First Ever, Sort of Car Accident

activ8newbs on 14/11/2017 - 17:34
Last edited 14/11/2017 - 18:06 by 1 other user

Hi guys,

I drove a 2012 Mazda 3. In peak hour traffic, whilst exiting a busy car park, I accidentally drove onto a refuge Island.

The bottom of the car chassis scraping across the refuge made horrible screeching sounds - i definitely heard some metal being scratched, and the skirting of the car (from the underside) is damaged too.

Once I had one tyre over, I reversed back over the refuge and again, some unavoidable horrible noises.

I drove the car back home - And whilst driving, realised something isn't right (Though I'm not sure if that's just a placebo i.e. I hit the car therefore it feels damaged.

I'm a young uni student, and don't know much about cars - I don't want to get ripped off by mechanics.

What should I do? Any signs that you suggest I look out for etc?

So far, I'm thinking of calling out NRMA Road side assistance to "change the tyre" but usually the guys are good and they have a quick look under the car for you if you ask nicely. They would know better than me, that's for sure.

Any thoughts, suggestions or help?

Thanks

*EDIT: Not sure if there's enough damage to warrant a mechanic visit or speak to insurance company (Very highly unlikely that I will do this)

• 

  chumlee on 14/11/2017 - 17:39

  +2

  Get a few quotes and compare this way you can somewhat determine if consistent

• 

  Seraphin7 on 14/11/2017 - 17:46

  Speak with your insurer and take their advice.

• 

  apple2016 on 14/11/2017 - 17:48

  +2

  Does the car have any oil/coolant/fluid leaks?
  Also does any warning lights come up on the dash?
  Do you hear any unusual noises?

  if not then there is nothing to worry about. The car is mechanically fine.
  The damage to the skirting is usually only cosmetic. If you have insurance you can claim it but be aware of the excess.

  • 

    dcep on 14/11/2017 - 18:02

    +1

    This !

    Car won't die easily. You see those movies car got hit till mash potato, yet still able to speed off.

  • 

    kerfuffle on 15/11/2017 - 06:27

    Just a FYI: if you're planning on repairing your skirting outside of insurance, it's pricey as. I damaged my skirting while taking a corner too tightly in a carpark; cost me $1200 to fix out of insurance …

• 

  Baysew on 14/11/2017 - 18:04

  +3

  I accidentally drove onto a refuge Island.

  Peter Dutton doesn't need to know.

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  original15 on 14/11/2017 - 18:14

  +5

  Call up for change of tire and expect them to do a full check? Really??
  What felt not right during the drive home? Was the steering as responsive as always?

  How far off is it due for its next service?
  I know the situation sucks but Imo I'd just go get it checked out, if it didn't feel right it's not really something to just take a chance on, imagine driving round at 80km/h and suddenly something stops working (sorry not trying to fear monger)

  • 

    activ8newbs on 15/11/2017 - 12:22

    Not expect, hope.

    But yes, that's the plan?

    Next service another 5,000 km.

    Good point though, I think there's no point taking a risk.

• 

  whooah1979 on 15/11/2017 - 06:39

  +1

  Did you leave a note?

  • 

    activ8newbs on 15/11/2017 - 12:21

    No but I said sorry to the block of cement.

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  HighAndDry on 15/11/2017 - 10:22

  How fast did you go over the refuge island? I mean, unless you were gunning it, you should've noticed the moment you hit it, and stopped, right?

  In any case, most likely issue if the car doesn't "feel right" is that you hit the island so hard it smacked the wheels out of alignment and you'll need to do a wheel align (IF that's the problem). Go to a mechanics - the hit to your wallet might teach you to be more careful driving. Refuge islands don't jump out from nowhere.

  • 

    activ8newbs on 15/11/2017 - 12:20

    +1

    Wasn't going fast at all. As soon as I hit, I panic accelerated a tiny bit, causing the car to inch forward about 1-2 inches. The real damage was done when i tried to get back down, was horrible!

    Panicked because there were a thousand set of eyes looking back at me (There was really heavy traffic)

    But yes, lesson learned.

    • 

      HighAndDry on 15/11/2017 - 14:04

      +1

      I panic accelerated

      That's probably a bad habit…

      (Don't worry, I get you didn't do it intentionally - you'll get better with more driving exp under your belt)