Did you know that the most typical kind of auto accident in the US is a rear-end collision? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that roughly 30 percent of nationwide collisions, or about 1.7 million accidents per year, include a rear-end collision. Usually as a result of a driver following the automobile in front of them too closely, almost 80% of rear-end crashes occur while the lead vehicle is entirely stopped or going at a very slow speed. Unfortunately, even slight "fender-benders" can result in both visible damage like dents or scratches and concealed damage.

QUIT HIDDEN DAMAGE, PLEASE!

Hidden damage is harm to a vehicle's frame, mechanics, or electrical systems that may not be visible or obvious right away after an accident. The following are the most typical forms of concealed harm brought on by rear-end collisions:

FRAME DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE

Do fender flares cause rust? Consider the frame of your car as its skeleton. Just like it can damage your own back or neck, a fender-bender can cause the vehicle frame to become out of alignment. Numerous problems may result from a broken car frame, including:

Alignment issues

Alignment problems are one of the most prevalent concerns after your car's frame has been harmed. Here are a few typical signs of misaligned vehicle alignment:

The driver's wheel appears to be gravitating in one way.

A shaken or unstable steering wheel

• raucous steering
• Uneven wear is visible on the tires.
• The car trembles or vibrates

Door, hood, and trunk damage

Your car's latching systems and door, hood, and trunk seals may be affected by frame damage. Even while driving, a faulty trunk, hood, or door lock might force them to suddenly pop up. If a door or trunk seal is compromised, moisture may enter and eventually cause rust on the car's frame or even inside mould and mildew. Check that the doors, hood, and trunk latches all function properly after an accident.

DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE ELECTRIC SYSTEM

The electrical system of your car is a convoluted network of wires and sensors. Consider your bumper as an example. The more sensors your car has, the more likely it is that it is newer. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features like cruise control and blind-spot monitoring are controlled by these bumper sensors. Although ADAS technologies can make driving more enjoyable, because they rely on sensors built into your car's body to function, they can also complicate even little accidents. These sensors may be harmed by bumper impact in a rear-end collision, rendering the ADAS capabilities inoperable. If your car's ADAS system has been harmed in an accident, one method to find out is to have a diagnostics test performed at a collision repair facility close to you.

Mechanical damage to the vehicle

In addition to harming your car's chassis and electrical system, rear-end collisions can also result in mechanical damage. Transmission damage is the most frequent sort of mechanical damage following a collision. Vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) have transmission parts close to the back of the vehicle that are vulnerable to damage in a rear-end accident. Transmission damage may be to blame if your automobile starts to leak fluid or has problems accelerating or changing gears after an accident.

After a collision, it's usually a good idea to bend over and examine under your car. However, if you don't know what to look for, the damage might not be immediately apparent.