Any collision is traumatizing. In an accident where you, a loved one, or the other driver is injured, your first thoughts will be of their well being. Calling the paramedics and then attending to any injuries as best you can are the most important steps to take following a severe accident. Calming the nerves of everyone involved and exchanging contact information may come next. Thoughts of vehicular damage, when no one is injured, are secondary, at most. However, when the time does come to repair the damage of your vehicle, it is important to have it done correctly and by a professional.
Take Your Vehicle to an Auto Body Shop After a Crash
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, half of the traffic accidents that happen every year are not reported and are predominantly only minor collisions. Even if the accident was a small one and the damage looks insignificant, it is important to have that damage examined by a mechanic before carrying on with normal driving. On the outside there may just be a few minor dents. The inside can be an entirely different matter, which is why always exchanging contact information with the other party is necessary. Just like injuries may present themselves later, so too can damage to your vehicle. There may be engine damage or compromises to the strength and integrity of the frame.
Vehicles Are Designed to Withstand a Minor Impact and Absorb a Major Impact
Low speed or low-force collisions may not damage the framework of your vehicle, because all cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs are designed to withstand minor traffic collisions. However, if the accident was more than just a small fender bender, there may be severe damage to the vehicle’s frame. Vehicles are designed to crumple and absorb impact in a severe accident, which will significantly impact the vehicle’s sturdiness and handling in the future. A car that was involved in a major accident is less likely to be able to protect its passengers in the next collision. If the integrity of the exterior portions of the vehicle are heavily compromised, the car may need considerable work done to make it safe once again. However, if there is any damage to the frame, the car will need to be totalled, even if it looks somewhat fine on the outside. Cars with frame damage need to be totalled because there is no way to reverse the damage, according to Examiner. When taking your vehicle to an auto body shop for examination, make sure it is a shop that specializes in collision repair and exams. Additionally, give your mechanic the most detailed description of how the crash occurred in order to give them an idea of what to look for and where to look for it in terms of damage.
Contact an Experienced Kansas City Car Accident Attorney
If you have been injured, or if your vehicle suffered damage in a collision, contact an experienced car accident attorney today to discuss your options for property damage and medical compensation. Contact a Kansas City, Missouri, car accident attorney at the Krause & Kinsman Law Firm today for a free consultation.
