Immediately after a car accident in Tennessee, residents will need to determine if their vehicle is safe to drive. There are a few key areas to evaluate before getting back on the road.
Your own well-being
Before you assess the vehicle, always evaluate your own health. If you feel too dizzy or shaken to drive, you can always wait to handle your car later. Seek medical attention if you feel unwell after an accident.
Safety features
Your safety features may suffer damage during a car accident. For example, your airbags may have deployed, your seatbelts may snap or your headlights may have cracked. If your safety features aren’t working, you shouldn’t be driving.
Visible damage
Misaligned doors and a crunched-up hood are more than just cosmetic damage. They may make a vehicle unsafe to drive if they make it difficult to see out your windows. Similarly, you need to look for broken or cracked glass.
Check under the car for fluid leaks. This may be the first sign of damage to important systems, like your brakes. This poses a risk to vehicle performance and safety.
Testing
If the outside of the vehicle looks fine, you can test some essential mechanical features before getting back on the road.
Ensure that the brakes are responsive, without any unusual noises or vibrations. Test the steering and suspension systems for any stiffness, pulling or strange noises. Check that all lights, indicators and signals are working correctly to ensure visibility and communication with other drivers.
Consider having a professional mechanic inspect your vehicle after a motor vehicle accident. They can identify any hidden damage that may not be immediately visible.
Determining whether your car is safe to drive after a car accident is a critical step in your post-accident recovery process. If you believe your car is unsafe, contact a reputable towing company and have it delivered to a mechanic you trust for an evaluation.