After an Accident, Should You Have Your Car Towed or Drive It?
Nobody wants to get into a car accident, and generally speaking, nobody enjoys waiting around to get the vehicle towed. But is it worth the risk of further injury to yourself or your vehicle? Should you have your car towed, or drive it?
Check Yourself
After an accident, the most important thing is to check yourself for any injuries. Do not think about the damage to your car before thinking about the damage to yourself. Only after you are entirely sure that you are unharmed should you take the following steps.
Start the Car
Once you know you and the other victims are safe, you can start to think about the car. Locate your keys, and start the ignition. If you are in the way, put on your warning lights and attempt to pull over to the side of the road.
If you cannot start your car, you may need to restart, or jump, the car battery. If you do not have jumper cables, call a tow truck.
At this point, you should check to see if any of your warning lights are on. These include:
● Check engine light
● Battery warning light
● Immobilizer indicator warning light
● Oil pressure warning light
● Anti-lock brake system warning light
Look for Visible Signs of Damage
If you can start the car and none of the warning lights turn on, it’s time to check the vehicle for visible damage. Walk around the perimeter of your car and look closely for any damage. If you see any of the following, you should not drive your car:
● Flat tires
● Smoke
● Significant denting (spanning the entire side or sides of the vehicle)
● Broken windshield or windows
Have you located damage and are still wondering, “Should you have your car towed, or drive it?” Call a tow truck company for further help.
Listen for Noises
If you hear any noises while the car is not moving, you should not drive it. Noises indicate an internal problem and will only worsen if you start the vehicle.
If you start driving the car and notice an unusual noise, pull over. Do not drive the vehicle if you hear any sharp squeaking or shrieking.
If You Feel Unsure
Lastly, if you do not feel safe driving the car, don’t. There is no reason to further jeopardize your safety and peace of mind after a car accident. Instead, listen to your gut, and call a tow truck company.
After the tow truck company arrives, they will give you a price and tell you where they are towing your car. At this time, call a friend, family member, or car service to drive you to the towing location. Your auto insurance may pay for the towing expenses depending on your policy type.
Should you have your car towed, or drive it? Contact Desoto Collision Center of Memphis, TN, for this answer and all your other auto-related questions. Call our team today at (901) 207-4263.
