A car accident in Los Angeles could cause substantial motor vehicle damage that makes your car undrivable. If the damage is light to moderate, you may question whether your vehicle remains roadworthy. Whether or not you should continue to drive your car after a crash depends on the extent of the damage and legal considerations. Speak to an accident attorney in Los Angeles today.
What Does the Law Say?
All drivers in California must stop their vehicles and take certain steps after getting involved in accidents. Driver responsibilities under California Vehicle Code § 22651 include pulling over, exchanging names and contact information with the other driver, and rendering aid to anyone injured. However, there is no law regarding whether a driver is allowed to drive his or her car after an accident.
Ask the Police for Advice
State law requires drivers to report car accidents to law enforcement right away if they result in injuries, deaths, or more than $1,000 in property damage. It can be beneficial to report any auto accident, even minor collisions, to obtain a police report. If you are unsure whether it is safe to drive your vehicle after an accident, the responding police officer should be able to assess the damage and tell you if it is legally permitted on the road.
You Are Responsible for Ensuring Vehicle Roadworthiness
When determining if you can continue to drive your car after a crash, it is important to check its roadworthiness, meaning how safe the vehicle is to drive. This involves inspecting all of its critical areas, such as the tires, fluids, steering system, lights, and structural integrity. All main safety areas of the vehicle must be functioning properly to continue operating the vehicle. You should have full control of the vehicle as you drive away. As a general rule, if your airbag deployed in the accident, it is too damaged to be safely driven.
Obtain a Vehicle Safety Inspection
After a cursory inspection at the crash site, you should always bring your damaged vehicle to a professional auto shop for a comprehensive safety inspection. You may not be able to assess its roadworthiness on your own. Even without a lot of physical damage on the outside, critical features of the car may no longer be working properly. If you are unsure about your vehicle’s ability to function, have it towed to the nearest auto shop rather than attempting to drive it there.
Consider Insurance Issues
One potential risk of continuing to drive your car while a claim is pending is the possibility of it sustaining further damage. This could complicate your insurance claim. Some insurance companies require vehicle inspections before the car is driven again. If you get into another car accident or driving the vehicle damages it in other ways, such as additional parts falling off, the insurance company may attempt to blame you or a third party for your property damage.
Additional damage after the initial accident can make it difficult to receive the compensation you deserve from the original insurance carrier. You or your Los Angeles injury lawyer will need to prove that the damage you are claiming was caused by the driver or party in question to qualify for property repair or replacement coverage.
Assess Your Physical and Mental State
Do not drive your vehicle away from the scene of a car accident if you feel in any way physically or mentally affected by the crash. Your adrenaline from the collision could make you feel anxious and increase your blood pressure. You may have injuries, including Los Angeles head and brain injuries, that interfere with your ability to safely operate the vehicle. If you are unsure, stay safe by taking an ambulance to the nearest hospital or having a friend drive you.
If you get involved in a car accident in Los Angeles and need legal advice or representation, contact the lawyers at Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP for a free case review.