How Do Rear End Collisions Damage Your Car

Rear-end collisions are, regrettably, one of the most common types of accidents on U.S. roadways, with about 1.7 million occurring each year. Even seemingly minor rear-end collisions can cause hidden damage that may compromise your safety in the future. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the potential issues that can arise and know what to do if you find yourself in this situation.

What Causes Rear-End Collision Damage?

The National Transportation Safety Board reports that 87% of rear-end collisions occur due to distracted drivers. Common distractions include texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, and more. Additionally, factors such as speeding, heavy traffic, reckless driving habits, and driving under the influence can also contribute to these accidents. These collisions typically result from a square-on impact to your vehicle, but in some cases, your vehicle could be hit at an angle, which greatly affects the type and severity of damage.

Types of Hidden Damage From Being Rear-Ended

The tricky thing about rear-end collision hidden damage is that it’s often difficult to spot by the untrained eye. Even a seemingly minor ding could lead to rear-end frame damage and other underlying issues, impacting your vehicle’s appearance, functionality, and safety.

Alignment Problems: Rear-end collisions can cause alignment issues, which may manifest as the vehicle pulling to one side, noisy steering, rapid or uneven tire wear, a crooked steering wheel, or squealing tires. Misalignment can put stress on various parts of the vehicle, leading to faster wear and serious safety threats.

Engine Damage: The complex nature of modern car engines means that rear-end collisions can compromise their performance. Damage from a collision can also affect the transmission components in rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles.

Suspension Problems: Frame damage from a rear-end collision can stress the suspension system, causing shocks, struts, and other parts to wear out faster. Poor alignment can also put additional pressure on suspension components, affecting the vehicle’s ride and safety.

Electrical Issues: Even the smallest tap can loosen important electrical components, such as taillights, brake lights, and the battery. It’s crucial to have a technician examine the electrical components of your vehicle after a collision.

Trunk Damage: Although trunk damage may not affect your ability to drive, it presents safety hazards and reduces the value of your car. Always repair any trunk damage, as it could cause safety issues while driving.

What to Do if You Have Rear-End Collision Damage

If your vehicle has been rear-ended, start by completing a “walk-around” to inspect for damage that may not be immediately obvious. This involves checking for even trunk and door gaps, examining the taillights and rear bumper, looking for damage to vehicle quarter panels and roof, and inspecting the rear suspension area. It’s important to seek the expertise of a skilled collision repair technician to thoroughly assess any damage and develop a plan to restore your vehicle to its original condition.

Ultimately, damage that goes unrepaired is likely to worsen over time and lead to costly repairs down the road. Being proactive and having a professional address the damage as soon as possible is essential. Remember, unless you’re a trained collision repair technician, never attempt to complete the repairs on your own, as this could potentially make the damage worse.

In the unfortunate event of a rear-end collision, it’s vital to prioritize your safety and the well-being of your vehicle. Seek professional help to thoroughly assess and address any hidden damage and remember that the team at Elsner Law Firm is here to support you every step of the way. Call us today for your free consultation 206-447-1425.