Can I Continue to Drive My Car After an Accident?

What to Consider About Your Vehicle’s Condition After an Accident

When analyzing your vehicle, consider asking yourself the following questions:

• Are your headlights, turn signals, and brake lights functioning properly? Despite there being 60 percent less traffic on the roads, more than 40 percent of all fatal car accidents occur at night. That’s why it’s so important to confirm that your lights are still functioning properly, including your turn signals. It doesn’t happen often, but you have to be aware of further damaging your vehicle or endangering yourself and others after you leave the scene of the crash.
• Do you have full control over the vehicle’s ability to steer? Sometimes after a crash, a vehicle’s ability to steer is impaired. Often, this is the result of faulty alignment with your wheels, which can pull your vehicle to one side and cause you to swerve into another lane of traffic. Confirm that everything is in full working order before hitting the road.
• Are you able to keep your hood, doors, and license plates securely attached? Make sure the lock mechanisms throughout your car are still intact. The last thing you want is your trunk or hood popping open in the middle of your commute. Likewise, make sure that your license plate is still fully attached and visible.
• Is your vehicle leak-free? If you see any fluids leaking from your vehicle, you shouldn’t drive. This could be a coolant or antifreeze leak which could cause your engine to overheat. Likewise, a brake fluid leak could cause brake failure.

It’s important to err on the side of caution. If you’re at all hesitant, ask for help. Avoiding the cost of a tow truck may seem pennywise, but it won’t be if it means you may further damage your vehicle or put yourself and others at risk.