When to Tow and When to Drive Away
When to Tow and When to
Drive Away
Every
day auto collisions happen, varying in degrees of severity. In some
situations, auto collisions only result in cosmetic bumps, however,
the damage could be a lot more serious. Sometimes, it seems like the
vehicle is almost intact, after “participating” in a road
accident, but the hidden damage is often forgotten by drivers. In
some cases, driving away after an auto collision could result in more
damage, as well as potentially threaten other road users.
So
the appropriate question here is when should you drive away from an
auto collision and when should you call for a tow? We’ve prepared
several helpful tips:
- Look for Visible Damage on Your Vehicle
Usually,
the damage is quite obvious when we speak about severe auto
collisions. If you are not sure whether you should call a tow truck
or not, take a walk around the car and check its condition. If
mechanical parts or body panels are hanging loose, you shouldn’t
try to drive the vehicle. Not only could the damaged panels or parts
suffer more damage, but there’s a chance that they could come off
and hit another road user, potentially resulting in new auto
collisions. In this situation, it’s best to call for a tow truck,
to take your vehicle away from the collision scene.
Other
types of visible damage include detached bumpers, scratches, or dents
that won’t require a tow truck for your vehicle. If the damage is
not interfering with moving parts, causing an obstruction or likely
to come loose then it is usually safe to drive away.
- Inspect the Vehicle for Signs of Hidden Damage
In
some cases, the damage from an auto collision is not noticed right
away. Therefore, you should inspect the vehicle for any sign of
hidden damage. If you notice a strange noise, leaking fluids, or
smoke, then it’s probably mechanical damage. In this situation,
it’s best to have your vehicle towed.
- When in Doubt Get it Checked Out!
It’s
quite difficult to think clearly when you are involved in an auto
collision. It’s quite normal to be a bit shaken up, and because of
that, you cannot count on your senses. Do you smell gas? Did the car
make this noise before? Doubts may begin to creep in, clouding your
judgment. In this case, it’s best to ask someone else for advice or
opting to call for a tow.
Even
if the damage does turn out to be minor, at least you know that
towing will cost a set amount. Driving a car away after an auto
collision could increase the damage resulting in a much higher repair
bill.
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