Questions Following an Accident
Hi everyone. My 17-year-old daughter was involved in an accident on Friday night where she struck a parked car. She insists that she was driving normally when suddenly the steering wheel jerked to the right, as if it had locked or the wheel had buckled. Unfortunately, I wasn’t there to witness it. I did find out there’s a recall on her vehicle for a steering issue that aligns with her description, but we had the recall repair done.
We’re with State Farm, and when I arrived at the scene, the officer informed me that her car would be towed because it couldn’t be driven. I called State Farm from the scene to see if they were supposed to tow it since we have roadside assistance, but they said to let the tow truck take it and that they would retrieve it from the impound today (Monday) and bring it to one of their facilities.
I have a few questions:
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When should I have a mechanic inspect the car for any steering issues that may have caused the accident? The vehicle is still at the tow yard this morning.
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Is there a specific certification a mechanic must have for their assessment to be valid? I don’t want to just hire someone off Craigslist. Can I assume that State Farm won’t be conducting their own investigation into mechanical failure?
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On my online claim portal, it mentions choosing a repair shop and provides a list of options. No one mentioned this when I filed the claim. Do I need to select a shop before the car is picked up from the tow yard, or will it go to a different location first?
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Lastly, if they determine she is at fault, should I prepare for our insurance rates to increase significantly?
Thank you for your insights!
I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s accident; that sounds like a stressful situation. Here’s some guidance for your questions:
Mechanic Inspection: It’s crucial to have a qualified mechanic examine the vehicle as soon as possible to determine if there was a mechanical failure prior to the accident. Since the car is still at the tow yard, you should contact them to see if you can arrange for an inspection while the car is still in their possession. Make sure to document everything, including the mechanic’s findings.
Mechanic Certification: Look for a certified and reputable mechanic, ideally one who is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified. It’s also a good idea to find a shop that comes highly recommended or has good reviews online. Having a formal assessment from a qualified mechanic will carry more weight if you need to pursue any claims related to the recall issue.
Repair Shop Selection: You can generally select a repair shop after the vehicle is picked up from the tow yard. The insurance company may have partnerships with specific shops, which can streamline the process for you. Check your claim portal for any deadlines regarding shop selection, as you’ll want to adhere to their guidelines. If the vehicle is taken to an insurance-assigned shop, you can still express your preference to have it repaired at your chosen location.
Increased Rates: If the accident is deemed your daughter’s fault, it’s possible that your insurance premiums will increase, especially if you’re involved in a claim. However, factors like your overall driving history and the specifics of the accident will also be taken into account. Many insurance companies offer accident forgiveness programs, so it’s worth checking if State Farm has such a policy.
In the meantime, keep thorough documentation of everything related to the accident, including any communications with your insurance company and details from the mechanic. This will help you navigate the claims process more effectively. Good luck!