Published on June 30th, 2023 | by Day Trader
Everything to Know After Getting in a Highway Car Crash
Getting into a car accident isn’t on anyone’s wish list. In the aftermath of such a traumatic experience, it’s normal to feel hazy and preoccupied with what steps to take. Understanding your legal rights and dealing with insurance companies are some of the things you’ll face. Here’s an overview of what you should do after a highway car crash.
Emergency Service
Emergency services are responsible for the well-being and safety of individuals involved in car crashes. After all, they are emergency services, so responding when calamity strikes is basically their job description. An accident is a chaotic and overwhelming situation, but these services can provide immediate support and assistance.
It goes without saying that the first thing to do—provided you’re capable—is to call emergency services. Dialing the emergency hotline connects you to trained professionals who’ll dispatch police, medical, and fire personnel to the scene. These responders will be armed with the necessary resources and skills to handle any situation that arises.
Once emergency services arrive at the scene, their focus all goes to assessing the highway crash and ensuring safety for everyone involved. They’ll redirect traffic, secure the scene, and provide any necessary medical attention. In instances where injuries are off-the-charts severe, emergency medical service will transport you to the nearest hospital for further treatment.
Emergency services should be the first thing to dial after a highway car crash occurs. Their prompt response, ongoing support, and professional expertise ensure the proper documentation and safety of the incident. Relying on an emergency road service allows individuals to navigate the car accident’s aftermath with confidence and receive the care they need.
Windshield Repairs
After being involved in a highway car crash, many things go haywire. An aspect to consider is your windshield’s condition. Even if it seems like a minor issue compared to injuries sustained, windshield repairs should be given its flowers.
Getting your windshield inspected after a car crash is the first thing to do. Even if you don’t notice cracks or damage, there may be underlying issues that can escalate over time. A small crack or chip can spread due to temperature changes, the vibrations of driving, or even a slight impact. Ignoring these damages compromises your windshield’s cultural integrity and puts your safety at risk.
Prioritizing windshield repairs is vital for many reasons. For one, a damaged windshield can obstruct your vision—a dangerous thing to experience when driving especially on the highway. Moreover, a chipped or cracked windshield is more vulnerable to shattering upon impact—you or your passengers won’t be spared in case of an accident or sudden braking.
Of course, when seeking auto glass repair services, choosing a reputable provider is the way to go. Look for pros with certifications and use high-quality materials. Also, check if your insurance covers windshield replacements or repairs to alleviate some of the financial burdens.
Car crashes are hard to handle. One of the things you should look into is repairing or replacing your damaged windshield. Neglecting this aspect can compromise your safety and incur further expenses down the line.
Vehicle Towing
Car towing is one of the first things you’ll require after getting in a highway car crash. When accidents occur on the highway, it’s a stressful and dangerous scene. Vehicle towing ensures the safety of the drivers involved and clears the road for other motorists.
Safety—for obvious reasons—is the first priority after a car crash. If your vehicle is in a position that poses a risk to other drivers, contacting a tow service is essential. They’ll have the expertise and equipment to safely remove your vehicle from the accident scene.
It’s easy to find tow services that are available 24/7, so you can expect reliable assistance whenever you need it. They’ll quickly respond to your call and dispatch a tow truck to your location. The towing professionals will assess the situation to determine the best way to move your vehicle without damaging it.
Vehicle towing is paramount in case you get into a car accident. It ensures your safety and helps clear the road for other users. Contacting a reputable service to come and tow your vehicle will ensure a prompt and efficient response—a major save from an otherwise stressful time.
Brake Check
A car crash is a catastrophic event that everyone tries to avoid. Sometimes, however, preventing such a calamity is impossible and you may find yourself in that situation. Addressing your vehicle’s condition is critical when this happens—brakes, especially.
Brake checks after a highway car crash are a must because the collision’s impact may damage your vehicle’s braking system. Even if your brakes seem to work fine after the crash, they may have internal damage that’s not immediately apparent. It’s important to thoroughly inspect your brakes to ensure they function properly and safely bring your vehicle to a stop.
To perform a brake check, your mechanic will inspect the brake discs and parts. They’ll fervently look for any signs of damage like warping or cracks. Next, they’ll check the brake fluid’s condition and level. If it’s found dirty or low, it indicates a leak or other issues with the system. You should also test the brake pedal for abnormal resistance or sponginess.
Performing a car brake repair can make all the difference when you find yourself in a car accident. Checking for any issues or damage with your brakes will ensure your safety and prevent further accidents. If you notice there are abnormalities during the check, have your vehicle inspected and repaired by a professional.
Dent Removal
Car dent removal is a common solution you can broach after getting in a highway car crash. After a collision, vehicles sustain dents and damage to their bodywork—no surprise there. These dents, however, don’t just affect your vehicle’s aesthetics but also its structural integrity. Therefore, addressing these dents immediately enhances the car’s safety and functionality.
