Getting in a car accident is a terrible thing, unfortunately, with automobile collisions being as common as they are, it’s likely that you will end up in an accident at some point in your life. Once you’ve exchanged information with the other driver, established that your vehicle looks ok, and checked yourself for signs of injury, it can be tempting just to drive away and try to forget it ever happened. The question is: Should you drive after a car accident?

Should I Drive After A Car Accident?

The answer is a bit complicated, only because it depends on the extent of the damage. The law on this can be confusing. If there’s no personal injury or fatality, and the damage to the cars is minimal, it’s probably fine to just talk to the other driver without informing the police, as long as both drivers are insured. If one of you isn’t insured, you’ll need to report the accident. Similarly, if someone is injured, the police need to know.

Assessing the Damage

Perhaps a bigger question is whether your car is in good enough shape to continue driving. Before you even think about getting back on the road, you’ll need to give your car a thorough once-over. Make sure the headlights, turn signals, and brake lights are functioning properly, and that your license plates are securely attached. Check to see if your vehicle is leaking fluids, and make sure you have full control over your power steering. As long as you can still safely operate your vehicle, and there seem to be no major issues, it’s probably fine to get back on the road, from a legal standpoint.

Serious Car Damage | Should you drive after a car accident?

Sometimes, there may be serious damage that is not visible to your eye. A small chip on the windshield may not be visible except in certain lights, or you might find it difficult to shut the door properly because of slight buckling in the bodywork. If you don’t discover damage that’s been done to the car, it can cause more extensive damage that can become costly. Further, if you don’t find the damage before filing your insurance claim, you won’t get the money you need to cover repairs. You should have a professional inspect your vehicle thoroughly after an accident, but first, there are some easy ways to check for damage.

• Check the frame and suspension.
• Eyeball the undercarriage.
• Check out the trunk.
• Examine the fender bolts.

Whether or not you notice damage to your vehicle, it’s smart to bring it to someone who knows how to repair a car after a collision.

Great Plains Auto Body Shop Omaha & Council Bluffs

At Great Plains Auto Body shop Omaha and Council Bluffs, we’re committed to giving you an unmatched level of service. As a company that’s been family owned and operated for more than 30 years, we’re dedicated to treating our customers as we would treat members of our own family. We’ll keep you informed throughout the entire repair process and make sure you’re satisfied when the job is complete. From estimating and detailing to collision repair and paint services, our ASE-certified mechanics and technicians make sure the job is done right and on time.