Don't Continue to Drive Your Car After an Accident!
 

You should never continue to drive a car after an accident because of potential risks to your safety and the vehicle's integrity, including impaired steering or braking, hidden structural damage that could cause parts to fail, dangerous fluid leaks, non-functioning lights, and potentially causing further damage that complicates insurance claims. Even a minor-looking accident can cause hidden problems that make a car unsafe to drive and can lead to new issues if you continue to use it. 

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Safety Risks:

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• Impaired Vehicle Control:

  Damage can affect your car's steering, alignment, and braking systems, making it difficult to control the vehicle and increasing the risk of another accident. 

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• Structural & Component Failure:

  Hidden damage, especially to the car's frame or other structural components, can cause parts like bumpers, hoods, or doors to detach while driving. 

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• Hazardous Leaks:

  Leaking fluids, such as coolant, oil, or brake fluid, can cause your engine to overheat, lead to engine damage, or compromise your braking ability. 

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• Malfunctioning Lights:

  Headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are essential for signaling and visibility, especially at night. A malfunctioning light can make you invisible to other drivers.

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• Hidden Damages:

       You may not be able to see all the damage yourself, and unseen problems, such as a damaged gas tank, can become major               issues if you continue to drive the car.

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Financial & Legal Risks 

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• Increased Damage:

  Driving a damaged car can lead to more extensive damage and further mechanical problems, which may not be covered by insurance and can result in higher repair costs.

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• Insurance Complications:

  If you cause further damage by continuing to drive the car, or if the insurance company finds you have not properly maintained the vehicle after the accident, they may dispute your claim.

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• Diminished Value:

  The car's value can decrease significantly after an accident, and continuing to drive it before professional inspection can impact your ability to claim this diminished value.

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  What Insurance Companies Tell You:

     Insurance companies will try to tell you that you cannot leave your car at a shop until they see the car or have photos of         the car. This is not the law.  You are entitled to choose a shop and leave your car there immediately and inform the                insurance company that you do not feel the car may be safe to continue driving.  Remember, they will try anything to             deny or minimize what they pay to fix your car. So minimize that possibility by not continuing to drive your vehicle. 

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