary safety function areas is a solid rule of thumb.
There's a good probability you'll meet your legal standards if you can operate your vehicle safely and without any other severe concerns.
What Should You Consider About The Condition Of Your Vehicle After an Accident?
When the dust has cleared from your accident and you're attempting to figure out if your vehicle is safe to drive, there are a few questions to consider.
First and foremost, are your headlights, turn signals, and brake lights in good working order?
This is especially important if your accident happened at night, as nighttime car accidents account for more than 40% of all fatalities.
That's why it's critical to double-check that all of your lights are working properly so you don't get into another accident.
It doesn't happen often, but you must ensure that you don't do further damage to your vehicle or put yourself or others in danger after leaving the accident scene.
You must also ensure that you have complete control over your vehicle's steering ability.
After an accident, your car may not be able to steer properly.
This is usually caused by a problem with your wheel alignment.
This can cause your automobile or truck to veer into oncoming traffic and pull to one side or the other. Before you get on the road, make sure you can control your vehicle.
All of your hood, doors, and license plates should be secured.
Check to see if all of your car's locks are still in working order.
When you're going down the road, the last thing you want is for a door or your hood to fly open.
Also, ensure sure there are no leaks before driving away from the accident scene.
It's possible that you have a coolant or antifreeze leak, causing your engine to overheat.
A brake fluid leak could result in brake failure and a calamity.
Always take extra precautions.
If you're unsure, ask for assistance.
You may want to save money by not hiring a tow truck, but that money will be wasted if you end up causing more damage to your vehicle or injuring yourself or others.
Deciding Whether or Not to Drive
If you've been in a car accident and aren't sure whether or not you should drive your vehicle before getting it fixed, you should have it towed to an auto body shop.
Saving money on a tow cost is less essential than the safety of you and other drivers on the road.
Many insurance companies, in fact, will pay for the tow.
If the other motorist caused the collision, their insurance company will pay you a personal injury settlement to cover the costs.
You may lose your right to have your damages reimbursed by the insurance provider if you opt to drive a damaged vehicle and are involved in another collision.
If you have an agreement with a negligent driver to have your damages reimbursed, but then drive your car and get into another accident, your insurance company will not cover the cost.
That's why it's critical to understand what your insurance will cover before you risk more damage to your vehicle.
You should get your car towed to an auto body shop and have it inspected by an expert unless you are certain it is safe.
If You Are Injured, Seek Chiropractic Care With Advanced Injury Care
If you were harmed in the collision, you should seek medical attention before attempting to repair your vehicle.
You should see an accident chiropractor regardless of how severe your injuries appear, or even if you don't feel harmed at all, to have your injuries properly recorded and diagnosed.
Advanced Injury Care Clinic in Nashville has skilled chiropractors that can diagnose and treat your accident injuries.
Their chiropractors have the knowledge and skills to assist you in making a complete physical recovery.
They can also connect you to an expert personal injury attorney in your area if your accident was caused by another driver's negligence.
Your accident attorney can assist you in obtaining financial compensation to ensure that your medical expenses and vehicle damages are compensated.