Auto Body Shops in Baton Rouge: Is My Car Driveable?

Being involved in an auto collision is a scary and stressful experience. Once you determine that everyone is safe your attention turns to your vehicle. While getting it repaired and restored to its pre-wreck condition is a top priority, determining its drivability is essential to your convenience and safety. Whether you were at fault or not, the ability to operate your vehicle can save you time and money as you wait for the needed collision repairs. 

How Can I Tell if My Vehicle Can be Driven After an Accident?

First and foremost, if your airbags are deployed, your car is no longer safe to drive. Next, check for any leaking fluids from underneath your vehicle. Driving without coolant, oil, and other fluids can ruin your engine. If there are none, continue to check of all four wheels are facing the correct direction. If all wheels seem to be aligned, it is safe to drive; if not, suspension damage has occurred and it should not be driven. Next, check to ensure that all windows and doors can be opened and closed like normal. If you have to use excessive force it is unsafe to drive as you and your passengers won’t be able to freely exit. Furthermore, a damaged hood may unexpectedly open while driving, blocking your view. Lastly, make sure that your headlights, taillights, and mirrors are all undamaged and working correctly. If you are unable to see, be seen, or signal, it is unsafe to operate a vehicle. 

If any of these criteria can’t be met, you will need to have your car towed. It can be towed to your home or to the collision center of your choice. Your insurance company may try to steer you toward one of their “preferred”, or “direct” repair programs. These collision centers work for the insurance company, not you. You have the right to take your car anywhere that you choose. Don’t let anyone make you think that you don’t have the option of where your vehicle is repaired.

For over 50 years the family-owned Medines Collision Center has been helping get the people of Baton Rouge back on the road. With expert craftsmanship and decades of experience in repairing vehicles, and handling insurance companies, the staff at Medines has their customers’ best interest as their top priority.