When your car window is smashed, you won’t have enough time to process the five stages of grief. The damage may have been caused by an accident, vandalism, or theft. Regardless of the cause, taking action immediately after discovering the damage is crucial.
Always investigate the cause after your car window is smashed and gather evidence for your reimbursement. You can’t drive around with a smashed car window as it’s unsafe, insecure, and illegal. Fix your smashed car window after collecting enough evidence and reporting to authorities in case of vandalism.
This post will share some insights on handling broken car windows and what to do if someone deliberately smashes your auto glass.
What Can Smash Your Car Window?
1. Natural Disasters
Strong winds can cause flying objects to shutter your car windows. Flooding, hail, and storms can also damage your vehicle.
Heat waves may not seem destructive, but they can damage your car’s glass. Flare ups cause car windows to expand rapidly and shatter, which is the most logical explanation for a car window that shatters for no reason.
2. Accidents
Road accidents, car crashes, and collisions all cause unintentional damage. There may be some negligence at play, but accidents rule out the possibility of foul play.
3. Theft
Crooks with dubious intentions may break into your car by smashing its windows, especially if they see something valuable inside. They can then steal your belongings or even the entire vehicle.
Such theft is more serious than pickpocketing as it involves breaking and entering.
4. Vandalism
Deliberate acts of smashing car windows are on the rise. Someone may have a vendetta against you and want to harass or threaten you using this method.
Some people smash windows as a form of protest, vandalism, or under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
What to Do If Your Car Window Is Broken
Though the general advice involves fixing the car window before using your car again, the best sequence of actions depends on the circumstances behind the act.
Your car windows can get smashed with or without human involvement. Auto glass can also break when you’re on the road or parked somewhere private or public.
Let’s examine the different scenarios:
What to Do if Someone Broke Your Car Window While Parked
Someone can smash your car windows while parked, but the circumstances will vary. Were you parked in their property next to the kid’s bedroom window? That would be a complex legal situation.
Let’s assume you parked somewhere in the city and went shopping. On your return, you find that your car window is smashed, and some of your belongings are missing.
For starters, don’t touch anything, and definitely don’t drive a car with smashed windows. The safest thing to do if someone has broken into your car would be to contact the authorities immediately.
They will examine the crime scene, gather evidence, and take statements from you and any witnesses. Only after the police have given the go-ahead should you get into your car or have it towed to a mechanic’s garage.
Remember, you can’t drive with a cracked or smashed windshield.
What About When Someone Smashes Car Windows While You’re Inside?
Someone smashing car windows with occupants inside is either trying to help them out of a difficult situation or is trying to cause harm. Most times, it will be an aggressive person, and the best response is to steer clear of any confrontation.
How you should react depends on whether you’re driving and the safety of other road users. For example, you can’t ignite your car and drive off fast enough if you had pulled up and parked in front of a restaurant.
Consider getting out of the car and fighting for your life or running for cover while screaming for help.
If you were driving and someone smashed your windows with a rock or some crude weapon, drive to a safe location immediately and call the police.
If you are in heavy traffic or stopped at a red light, try not to react aggressively, as this could escalate the situation. It will be tempting to lose your cool, especially when your car alarm goes off, and adrenaline rushes through you.
Stay calm, and call for help. Try getting away from the area as soon as possible. Try honking your horn and attracting attention to yourself.
If the attacker persists, you can use reasonable force to protect your life and passengers. Again, only use force if you can’t safely escape the situation.
What to Do When Car Window Breaks in an Accident
Traffic accidents can be fatal or cause serious injuries, and when you’re involved in one, your head is usually still spinning from the impact. Adrenaline bewilders those still conscious, and blame games happen.
A calmer reaction and a clear mind will help you make better decisions. For example, your first reaction shouldn’t be to either appropriate or take the blame. Instead, your priority should be to ensure everyone’s safety by guiding or helping them out of danger.
Here’s what to do when your car window is smashed in an accident:
1. Check for Injuries
The first thing to do is check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Some injuries require emergency services. Otherwise, resolve the issue with the police and go to the hospital for a checkup. Some injuries may not show up immediately, especially when you’re bewildered.
2. Move to Safety
If possible, move the vehicle out of traffic and onto the side of the road to avoid causing further accidents or obstruction.
3. Call the Police
It’s crucial to have law enforcement involved in all accidents, especially if injuries or property damage occur.
4. File a Police Report
Even if it seems like a minor incident, filing a police report is crucial for insurance purposes and legal protection in case of any further complications.
5. Take Photos of Evidence
As you wait for police and other relevant first responders, take photos of the accident and damage to your vehicle. Photo evidence is crucial because other parties may try to pin the blame on you.
6. Exchange Information
If other parties are involved, you must exchange contact and insurance information. At this point, avoid discussing fault or admitting guilt.
If they try fleeing, note their license plate number and any other identifying details.
7. Tow Your Vehicle to Reputable Mechanics
If your car is not drivable, call for a tow truck to take it to reputable mechanics or an auto body shop. Don’t let the insurance company dictate where you take your car for repairs.
8. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible, and provide them with all relevant Information about the accident. They will guide you on the necessary steps to file a claim and get your car repaired.
9. Consider Legal Action
If necessary, consult a lawyer to understand your options and rights when you must sue someone or an insurance firm.
10. Follow Up on Repairs and Claim Status
Stay in touch with your insurance company and mechanic to ensure that repairs are completed properly and that your claim is being processed. Don’t hesitate to follow up if there are any delays or issues with the process.
How Do You Fix a Broken Car Window?
If you find your back windshield shattered or someone smashes any of your other car windows, here’s what you can do:
1. Safety First
Before fixing a broken car window, get gloves and safety glasses for your hands and eyes, respectively. Broken glass can cause serious injuries.
2. Remove the Glass
Carefully remove any remaining shards of glass from the window frame. If necessary, use a vacuum cleaner or tape to pick up small pieces.
3. Cover The Window
Cover the broken window with plastic sheeting or duct tape to keep rain, debris, and pests out of your car while you wait for repairs.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
If your vehicle is insured, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the damage and start the claims process.
5. Take Your Car To A Professional Auto Glass Repair Shop
Fixing a broken car window is not a DIY task unless you have experience and the necessary tools. Tow your vehicle to a reputable auto glass repair shop for safe and proper repairs.
6. Consider Upgrading Your Window
If you have an older car with manual windows, consider upgrading to power windows during the repair process. This can be more convenient and add value to your vehicle.
Handle Your Broken Car Window the Rite-Way
Rite-Way Auto Glass has been replacing smashed car windows for 75 years now, and there’s no one better equipped or more experienced to get your car back on the road.
We know how important your vehicle is to you, and we’re dedicated to providing fast, reliable service. From reforming your frames and upgrading your auto glass to recalibrating your ADAS technology, we handle it all.
