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Most of us are going to be involved in a car accident at some point in our lives. Sometimes it is obvious if damage has been done but other times it isn’t so easy to tell. Here at Arizona Firestone, we want to make sure you know the most common things to look for if you’re involved in a minor traffic accident and the steps you should take from the moment it happens.

If You’re in a Fender Bender Follow These Five Steps

1. Check Your Surroundings.  Even in a fender bender, you want to be aware of other vehicles around you. If it is possible to move your vehicle to a safe location, out of the flow of traffic, do so. This will prevent further accidents and keep the flow of traffic moving.

2. Check Yourself.  Low speed doesn’t always exclude the possibility of injury. Whiplash is most common in fender benders and shouldn’t be ignored. After your vehicle is in a safe location take a moment to determine if you are injured. If you are ok, check on other drivers as long as it is safe to exit the vehicle.

3. Call the Police!  It’s so easy to ignore this step when you first have a fender bender. Most often there is little to no damage and it just doesn’t seem worth it to call the police department for a report.  Always get a report! There could be undetected damage that insurance needs to cover. You will need a report and make sure to get that insurance information!

4. Check Your Vehicle. Now that you know you’re ok and the police have filed a report, it’s time to make sure your vehicle is ok to drive.  There are several basic things to check such as your tires for lost pressure and your windshield for any visible cracks or fractures. You can also make sure there is no excessive fluid leaking from under the vehicle and nothing hanging down that could drag the ground. Pay close attention to your muffler and give it a light kick. Mufflers are often knocked loose during a fender bender.

After a good once over inspection, you can start your vehicle. If you notice any strange noises or smells turn off your vehicle. Never attempt to operate your vehicle after an accident if you notice a strong smell of gasoline. If you proceed to drive and notice poor braking or steering stop!  Driving with damaged steering or alignment issues could cause further damage to your vehicle and just isn’t safe!

5. Schedule an Automotive Checkup.  Even with the basics covered sometimes a small accident can do a lot of damage to your vehicle you cannot see. Always have it serviced to make sure your alignment, axles, tires, wheels, and various other parts are intact and safe for you to drive.

Most fender benders occur at low speed and to the untrained eye damage might be hard to see or impossible to detect. If you’re ever in doubt always exchange insurance information, notify the police to write a report, do a quick inspection, and take your vehicle to a mechanic for a complete checkup.

Here at Arizona Firestone, we would be glad to assist you with any auto repair or maintenance check you need. We have three convenient locations in Gilbert, Mesa, and Chandler, AZ.  If you are ever involved in a fender bender make sure to take the proper steps to make sure you and your vehicle can get safely back on the road.