Backing into your garage door may make you feel like a dolt, but it’s more common than you might think. It can happen in a split second before you even have time to react.

When a car comes into contact with a garage door, the damage can range from a small dent or scuff to serious structural damage. Regardless of the scope of the destruction, it’s important to follow these steps after backing into your garage door.

1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

Anytime you collide with anything, the first thing you should do is check the well-being of your passengers. Get out of the car carefully and note whether you’re experiencing any pain.

Instruct the other passengers to do the same and determine whether anyone needs medical attention. Pay particular attention to anyone who was near the garage door at the time.

2. Assess the Damage

Once you’ve made sure everyone is unharmed, inspect the damage done to the door. Are there any visible marks or dents? Has it been bent out of shape? Is there an unsightly crack?

If the door is badly mangled, it’s best to leave it alone rather than trying to operate it. If it looks like it may still be able to function, open it manually to determine the extent of the damage.

3. Take Notes of the Damage

Next, document the damage to your door. Doing so can save you time when you talk to a repair company about fixing it. It will also be necessary if you plan on filing any type of insurance claim. Photographic evidence will be especially helpful.

4. Call Your Local Repair Company

After you’ve assessed the situation, get in touch with your local repair company. You should never put off fixing something as serious as a garage door that’s been hit by a car.

It can be tempting to wait to call for repairs if your door is still operational. However, if it’s misaligned or otherwise damaged, you could cause further damage every time you use it.

Call DBar Garage Doors for Your Repair Needs

DBar Garage Doors has years of experience repairing doors damaged by cars. Our dedicated staff can quickly size up the situation and give you a fair quote for the repairs needed to get your door back in working condition in no time.

Contact us today for your garage door repair needs.