Unfortunately, car accidents happen. Whether in a minor fender bender or a major collision, it’s essential to properly care for your car after the accident. From assessing the damage to getting your vehicle repaired, a Tampa car accident lawyer reviews the steps necessary to get your car back in working order and on the road.
Assessing Damage
The first step is assessing the damage to your vehicle after the accident. This means taking a good look at your car’s interior and exterior. Inspect all parts of your vehicle, including windows, doors, tires, lights, bumper, hood, and other body panels that may have been damaged.
Check for any dents or scratches that may have occurred due to the accident’s impact. Take pictures of all parts of your vehicle, so you have a record of what was damaged in case there is any dispute between you and the other driver regarding who caused the damage.
Getting Repairs Done
Once you’ve assessed the damages done to your car after an accident, it’s time to start thinking about repairs. Depending on whether or not you have comprehensive insurance coverage or just liability coverage will determine if you are responsible for paying out-of-pocket for repairs or if they will be covered by insurance.
If repairs are covered by insurance, then all that’s left is finding a reputable auto body shop where you can get your car fixed up as soon as possible. If not, you need to weigh out which option makes more sense financially: paying out-of-pocket for repairs or waiting until you have saved up enough money for repairs later on down the road. Ultimately, it depends on how severe and extensive the damages are and if it affects your everyday life without having access to a functioning vehicle.
No matter what option makes more sense financially, ensure that when selecting an auto body shop certified by either I-CAR or ASE. This way, you can be sure they use proper repair methods according to industry standards.
Keep Records Of Repairs
You must keep detailed records of all repairs done to your vehicle after an accident. This includes keeping copies of repair estimates from mechanics and documents of receipts for parts purchased for repairs. These records can come in handy if there are any disputes over who was liable for damages caused by accident or if there are any warranty issues with a specific part used during repairs.
Keeping detailed records can also help provide peace of mind – knowing that all repairs were done correctly and safely can help ease worries about being involved in another incident down the road due to shoddy artistry or faulty parts used during repairs.
Caring For Your Car After The Repairs Are Complete
Once all repairs are completed, it’s still important to take extra care of your vehicle post-accident while ensuring that all safety features work correctly, such as brakes and airbags (if applicable). Make sure that regular maintenance is done, such as oil changes every three months or 3000 miles, whichever comes first, depending on how often you drive. Also, remember to do tire rotations every six months, wheel alignment every 12 months, battery checks every 18 months, spark plug replacement every 20k miles, etc.
In addition, always pay attention when driving. This means being aware of surrounding vehicles and pedestrians, following traffic laws and signals, and being mindful of road conditions such as weather or construction. Avoid distractions like texting or talking on cell phones while driving, etc.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, accidents happen, but knowing how best to care for your car afterward can make all difference in cost savings and overall safety when using said vehicle again after repair completion. If you need legal assistance after a car accident in Hillsborough County, search for Tampa car accident lawyer reviews, so you know who to consult.