We are sure that there is nearly no driver who has never hit a curb. In general, you hit the lifted edge of the sidewalk due to less concentration in driving, poor turning, etc. Hitting a curb is a crucial concern as it can damage the vehicle significantly, triggering degradation in the vehicle’s performance and safety of you and the passengers. In this article, we answer your question of what to do if I hit a curb with my front passenger side. Additionally, we provide some tips to prevent such occurrences.
5 Potential Consequences of Hitting a Curb
Before knowing the action plan in terms of your question of what to do if I hit a curb with my front passenger side, you must understand the potential consequences.
- Your car’s encounter with the curb can cause damage to the car components, such as a bent wheel or suspension. These affect the vehicle’s stability and handling.
- Such hitting welcomes various dysfunctions within the car’s mechanisms which increase the risk of accidents, especially during sudden manoeuvres or emergency situations.
- The orientation of misalignment in the wheel or suspension due to curb hitting often leads to uneven tire wear. It reduces traction and triggers compromising context in terms of your ability to maintain control on the road.
- It is for sure that there will be some minor damage (in most cases) if you hit the roadside elevation. And such minor issues can host major issues increasing the repair cost.
- Hitting a curb can throw off the alignment of the wheels, leading to uneven tire wear and increased rolling resistance. The result is simple; reduced fuel efficiency. And it will force you to spend more on gas over time.
Learn More: I Accidentally Hit Someone’s Car With My Door – Would I Be at Fault?
3 Action Plan After Hitting a Curb with Passenger Side
Here, we detail the action plan in three segments. Let’s check out those.
1. Investigation for Issues
- Get control of the worrying mind. Take a deep breath. Instruct your mind to stay calm.
- If it’s safe to do so, pull your vehicle over to the side of the road. If it is not safe, they go to a nearby parking lot. Ensure that you’re out of the way of traffic and can safely exit the vehicle.
- Once you’ve found a safe parking spot, stop your four-wheeler. Get out of the vehicle and carefully inspect the front passenger side. Look for visible signs of damage, such as tire punctures, wheel misalignment, or any other obvious issues. Note down the details of the damage.
- At this stage, there are three possible approaches. First, for less significant damage, you can resume your journey after ensuring an appropriate level of drivability.
2. Major Damage Issues
If you observe the damage’s severity level is high, apply the below-listed approaches.
- Take pictures and videos of the damage. This evidence will support your claim for insurance purposes. Additionally, gather relevant information, such as the location of the incident and any other details that may be helpful when filing an insurance claim.
- Contact a professional mechanic if you notice significant damage, such as a flat tire, bent wheel, or suspension issues. He or she will help you with the expertise to assess the damage more thoroughly and provide guidance on the necessary repairs.
- Also, contact the respective (from where the mechanic has come) workshop to get a cost estimation on letterhead. It will support your insurance claim.
3. Car is Not DrivableÂ
Follow the below.
- Check out the internet for a nearby towing service.
- Contact them and negotiate the price.
- Take the vehicle to the selected workshop.
- Don’t forget to take a receipt.
5 Tips to Avoid Hitting a Curb
- Stay attentive while driving and be aware of your vehicle’s position concerning curbs.
- Pay extra attention when making turns, navigating parking lots, or driving in narrow spaces.
- Utilize your side mirrors and rear view camera (if available) to gauge your distance from curbs.
- Reduce your speed when driving through parking lots or crowded areas.
- When parallel parking or maneuvering near curbs, use visual reference points on your vehicle, such as the hood ornament or the front and rear corners, to gauge distance and alignment.
Final Words
We hope that we have successfully answered your query of what to do if I hit a curb with my passenger side. You can overcome the issue by understanding the potential consequences, taking immediate action, and adopting preventive measures.
However, we strongly recommend you not ignore the damages, even if those are minor. Ignoring or neglecting the damage caused by hitting a curb can lead to compromised safety, further damage to your vehicle, and long-term effects on its performance, handling, and fuel efficiency.
It’s crucial to address these issues promptly to ensure your safety on the road while ensuring the good health condition of your car.
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He is a passionate automotive writer with a deep understanding of cars and mechanics. With hands-on experience, John offers a knowledgeable perspective on the automotive repair and tips. Whether you’re a seasoned or regular driver, John’s articles are your go-to resource for all things.