Vehicle accidents are stressful events that can result in significant physical injuries and financial loss. However, there are some things that a person can do to limit the financial damages that are caused to a vehicle in an accident. Taking a little time to care for the vehicle after an accident can result in saving money and getting the vehicle repaired and back on the road quickly and safely.
Area Safety
Once the passengers in a vehicle are safe from harm, a person involved in an accident needs to take action to protect his or her car from further damage. Hazard lights should be used to signal approaching drivers of the location of the vehicle. If the scene is safe, and with police permission, the car should be moved to the side of the road. It is also important that all damage to the vehicle is documented with photographs and included in the police report. The photographs and police documentation will help to ensure that the vehicle damage is covered by the at-fault party.
Transportation
Unless the damage from the accident is only cosmetic, the vehicle will need to be inspected for safety before driving. A visual check of tires, suspension components and under the car for leaking fluids should be made before starting the vehicle. If the vehicle looks safe to drive and starts, it should be carefully driven until the vehicle is determined safe to drive. If the vehicle must be towed, it is better that the vehicle be moved on a rollback style of wrecker than a hook and chain or wheel lift wrecker.
Prevent Further Damage
After an accident, the car should be stored in a safe location where it will not be vandalized or objects stolen from the car. Not only will safe storage keep the car from being damaged further, it will also preserve the car in the event that an inspection is needed to determine fault or the extent of the damage from the accident. Safety devices such as deployed air bags and baby car seats will need to be replaced after an accident.
When the immediate problems of an accident are over, the real stress can begin as a person tries to negotiate with insurance companies and repair shops to get the vehicle fixed. A person experiencing problems after an accident should contact an Atlanta car accident attorney who can help him or her to get the settlement that is deserved in a timely manner. By getting professional help by workers like this you can make sure that both your family and your car get the care that they need.
Author information: Kare Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max. You can find Kara on Facebook and Twitter.
