A car accident of any severity, even a fender bender, can cause damage to various parts of your car. For example, once the airbags deploy, they must be replaced. It's also a good idea to inspect and replace other parts of your car to ensure safe drivability. Take a look at how to care for your car after a collision and ensure your safety as well as the safety of other drivers.
Driver Assistance Systems
Modern cars are full of sophisticated technology such as electronic sensors, cameras, and radars that monitor your car. Even the slightest impact can disrupt these interconnected systems, especially if the damage is in proximity to a sensor or camera. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) reduce the likelihood of an accident by warning drivers about potential collisions. Failing to restore these systems to pre-collision conditions could put you and other drivers at risk if they don't perform as designed.
The most important step following a car accident is to address all of the necessary car repairs to ensure the safe performance of your car. Once all car repairs are completed, you can focus on cosmetic repairs, such as your car's paint. Applying a form-fitting vinyl car wrap or paint protection film is a great way to protect your paint and resale value. The skilled technicians at Armour Doctor have years of experience applying form-fitting car wrap that helps prevent fading and delamination of paint. Paint Protection Film (PPF) installers and customer vinyl wrap deliver a high-quality finish and exceptional customer service.
The car wrap company offers heat-activated self-healing wraps in gloss or matte finish that's easy to maintain and protects your car's paint from scratches due to debris. Choose from Xpel Paint Protection Film, custom wrapping for a new colour change, headlight and taillight tinting, and black-out packs in chrome.
Diagnostic Codes
An Automotive Service of Excellence-certified facility can access your car's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) repair information. Undergoing a thorough inspection of all diagnostic codes ensures the structural integrity of your car's frame, steering, and suspension components. The only way to access diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that may have been triggered by a collision is to run a vehicle scan. Scanning the car's onboard system is the only way to retrieve error codes, preview live data, and test circuits. Improperly calibrated ADAS systems can cause future problems such as the car pulling in one direction.
When it comes to auto insurance, states either have an at-fault or no-fault system. In general, the liability and reimbursement for car accident injuries are dependent upon the state where the auto accident occurs. Fault insurance is the most common type of liability coverage for fault states. The at-fault driver is responsible for all damages resulting in the accident, while car insurance covers the cost of damages.
The laws regarding a no-fault accident versus an at-fault accident vary by state. Car accident victims can get compensation for property damage and medical expenses from their own insurance company, which then seeks reimbursement from the at-fault driver's insurance company. Another option is to file a claim with the at-fault party's insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit and win fair compensation in court. The Davis Kelin Law Firm has years of experience representing car accident cases and navigating at-fault versus no-fault laws. The premier injury law firm won't charge clients fees unless they win the case, guaranteed. Working with a personal injury lawyer is the best way to recover from a car accident and get back to daily life.
Suspension and Drivability
Your car will likely feel different after experiencing a collision, whether you've been rear-ended, hit a pothole, or drove over something large. Never dismiss strange sounds, shakes, or handling issues, as these could be an indication of a serious issue. The slightest difference in linkages and major suspension components can affect your car's drivability.
Checking Driver Assistance Systems, running diagnostic codes, and checking up on suspension and drivability are some of the ways to care for your car after an accident.