We’ve reached that time of year when the days are getting shorter and shorter. Clocks don’t officially ‘fall back’ until early in November, but many Massachusetts commuters are already going to work or coming home from work in the darkness. Those quick after work errands now involve night time driving. Parking mishaps are more common at this time of year, both in parking garages and in on street parking situations. Parking lots are also a site of peril, especially if they’re not well-lit.
Understanding Bumper Damage – The Most Common Parking Mishap
At our auto collision center and body work repair shop, bumper damage is one of the most common parking mishaps we see. When one driver misjudges and ‘kisses’ the bumper of another car with their own, both vehicles can be damaged. Front bumper damage generally requires more involved repairs, as many of the sensors for driver-assist technologies are located there. If the impact happened at high enough speeds, the bumper can be pushed back far enough to damage the tires, wheels, or suspension.
If your bumper (front or rear) has been damaged, visually inspect it before driving. If it looks unsafe, don’t take chances with your safety. Have it towed to the best local collision repair shop instead. In the same vein, if you start to drive the car and discover difficulties in steering, braking, or other, stop driving the car and have it brought to the repair shop.
If you know who is responsible for your bumper damage, collecting their insurance information and submitting the appropriate claim can remove the financial burden from you. Unfortunately, in parking situations, sometimes people do not do the right thing. That is why the best collision centers will provide you with an estimate of needed repairs so you can have the necessary work done in a way that meets the needs of your budget. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! No one is expecting to have their car damaged, and it’s always appropriate to ask what repairs need to happen for the car to be safe to operate versus which repairs are to restore the car’s appearance. Rest assured, if you want your car restored to like-new appearance, the best collision repair shops can do that for you.