If you get involved in a car accident in Riverside or anywhere else in California, whether or not you can drive your car away from the scene depends on the circumstances. Sometimes, a minor accident causes more damage to a vehicle than is initially apparent. It is critical to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive – and you are fit to operate the car – before getting behind the wheel again.
What to Do After a Car Accident That Damages Your Vehicle
If you get into a car accident, whether it’s a low-speed rear-end collision or a more serious crash, exit your vehicle when it’s safe to do so. If you can, move your disabled car to the side of the road. Report the accident to the police by calling 911. If you fail to report a crash that causes visible property damage or injuries, you may face penalties or be at fault.
When the police arrive, they can inspect your vehicle or call a tow truck to the scene for a professional inspection by a mechanic to determine drivability. The police will also document your property damage in the police report. If your vehicle has visible damage or won’t start, have it towed to the nearest auto shop.
Can I Drive My Car After an Accident?
Signs That You Should Not Drive Your Car After an Accident
It’s important to make sure your car is safe to drive and that you’re feeling well physically and mentally. After a collision, conduct a visual inspection of your car for damage. Any of the following are red flags that your vehicle is unroadworthy and in need of attention before you can drive it again:
- Smoke
- Fluid leaks
- “Check engine” light
- Strange noises
- Tire damage
- Deployed airbag
- Visible damage to safety equipment
- Nonfunctioning electrical system
- Broken headlights, taillights or brake lights
- Broken or severely cracked windshield
- Broken or missing side mirrors
- Trouble steering or alignment issues
If you are unsure of the amount of damage that has been done, always play it safe. There may be hidden structural damage you can’t see. If you choose to drive your car when it has dangerous safety issues, you may be at fault for any subsequent car accidents that occur. If you’re feeling dizzy, out of breath, disoriented or stiff, you need immediate medical care and should not drive until you’ve seen a doctor.
How to Seek Compensation for Vehicle Repairs After a Car Accident
If your motor vehicle sustains any damage in a car accident – whether it’s superficial or serious – you may be eligible for financial compensation from the other driver’s car insurance company. Since California is an “at-fault” state, drivers have the right to seek compensation from the insurance provider of the at-fault party for vehicle repairs.
Once your car has been taken to an auto shop, submit the repair estimate you receive from the mechanic to the insurance company to seek financial reimbursement. If your vehicle is totaled, or deemed a “total loss,” this means the cost of repairs exceeds the value of the vehicle. In this situation, you can seek compensation for the full pre-crash value of your vehicle.
During a car accident claim, it is not uncommon for a car insurance company to offer an inadequate settlement, reject a valid claim or try to blame the claimant for the extent of the vehicle’s damage. If you encounter issues while trying to obtain fair compensation for your motor vehicle repairs, contact a personal injury attorney in Riverside for legal assistance.