Can You Drive a Crashed Car After an Accident?

If your car still runs after a collision, it might be tempting to drive it home or to a repair shop. In minor fender benders, you may be able to drive as long as the car meets basic safety standards. The lights, brakes, mirrors, and tires must all function properly. Your car should not leak oil, gas, or coolant. If you can steer and stop safely and the airbags didn’t deploy, it may be safe to move short distances.

Even then, document everything first. Take photos of the damage, exchange insurance information, and file a police report if needed. If the crash caused visible damage to another vehicle or property, California law requires that you stop and exchange information under Vehicle Code Section 20002.

When You Should Not Drive a Crashed Car

If your car has significant damage, it’s best to wait for a tow truck. Never drive your vehicle if:

The frame, hood, or doors are bent or misaligned
The airbags have deployed or the steering wheel feels unstable
The tires are punctured or the wheels are misaligned
The headlights or taillights are broken and it’s dark or raining
Fluids are leaking from underneath the car
Smoke, sparks, or strong odors come from the engine

Driving a damaged vehicle could cause another accident or make your existing damage worse. It may also raise questions about liability later, especially if the car causes new damage after the crash. Police officers will pull you over and issue a citation for driving a severely damaged vehicle.

Can You Drive a Crashed Car? What California Laws Say

California law requires that all vehicles on public roads be in safe working condition. If your car poses a danger to yourself or other drivers, law enforcement officers can declare it unsafe to operate. The California Vehicle Code also allows officers to order a tow if the car cannot be driven safely from the scene. In some cases, insurance adjusters will inspect the vehicle to decide whether it’s a total loss. Continuing to drive it before that inspection could interfere with your claim.

Insurance & Liability Concerns

If you drive a damaged car after an accident and something else goes wrong, your insurance company could deny coverage for new damage. They might argue that you acted negligently by continuing to drive a vehicle you knew was unsafe.

For example, if your bumper or lights were already loose and fell off while driving home, your insurer might refuse to pay for the additional damage. Driving a crashed car can also make it harder to prove who caused the original accident. To protect your claim, contact your insurance company as soon as possible and arrange for a professional inspection. Do not authorize repairs or further driving until you have clear approval.

Damages to Recover After a Car Accident

If another driver caused the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you’ve suffered. The main categories of damages in a California car accident claim include:

1. Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the measurable financial losses from your car accident. These may include:

Vehicle repairs or replacement costs
Hospital visits, medical tests, and rehabilitation therapy
Prescription medications and assistive equipment
Lost wages or reduced earning potential due to injury
Towing or transportation costs while your car is in repair

Your attorney can use repair estimates, medical records, and employment documentation to prove the full financial impact of the crash. Even if you’re unsure whether you can drive your crashed car, your economic damages go far beyond repair costs alone.

2. Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for the pain, stress, and emotional toll caused by the accident. These can include:

Physical pain and discomfort
Anxiety, fear, or trauma after the collision
Loss of enjoyment in everyday activities
Emotional distress or changes in quality of life

These damages are harder to quantify but just as real. Your medical evaluations and personal account of recovery can help support these non-financial losses.

3. Future Care Costs

Some injuries from a car accident can lead to months or even years of ongoing treatment. Future care costs help cover the long-term medical expenses associated with your recovery, such as:

Follow-up doctor appointments or specialist visits
Physical therapy or chiropractic treatment
Future surgeries or rehabilitation programs
Assistive devices or ongoing prescription costs

Your attorney can work with medical professionals to estimate these projected expenses and include them in your claim, ensuring that your compensation reflects both your current needs and the care you may require in the future.

FAQs

1.) Can you drive a crashed car after a minor accident?

Yes, but only if it’s safe. The vehicle must have working lights, brakes, and steering, with no fluid leaks or deployed airbags. If you’re unsure, have it towed for inspection.

2.) Is it illegal to drive a damaged car in California?

It can be. If the car is unsafe, emits smoke or leaks fluids, or has broken lights or mirrors, police may cite you or order it towed.

3.) Will driving a crashed car affect my insurance claim?

Yes. If you continue driving and the damage gets worse, your insurer may refuse to cover those additional repairs or argue that you acted negligently.

4.) How long do I have to file a claim in California?

You generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims involving government vehicles or agencies must be filed within six months.

5.) When should I call a lawyer after an accident?

As soon as possible. The sooner you contact an attorney, the easier it is to preserve evidence, document damages, and prevent mistakes that could hurt your case.

Call Deldar

At Deldar Legal, we’re more than just attorneys, we’re your partners in recovery. If you’ve suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve a top-rated car accident lawyer in California who will fight for your rights and help you rebuild your life. From the moment you contact us, we handle everything, from medical appointments and transportation to insurance negotiations and legal paperwork, so you can focus on healing.

Our experienced team represents clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents
Uber and Lyft rideshare accidents
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
Slip-and-fall and premises liability claims
Dog bites and animal attacks
Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other catastrophic injuries
Wrongful death of a loved one

Deldar Legal is here to help. We offer free consultations and work on a no win, no fee basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out.

Call us today at (844) 335-3271 or contact us to speak with an experienced California injury lawyer. Let Deldar Legal fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

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Can You Drive a Crashed Car? Key Facts