Is My Car Safe to Drive After an Accident?

Being in an auto wreck is a scary experience. Asking yourself, “What do I do now?” is a common question from our clients at Scott’s Coach Works in Phoenix. Break down your action plan into two sections: what to do in the immediate aftermath of an auto wreck and what you should do after the immediate emergency is over. Take these steps to stay safe and take care of your car.

First Steps

The first step is to remain calm and exit the vehicle once you can safely do so. Take these specific steps:

• Check on everyone’s well-being: This includes yourself, your passengers, and everyone in the other vehicle. Don’t just check for immediate injuries that could warrant a 911 call. Also, take stock of bumps, bruises, and wrenched muscles. 
• Call the police to file a report: Depending on the accident’s severity, you can call either the emergency or local non-emergency lines. This step is important because you can get immediate assistance and start recording the facts of the accident. You have to call the police if an accident results in serious injury, death or property damage over $2000. Never admit fault at the scene. Get a copy of the incident report from the office and make sure everything is correct and accurate. 
• Exchange insurance information with the other driver: Share your insurance provider, and get the other driver’s insurance provider, the car’s make and model, license plate, and, if it’s safe to do so, pictures of both vehicles. You do not need to share your driver’s license; the other driver does not need to have your name or address when they have your insurance provider and plate number. Arizona law requires drivers name, address, and registration 

number.  On request, exhibit the person’s driver license to the person struck or the driver or occupants of or person attending a vehicle collided with.

• Call your own insurance provider if you want to file a claim: Depending on the severity of the accident, call your insurance provider to file a claim. Not only does this generate a paper trail to protect you if the other driver claims you were at fault, but it also starts the process of having your car inspected and repaired. 

• Document the scene if it’s safe to do so. Get witness information if they cannot stay while waiting for the police. Photograph your vehicle and all vehicles involved prior to moving them if it is safe to do so. Get some photos of stop signs , street signs, landmarks or something to reference where the accident happened. 

Ideally, complete all these steps immediately if it’s safe to do so. The more promptly you start creating a record of the auto wreck, the better.

Car Damage

You have the right to have your vehicle repaired at a shop of your choice. The insurance company can recommend a shop but cannot force you to take your vehicle there. If you have any questions regarding this please call us to discuss your options. After the incident is over, you will have some degree of car damage. It may be a crunched back fender and a cracked tail light, or your car may have significant damage and not feel safe to drive. Here’s what to do in either scenario: 

If Drivable 

If you can safely drive your car, you can continue driving to your destination or back home. Take pictures at the site if it’s safe to do so or as soon as you get to a stopping point; these pictures will help you prove that the damage was from the collision.

Once you’re home, you can call Scott’s Coach Works to schedule repairs or an assessment at your convenience. We work  with all insurance providers to ensure you get a proper repair for your damaged vehicle. We will help handle the claims process for you since we are the experts. 

If Not Drivable

If your car is unsafe to drive, call a tow company to move it to a safe location, such as your driveway, or straight to Scott’s Coach Works during business hours. We also have a night drop box for after hour tows. Call ahead to get details regarding our availability and process, and we’ll coordinate with you and your insurance provider to start preparing an estimate if necessary.

Is it your vehicle and you have to right where it gets towed.

Rest Easy With Sctott’s Coach Works’s Expertise and Experience

At Scott’s Coach Works, we routinely help Phoenix-area drivers in the aftermath of an auto wreck, and our team is here to help you through the experience. Contact us ASAP to arrange auto wreck repairs and for expert assistance handling the auto insurance claims and estimate process. 

Image Credit Shutterstock/Title Jirayu