Can I drive my car after an accident?
Car accidents are incredibly stressful. Nobody wants to be involved in one, but they happen to the best of us. No matter how safe a driver you are, you can’t always account for the actions of others. A whopping 126,000 road accidents are reported on UK roads each year, so statistically, many of us are likely to be involved in one at some point.
With all that in mind, it’s a good idea to be prepared should the worst happen. When adrenaline runs high and tempers flare, you need to be able to think clearly and make the right decision: should you drive your car home or get it recovered?
We’re going to help you answer that question below. So, let’s get started.
Assessing the condition of the vehicle
In the aftermath of an accident, there’s a lot to consider. But once you’ve called your insurance company and any relevant authorities, it’s time to give your car a more thorough examination to determine whether or not it can continue driving.
If the accident was only a minor rear-end bump and only the rear bumper is damaged, you should be able to continue driving just fine – provided the rear bumper is still secure and isn’t likely to fly off.
If the front end of your vehicle has taken a hit, you’re less likely to be able to continue onward safely. If you see any of these faults, call for recovery:
- A dented or crumpled bonnet (it may not look too bad, but the latch could be damaged, causing it to fly up and hit your windscreen at speed).
- Loose bodywork, like bumpers and front wings.
- Broken and inoperative headlights or indicators.
- Any leaking fluid (this will most likely be screenwash or coolant from the radiator)
In accidents where the side of the car has been damaged, the main thing to look out for is the health of the suspension, wheels and tyres. If you’ve got cracked or bent rims, a flat tyre, or the wheels aren’t pointing in the right direction, it’s time to call your local recovery firm!
Need recovery?
If you need accident recovery in the Cambridgeshire, Norfolk or Suffolk areas, give the team at Cambridge Car Solutions a call. With a range of high-tech recovery equipment at our disposal, we can recover vehicles in any condition quickly and safely.