Rear-end accidents happen to millions of Americans every year. Even if you and your passengers walk away from an accident without a scratch, you probably can’t say the same about your vehicle. The most minor rear-end collisions can still cause significant collision damage, and sometimes, it’s damage you won’t even be able to see. That’s why if you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, it’s critical to contact collision repair services ASAP.
The following vehicle areas are frequently damaged during rear-end auto collisions:
Body Panels/Bumper
Perhaps the most apparent form of rear-end collision damage comes in the form of dents, dings, scratches, or other impacts to your car or truck’s bumper or rear body panels. Almost all rear-end vehicle accidents, even very minor collisions, are likely to leave you needing bumper or body panel repair or replacement. It’s important not to assume a dent is just an aesthetic flaw, either. Dents can be a red flag that your car or truck has received hidden damage to its frame.
Frame
Your vehicle’s frame is much like your bones, providing support and acting as a solid structure that holds up other components. Also like your bones, a break or bend is extremely harmful and requires immediate attention. What can seem like a simple dent might actually indicate that your car or truck is suffering from a bent frame. Consult with an auto body shop as soon as possible if you have rear-end collision damage that has left dents on your vehicle.
Suspension
Another kind of hidden damage your car or truck can receive from a rear-end collision is alignment issues and/or suspension problems. If your vehicle is impacted from behind, this impact can damage your suspension, throwing it out of alignment. This stresses your tires, axles, and undercarriage, causing your vehicle to operate unevenly and potentially opening it up to additional damage or even other collisions. Some trouble signs of poor suspension or alignment problems include a jumpy or jerky ride, your steering wheel pulling to one side, or your vehicle vibrating more than usual during standard driving conditions.
Electrical System
Your truck or car’s electrical system monitors body and engine conditions and provides power to your lights, oxygen sensors, and more. It is very sensitive and can be affected in many ways by rear-end collision damage. The wires connecting your battery, brake lights, taillights, backup camera, and more can all be loosened or harmed when someone rear-ends you. After a rear-end auto collision, make sure a technician inspects your vehicle to make sure all of your electrical components are functioning as they should.
Transmission
Your car or truck’s transmission is possibly one of its most important parts. Unfortunately, it can be seriously affected by rear-end collision damage. If you have a rear-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive vehicle, a rear-end collision can cause your transmission to get knocked out of place. The scariest thing about transmission damage is that you might not notice it immediately. Watch out for transmission fluid leaking from underneath the rear of your vehicle, and keep an eye out for any problems while shifting gears. These are both red flags that your transmission was affected by your rear-end accident. Your automobile needs a working transmission to run correctly and safely, so if you see these signs or think something else might be wrong with the transmission, get in touch with auto repair professionals ASAP.
Trunk
Since the majority of trunks are located at the rear of the automobile, it’s a no-brainer that trunk damage is one of the most common forms of rear-end collision damage. After an accident, your trunk lid might pop open, not stay closed, or signal incorrectly to your electrical system. This is both a nuisance and a hazard. You don’t want anything flying out of your trunk and high speeds, or worse, your passengers getting hurt. In some states, it’s illegal to drive with your trunk open under certain conditions. Don’t wait to contact an auto body repair shop about rear-end collision damage to your trunk — you’ll be glad you did.
Next Steps
If you’ve been in a rear-end car accident or other automobile accident, it can be tricky figuring out what to do once the smoke has cleared and you’re left with some hard decisions to make. How do you get back to your everyday life and get your beloved vehicle back on the road? DFW Pro Bright Star is here to help. Our clients in Plano, Fishfield, McKinney, Richardson, Garland, Lucas, Murphy, Addison, and Frisco, Texas, trust us to provide superior customer service when they bring their vehicle to the best auto body center in the Lone Star State. Contact us today if you’re looking for auto body repair near you.