Hidden Signs of Serious Damage Following a Vehicle Accident

Blitz6 hours ago

Car accidents don’t always look severe.

You can be involved in what looks like a minor bumper-bender. But under the surface? Damage may be hidden that could put your life at risk.

Here’s what you need to know…

The issue is many injured vehicles have unseen damage. Faulty repairs can lead to expensive personal injury down the road.

In this article we’ll cover:

Why hidden damage is important
The most common types of damage
Warning signs you can’t ignore
Frame repairs save you money & hassle
Tips for protecting your vehicle’s value

Read on to learn how to protect yourself and your investment.

Table of Contents

Hidden Damage Could Warrant Professional Frame Repairs

It doesn’t take much speed to hide dangerous vehicle damage.

Cars these days are built with collapsible zones and intricate safety systems. Crashes cause deformation to absorb energy. That keeps you safe. But it also buries damage you can’t easily see.

That’s also backed up by statistics.

According to recent collision repair data, 65% of insurance claims had supplemental repairs after further inspection found hidden damages. That means nearly two-thirds of accidents have more damage than what’s visible.

Left unrepaired hidden damage can cause structural weakness. Poor handling. Even increase your risk during future accidents.

Professional frame repairs are about more than making your vehicle look right again. It’s about properly restoring your car’s integrated safety systems. When frames get bent in an accident specialists use frame straightening equipment to measure your vehicle’s geometry. Trusted shops that perform car frame repair use this equipment to restore your vehicle’s structural integrity.

Any misalignment…

Corrects your vehicle’s structural integrity.

Restores the safety systems designed to protect you.

Ensures any new parts fit correctly.

Minimizes your vehicle’s long-term damage.

Common Types of Accident Damage You Can’t See

There are a few different areas on your vehicle that are prone to hidden damage. Review each one so you know what to look for.

Frame Damage:

Your vehicle frame supports everything about your car. If any part of the frame shifts, it throws off the geometry of your vehicle. Door misalignment? Suspension problems? They often stem from frame damage.

But you can’t always see those problems during a quick visual inspection. What you can see is your vehicle handling differently. Or offering less protection during an accident.

Suspension Problems:

Your suspension keeps you comfortable and in control. When your vehicle’s suspension gets damaged in an accident you may not see the problem until weeks later.

Instead, you might notice uneven tire wear. Different handling characteristics. Either way, damaged suspension needs professional repairs.

Bumper Damage:

On the outside your bumper looks like a plastic shell. But inside that bumper contains foam and metals to absorb impact. In an accident your bumper’s exterior might only show minor scratches. But the hidden honeycomb parts can be completely destroyed.

That means your bumper won’t protect you during a future accident.

Electrical System Damage:

Cars are electrical wiring and sensors these days. The average vehicle has 80 sensors and 100 electronic control units.

Even mild accidents can jostle around wiring harnesses. Damage connectors and sensors. Symptoms of electrical problems can range from flickering lights to malfunctioning safety systems. Weird messages on your dashboard? Pay attention.

Transmission Damage:

Have you been rear-ended? Pay attention to how your vehicle shifts. Transmission damage can cause delayed shifting. Clicking noises. You might even notice leaking fluids days after the accident.

Damage Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Some damage is easy to spot. Other problems are subtle. Regardless of the symptoms, don’t ignore these signs.

Symptoms related to handling and alignment:

Your vehicle steers to one side when driving
Steering wheel is off-center when driving straight
Tires wear unevenly
Your vehicle feels like it’s vibrating at highway speeds

Other noises or feelings you notice:

Clunking or rattling sounds you never heard before
Grinding when you brake
Vibrations during operation
Your ride feels rougher than normal over bumps

Visual clues:

Doors, hood, or trunk don’t close properly
Body gaps appear uneven
Notice fluid leaks under the vehicle
Warning lights show on the dashboard

Safety Features:

Airbag light is on
Backup camera doesn’t work
Blind spot monitoring fails to operate
Automatic braking doesn’t engage when it should

If you experience any of these symptoms after an accident take your vehicle to a repair shop. The sooner you identify problems the easier (and cheaper) they are to fix.

Professional Frame Repairs Are Necessary After An Accident

Many people don’t realize frame work is no DIY project.

Car frame repair requires special tools most people aren’t equipped with. Technicians utilize frame measuring computers that detect abnormalities down to fractions of an inch.

Why does this matter?

Insurance estimates are typically based on visible damage. Without a proper frame inspection many issues go unnoticed by unqualified mechanics.

Did you know crashes cost Americans $340 billion a year? That’s billion with a “B”.

A large portion of that financial burden is due to improper vehicle repairs causing secondary issues.

Professional auto body shops will:

Disassemble the damaged sections to access hidden areas
Hook your vehicle up to frame straightening machinery
Test and recalibrate safety sensors as needed
Document damage for insurance purposes

You might be tempted to skip this expense. But the cost of repairing hidden damage is far less than it can cause down the road.

Tips To Protect Your Vehicle’s Value

Did you know vehicles with frame damage sell for 10-20% less?

That’s right. No one wants to buy a used vehicle with a damaged history. But repairing your vehicle properly and documenting that repairs happened goes a long way.

Tips for maximizing your vehicle’s value after accident damage:

Even minor accidents should be professionally inspected
Make sure your repair shop documents everything
Save all your repair records
Get all your safety systems recalibrated after repair work

Don’t let insurance companies bully you into accepting estimates based on visible damage. It’s your right to demand a full inspection.

Conclusion

Vehicle accidents can cause serious damage you can’t easily see.

Don’t be fooled by cosmetic damage. What might appear to be a minor fender-bender can harbor dangerous problems. This hidden damage can cause you to lose money. Put your safety at risk. And cause headaches in the future.

Remember…