Post-collision inspections are a critical step in the repair process, ensuring that vehicles are not only cosmetically restored but also structurally sound and roadworthy.
Industry experts like Ed Griffin of Griffin’s Paint & Body in Winnsboro, TX, and Joey Walker of Huffines Chevrolet Plano Collision Center emphasize the importance of following OEM guidelines and verifying repairs through rigorous inspections.
“We research the specific repair guidelines per the vehicle manufacturer we are repairing and follow their guidelines including all the post-repair inspections they require,” Griffin said.
Similarly, Walker underscored the importance of continuous staff training and procedural checklists.
“We must keep all personnel trained on procedures and verify they follow them as the car is being repaired. We print out procedures from all data and other OEM sources on the correct way to repair,” he said.
The Cost of Cutting Corners
A landmark legal case in Texas starkly highlighted the importance of post-collision inspections and proper repairs. On Oct. 1, 2017, a Texas jury found Dallas-based John Eagle Collision Center liable for incorrect repairs that increased severity in the crash of a 2010 Honda Fit. The jury awarded the vehicle owners a $42 million verdict after they sustained severe injuries when they were trapped inside the burning vehicle. The repair facility was found responsible for 75% of the damages, while the at-fault driver was assigned 25% of the blame.
The case, Seebachan v. John Eagle Collision, shows the legal and financial risks repair shops face when they fail to adhere to OEM standards. This precedent has rippling effects across the collision repair landscape, serving as a crucial warning to repair businesses. Shops that compromise on safety may endanger their customers and expose themselves to costly litigation.
Griffin said, “We can never compromise on safety. If a customer does not want safety items performed, we will forfeit the job.” Walker agreed, noting that following factory procedures ensures the vehicle is returned to pre-accident condition, which the customer expects and deserves.
The Battle for Compensation
Ed Griffin.
One of the biggest challenges facing repair shops is obtaining compensation for post-repair inspections. Insurance companies frequently resist paying for necessary safety checks, forcing shops to advocate for proper procedures.
“We provide insurance companies and our clients with the manufacturer documentation to support why we are requesting those items to be performed,” Griffin said.
However, when insurers refuse to cover costs, some shops must charge customers directly. As Walker explained: “It is a constant battle to get insurance even to pay to do repairs. We have had to charge some customers because the insurance companies refused.”
The Role of Post-Scans, Safety Checks, Test Drives
Post-scans, safety checks and test drives ensure a repaired vehicle’s roadworthiness.
“Post scans and calibrations are a mandatory process all OEMs say must be done,” Walker pointed out. “If you don’t calibrate sensors and verify any codes, the car could leave the customer having another wreck or be stuck on the side of the road.”
Griffin shared a real-world example illustrating the importance of these checks. After sending a vehicle to the dealer for recalibration, his team performed a post-diagnostic scan and verification test drive upon its return. This final check revealed the dealer had not performed the recalibration correctly, resulting in a severe safety issue. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where the problem was corrected before delivery to the client.
Joey Walker.
Without this post-inspection process, the customer would have unknowingly been driving a vehicle with compromised safety systems.
Griffin’s shop repaired a vehicle with only minor front bumper damage in another case. Despite the seemingly minor impact, a post-repair scan revealed the passenger seat’s calibration was off, meaning the airbag deployment would not have functioned correctly in a future crash.
“An airbag deploying a split second too soon or too late can have catastrophic consequences,” he said.
Long-Term Benefits: Building Trust and Liability Protection
Following thorough post-collision inspection procedures benefits both the shop and the customer in the long run. Walker said his shop’s reputation for quality has earned them decades of repeat business.
“We have a lot of repeat business from customers who have been coming to us for over three decades,” he said. “We go over repairs and explain that the car is looked at by numerous techs and personnel throughout the repair process.”
Griffin likened post-repair inspections to a doctor verifying a surgical procedure’s success. “It’s like telling a doctor not to make sure the surgery was a success. Just like a doctor has to visually inspect his work, run a test or perform an X-ray to verify his work, we are no different.”
The consequences of neglecting these inspections can be severe, as demonstrated by the Seebachan v. John Eagle Collision case. Collision repair shops protect their customers and safeguard themselves from liability by prioritizing safety and adhering to proper procedures.
In an industry where cutting corners can lead to catastrophic consequences, post-collision inspections are a non-negotiable aspect of safe and responsible repairs. Repair facilities must ensure compliance with OEM standards, advocate for proper compensation, and educate customers on the importance of safety measures.
As Walker said, “If you can’t give the key to your family member and feel comfortable with them heading out on a road trip, then we need to address why and correct it.”
Leona Scott