Is My Car Safe to Drive After an Accident?
Being involved in a car accident—whether it’s a minor fender bender or a more serious collision—can leave you with a lot of questions. One of the most immediate concerns is often, “Can I still drive my car?” While it might be tempting to get back on the road as quickly as possible, driving a damaged vehicle can be risky. The truth is, even seemingly minor damage can impact your car’s safety, performance, and reliability in ways that aren’t immediately obvious.
In this article, we’ll walk through the warning signs to watch for, why even small issues matter, and when it’s best to seek a professional evaluation before driving again.
Hidden Damage Can Be Just as Dangerous
After a collision, it’s easy to assume that if your car still starts, drives, and looks mostly intact, it’s fine to drive. But many types of vehicle damage aren’t visible from the outside. Underneath the surface, key systems like the suspension, steering, braking, and alignment may have been compromised.
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly half of the vehicles involved in low-speed collisions exhibit some form of hidden damage. These issues might not affect your ability to drive a few miles to the store, but over time—or at high speeds—they can significantly increase your risk of losing control, experiencing further mechanical failure, or causing another accident.
Signs Your Vehicle May Not Be Roadworthy
After any accident, it’s important to be on the lookout for signs that your vehicle may not be safe to drive. For instance, if your steering feels off-center or pulls in one direction, that could indicate damage to your alignment or suspension. These issues can make your car harder to control, especially at higher speeds or in bad weather.
Another common sign of post-collision damage is fluid leakage. If you notice oil, coolant, or transmission fluid pooling under your vehicle, it’s best not to take any chances. These leaks can lead to engine overheating or system failure while driving. Warning lights on your dashboard—such as check engine, airbag, or brake system alerts—should never be ignored. These indicators exist for a reason and may signal more serious problems beneath the surface.
You should also consider any visible damage to your vehicle's lights or mirrors. Headlights and brake lights are critical for visibility and communication on the road. If any of these are broken or misaligned, you could be putting yourself and others at risk. In many states, it’s also illegal to operate a vehicle in this condition.
In more severe collisions, your vehicle’s airbags may deploy. If that happens, the airbag system must be reset and new airbags installed before the vehicle is safe to drive again. Driving without functioning airbags significantly increases your risk of serious injury in the event of another crash.
Why a Professional Inspection Matters
Even if your vehicle seems to be operating normally, the only way to be sure it’s truly roadworthy is to have it inspected by a qualified auto body professional. A thorough post-accident inspection involves checking the frame, suspension, wheels, tires, brakes, lights, airbags, and electronic systems. Repair technicians use specialized equipment to detect structural misalignments and other forms of damage that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
If your vehicle is found to be unsafe, a reputable repair facility can provide a detailed estimate of the repairs needed to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition and help direct you to a proper vendor for collision restoration.
Know Your Rights
It’s important to remember that as the vehicle owner, you have the right to choose where your car is repaired. If your insurance company recommends a shop or implies that you must use a particular provider, you are still legally allowed to select the repair facility of your choice.
You also have the right to request a full inspection before driving your vehicle again. If your vehicle has been towed to a repair shop, you can ask for a consultation before making a decision about repairs or returning it to the road.
Safety Comes First
While the inconvenience of being without your vehicle is real, nothing is more important than your safety. Driving a damaged car—even one with seemingly minor issues—can lead to bigger problems down the road.
At Autosport Bodyworks, we’ve been helping drivers get back on the road safely since 1979. Our experienced technicians specialize in uncovering hidden damage, making expert collision repairs, and ensuring every vehicle we work on meets the highest safety standards. If you’ve recently been in an accident and needs dent repair, schedule a consultation with us. We’ll evaluate the condition of your vehicle and help guide you through your next steps with confidence.