Should I Continue to Drive My Car After a Car Accident?
Unfortunately, this is a complicated topic that cannot be decided upon simply, because the end decision will depend upon the extent of the damages that the vehicle sustained.
In this blog, we discuss 5 questions that will help you determine if you are able to drive your car after a recent auto accident.
Can I Drive my Car after a Motor Vehicle Accident?
Getting into an Auto Accident can be a very stressful time for everyone involved, especially if there is damage to your vehicle.
Even if no one is injured, one of the main concerns that many people have after a car wreck is whether or not their vehicle is drivable or if a towing service will be needed.
As a driver, it's important to ensure that your vehicle is safe if you are going to be driving on the road.
If there is any doubt, it is important to have it checked before you use it.
If you are pulled over or involved in another accident before you can get it fixed, your insurance may be invalid if you were driving a car that they would have deemed "un-roadworthy."
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
1. Are your headlights and tail lights functioning properly?
Before driving your damaged vehicle it is important to take a second to check and see if you have any lighting problems.
Driving with a broken tail light, headlamp, or lens is not only dangerous for yourself and other drivers but also illegal and highly likely that you will be pulled over.
You should not drive until you can get your missing light fixed.
2. Are your side mirrors intact?
If the driver's side mirror is still in place after the crash but the passenger-side mirror is missing, the vehicle is drivable because you can use the rearview mirror to compensate for the missing passenger mirror.
If both mirrors are missing, you may be pulled over for not having at least two functional mirrors while driving on the road.
It is also dangerous to drive without functional mirrors, you will run the risk of causing another accident causing more damage if you cannot properly see the traffic around you.
3. Are there any leaking fluids?
If you see fluid leaking from any part of your car, it could be cause for a major safety concern. There may be a coolant or antifreeze leak which could cause your engine to overheat.
If there is an oil leak, keep in mind that it may lead to engine damage, and a brake fluid leak could cause brake failure.
All of these leaks could be potentially harmful to yourself and others on the road, so if you notice leaking fluid from your vehicle, make sure to contact a tow truck and have them take a look at your car before deciding to drive.
4. Are your wheels properly aligned?
It is important to check and see if your wheels are properly aligned after a collision. If they are, your car is drivable.
But keep in mind that if there is faulty alignment with your wheels, this can cause the vehicle to pull to one side, increasing your chances of swerving into another lane of traffic.
You need to get your wheels properly aligned before you are able to drive your vehicle anywhere.
5. Is your hood able to buckle and lock closed?
Check the hood of your car after the accident to make sure the locking mechanism is not broken.
If your hood is damaged, air pressure will build up, which can cause the hood to pop open suddenly while driving.
If your hood pops open when you are driving your vision will be completely blocked, and an accident will almost definitely occur.
Making the Decision to Drive
If you are involved in a Car Accident, and are in any kind of doubt as to whether you should drive your vehicle or not before you have the car repaired, have it towed to a body shop.
Your safety and the safety of other drivers is more important than you driving your car somewhere.
Many insurance companies will cover the cost of the tow, and if the accident was caused by the other driver, it would be up to their insurance to compensate you for the bill.
If you make the decision to drive, and your vehicle is damaged, and because of those damages you get into another accident, you may lose the chance of having your vehicle fixed by the insurance company.
Getting into another accident before having your damages assessed by a professional, will only cause complicated problems with your accident claim.
If the other driver's insurance is supposed to pay for your vehicle's damages, and more damage happens to your vehicle because you drove after the accident, the insurance company will not cover the cost.
It is crucial to know what the insurance coverage is going to be before you run the risk of damaging your car further.
Whenever you are unsure of your vehicle's driving condition, it is always in your best interest to have it towed and looked at by a professional if there is any damage.
If You Are Injured, Seek Chiropractic Care
If you are injured in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is seek medical treatment.
Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it is crucial to see a Chiropractor after a car accident to have your injuries properly documented and diagnosed.
The Chiropractors at Arrowhead Clinics have been helping treat car accident injury victims for over 40 years.
Our doctors have the experience and skills to diagnose and treat any of the following car accident injuries:
Neck Injuries
Low Back Injuries
Head Trauma
Spinal Cord Injuries
Back Injuries
Chest Injuries
Soft Tissue Damage
If you are suffering from any of the above injuries, our Arrowhead Clinic Doctors can help with your recovery.