Can i drive a crashed car

Now what do you do? How do you know whether your car is safe enough to drive? There may be minimal external dents, scrapes, and bumps, but what about potential mechanical problems? Will continuing to drive your car put the safety of yourself, the vehicle, and others on the road at risk? This is an issue that post-accident drivers face all the time. But how can you tell where to draw the line? Ask the responding police officer to advise you based on the state of your vehicle.

The same kind of rules that concern the state of your vehicle apply to your own wellbeing. Injuries resulting from a crash are usually included in your auto insurance claim, so it's important to document any physical harm stemming from the accident. It's easier to remain calm after an accident when you're prepared. Luna suggests downloading your insurance company's app or forms that guide you through the insurance claim process.

Designate a spot in your car to keep your registration, proof of insurance card, contact information and a list of key things you need to remember at the scene of an accident. Car crashes are scary, but being prepared can help you make the best of a bad situation or even prevent it.

Wendy Helfenbaum is a contributing writer who covers home improvement, gardening, automotive issues and travel. You are leaving AARP. Please return to AARP. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering.

Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at www. Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. Now Reading:. Membership My Account. Rewards for Good. Share with facebook. Share with twitter. Share with linkedin. Share using email. Collect important information Use your cellphone camera to take pictures of documents or, with pen and paper, get the name, address, phone number and driver's license number of everyone involved in the accident.

Call a tow truck if needed Depending on how much damage your car sustained, it may need to be towed to a collision repair center, Luna says. Call your insurance company While it may be tempting to negotiate a cash deal to avoid making an insurance claim, not notifying your insurance company after a crash can leave you liable for damages stemming from the accident. Take the high-tech route Many insurers now offer virtual tools such as a mobile phone app to allow you to begin the claims process online.

See your doctor You may feel perfectly fine right after an accident, but some injuries become apparent only after a day or two. Be proactive It's easier to remain calm after an accident when you're prepared.

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.

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. 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. 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.