Several methods exist to solve dent issues—of course, depending on the dent’s severity and location. One method that’s preferred is paintless dent repair (PDR)—where manipulating the dent to restore its original shape prevails. This method is effective for small to medium-sized dents; a good bargain since it doesn’t require repainting or other chintz to make work.
For extensive and complex dents, traditional dent repair methods are necessary. It mainly involves using specialized techniques and tools to repair and reshape the damaged section. It may also entail repainting the affected panel to match the rest of the vehicle. While this method is more costly and time-consuming, restoring the vehicle’s appearance and structural soundness is all that matters.
Removing dents is part of the process of recovering your vehicle after an accident. Whether through traditional methods or paintless dent repair, addressing dents promptly will restore your vehicle’s appearance. Make an appointment with a qualified mechanic to ensure your dent is repaired properly and with no hitches.
Help on the Road
Getting into a highway car crash is the last thing anyone wants. There are many actions you must take after such an incident, many of which require you to take the first step. An important aspect to shed light on is getting help on the road. Roadside assistance provides invaluable support and ensures your safety after an accident.
For one, getting help on the road gives you solutions to immediate concerns like towing if your vehicle is damaged beyond repair. You can arrange for a tow truck to transport your vehicle to a repair shop. It will save you the hassle of figuring out how to get your car off the highway and to a safe location.
Moreover, professionals in this sector can provide services like fuel delivery. If your car ran out of gas during the crash or shortly after, they’ll bring you an appropriate amount of fuel to get you to a gas station in no time. This crosses out the need to walk miles along the highway in search of a gas station or depend on motorists or passersby for assistance.
Car crashes are disastrous; it’s crucial to have roadside help if you want to navigate it. These professionals can offer essential services like tire changes, battery jump-starts, and fuel delivery. It’s worth considering investing in a plan to cover you in case you need help on the road when you need it most.
Crankshaft Fixes
Regarding a highway car crash, one thing is clear; it happens so fast, you don’t see it coming. If you’re fortunate enough not to have sustained serious injuries, one important thing not to miss is crankshaft fixes. The crankshaft is an engine component that converts the pistons’ linear motion into rotational motion that powers the vehicle. If it sustains damage in a crash, it causes serious problems that may render the vehicle inoperable.
There are several signs to look out for if your crankshaft has issues. These include excessive vibrations, difficulty starting the engine, and unusual noises coming from the engine compartment. If any of these signs are present, have your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
It’s also worth noting that fixing a crankshaft isn’t categorized under DIY projects. It requires expert knowledge and tools; access to replacement parts is a welcomed addition. Attempting to repair a crankshaft without proper expertise is equivalent to making your vehicle malfunction completely.
Crankshaft repair is an essential part of understanding what to do after an accident. Have a professional on speed dial inspect it for any signs of damage. Proper diagnosis and repair will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your vehicle.
Collision Shop
The last thing anyone wants to encounter is a highway car crash. The disorientation as to what just happened may leave you feeling helpless as to what to do next in the aftermath. Collision shops are one of the first things to consider in such a case. They have the necessary expertise and equipment to assess the damage’s extent and give an accurate estimate for the repairs.
When you bring your vehicle to an auto body repair specialist, they’ll conduct a thorough check to determine the full extent of the damage. This includes assessing underlying issues and visible damage to curate a solution for your car. They’ll also take note of any part that needs replacement or repair.
Once they complete the assessment, the auto shop will give you a detailed estimate for the repairs. This estimate will outline the cost of parts, labor, and other additional services that’s required for the job. It’s vital to review this estimate carefully and ask questions you may have before proceeding with the repairs.
Taking your vehicle to a collision shop after an accident is common sense that everyone should practice. Assessing the damage, an estimate report, and professionalism are what you’ll gain from doing this. These specialized shops have the equipment and expertise to restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.
Do You Need an Attorney?
After a highway car crash, you may be torn on what to do next. Deciding whether you need an attorney is one of the first things to consider. While it seems like an unnecessary expense—which it’s not, by the way—an attorney is extremely beneficial if you want to get the compensation you deserve after an accident.
An attorney can protect your rights. Insurance companies are notorious for trying to lower payouts or deny claims altogether—something many people can attest to. Having a lawyer on your side ensures your rights are upheld and that no one takes advantage of you during settlement negotiations.
Moreover, DUI attorneys can gather evidence and build a strong case. Their knowledge and expertise allow them to investigate the crash, gather witness statements, obtain police reports, and collect other evidence to support your claim. It’s especially helpful if liability is disputed or if multiple parties are involved.
Getting into a car crash isn’t something you want to get into in this life or the next. In the event that you find yourself in one, hire an attorney to represent you in court if necessary. While you may think it’s an extra expense, an attorney’s benefits outweigh the cons in many cases.
A highway car crash is a traumatic experience for anyone involved. There are various things, however, that you can do to sort everything out after the accident. Remember to follow the tips above if you want a less-stressful experience in an accident’s aftermath.