With 1.7 million rear-end collisions occurring on U.S. roads each year, these types of vehicle accidents are among the most common, accounting for about one-third of all accidents and about half of all accidents involving more than one vehicle.
The good news with rear-end collisions is that they tend to be less severe than head-on collisions and other types of accidents from an injury and vehicle damage perspective. But the bad news is that these types of accidents still come with their own risks, one being that it can be difficult to accurately gauge the damage that's incurred.
So what types of problems are typical after a rear-end collision? In this post, we'll take a closer look at some of the common issues to be on the lookout for if you've been hit from behind.
Common Issues to Look for After a Read-End Collision
Rear-end collisions occur when a trailing vehicle makes contact with the vehicle directly in front of it. Usually, they occur when this trailing vehicle doesn't apply the brakes in time. While rear-end accidents can happen anywhere on the road, they tend to happen at slower speeds, often when traffic is slowing in congested areas or at red lights or stop signs.
Yet, as we alluded to in the intro, identifying damage after getting rear-ended can be challenging. In fact, some issues are unable to be properly diagnosed until the vehicle is inspected by professionals. Here's a closer look at some of the types of rear end collision damage to be on the lookout for following an accident:
Bumper and Tail Lights
Damage to your rear bumper and tail lights tends to be fairly obvious following a collision. Look for a dented bumper and cracked tail lights and have these issues repaired accordingly.
Cracked tail lights can be particularly problematic - both from a safety and operational standpoint. Your tail lights communicate to other drivers when you're braking, when you're in reverse, and the direction you're turning. A broken or malfunctioning bulb can impact this communication and lead to safety issues. Furthermore, moisture can also enter a cracked tail light assembly, potentially leading to electrical issues.
Frame
If the collision occurs at a higher speed, the force of impact can extend far beyond just damaging your rear bumper—it can compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle's frame. The vehicle frame is the backbone of your car, providing support and stability, so even minor misalignments can lead to serious issues down the road. Frame damage is often difficult to identify initially, but its effects tend to reveal themselves over time, particularly in the way your vehicle handles and performs.
One of the most noticeable consequences of frame damage is alignment issues. When the frame is bent or shifted, it can cause your wheels to sit at improper angles, making it difficult to maintain a straight path while driving.
This misalignment not only affects control but also accelerates uneven tire wear, as the tires no longer make uniform contact with the road. Over time, this can lead to frequent tire replacements and reduced fuel efficiency, as your vehicle has to work harder to compensate for the imbalance.
In addition to alignment problems, frame damage can compromise overall vehicle handling and stability. A warped or weakened frame may cause excessive vibrations, strange noises, or an unsettling feeling of looseness while driving, especially at higher speeds. This can be particularly dangerous during sudden maneuvers or emergency braking, as the vehicle may not respond as predictably as it should.
Suspension
You might think that it would take a significant accident to cause damage to a vehicle's suspension, but even a minor accident can do the trick. Similar to frame damage, any damage to the suspension can throw off the alignment of your vehicle and lead to handling issues and uneven tire tread.
Electrical
As we said earlier on this checklist, rear-end collisions can lead to some significant electrical issues - notably if the tail lights are cracked and moisture gets inside the assembly. In addition to this, wires can loosen in the event of a collision, which may lead to more widespread electrical problems as well.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light on your dash can come on for many reasons. Following a rear-end collision, it's most likely because the engine has shifted. Another possible reason is that there's some sort of damage to the transmission. In some rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, the transmission is located closer to the back of the vehicle, which can leave this component more susceptible to fluid leaks, misaligned parts, and other problems.
Trunk
It's common following a rear-end collision to not be able to close the trunk of your vehicle properly due to alignment issues caused by the damage. A misaligned trunk can be unsightly - and it can also pose bigger issues. For example, misaligned trunks can lead to moisture intrusion during rainy weather or car washes, which could damage the interior of your vehicle and also lead to subsequent mold growth on fabrics and belongings.
What to do if You Have Rear-End Car Damage
If you've been rear-ended, you'll want to carefully inspect your vehicle to look for and assess the extent of the damage. Some best practices to follow after a rear-end collision include:
- Inspecting the rear bumper and tail lights for dents or cracks.
- Looking for any gaps in the trunk. Open and close the trunk to see if it still functions as it should.
- Inspecting the quarter panels and roof for signs of sagging or mashing.
- Looking underneath the vehicle to see if the suspension components are distorted.
Even if there's no noticeable damage, it still makes sense to take your vehicle to a professional for an inspection. Any damage that's not properly repaired is only going to get worse over time, which underscores the importance of being proactive and addressing any issues promptly. And while it can be fairly easy to diagnose some damage that your vehicle may incur after getting rear-ended, suspension problems or frame damage is often best left to a professional to assess.
Get Your Car Repaired with Wrecktify
Whether you've been in a
rear-end collision or any type of accident, you want to work with an auto body shop that you can trust to restore your vehicle to pre-accident condition. You also want to rest assured that they have experience
working with your insurance. That's where Wrecktify Collision can help. As experts in all things collision and vehicle restoration, we'll have your car back on the road and operating in peak condition in no time.
Contact us today to learn more and to schedule a consultation.
207 Hoesly Drive, New Glarus, WI 53574
608.527.2246