What Exactly Happens to Your Car After A Collision?

Discover the hidden damage and repair steps your car goes through after a collision.
Hidden Damage After a Collision: What You Can't See Can Hurt You
After a collision, driving back home with only minor dents and scratches can be reassuring, even satisfying, for those who are unaware of the potential consequences.

In the U.S., the average repair cost after a collision ranges from $2,500, depending on severity.

The truth? What you can't see could put your safety at risk and even cost you more in the long run.

However, if you know the right steps to take after any collision, you can protect yourself and drastically reduce the repair cost.

That is exactly why we put this guide together—to give you the information you need to make the right decisions after a collision. Stay safe and spend less.

The Visible Damage

The visible damages are what you see right away, including dents, scratches, and broken lights—these are obvious.

The Invisible Damages (often easily missed)

  • Frame Misalignment

    After any minor or major collisions, the impact tends to bend or shift the frame slightly. When this happens, it potentially affects your steering, tire wear, and crash safety.

  • Suspension and Wheel Alignment

    Another invisible damage is the suspension and wheel alignment. You realize your car starts pulling to one side, it's unstable, and the tires are endangered.

  • Electrical Systems Alteration

    There's a high probability you're a modern car owner, and if you drive a modern car, the sensors, cameras, and wiring are likely to be loose after a collision.

  • Safety System Compromise

    The safety systems include airbags and ADAS. After a collision, regardless of severity, the airbags may not deploy early or not deploy at all, while advanced assisted driving systems may malfunction.

The Process of Damage After a Collision

  • Progressive Deterioration

    Small cracks lead to rust or corrosion over time.

  • Structural Stress

    Misaligned frames lead to uneven stress and wear on other components.

  • Escalating Costs

    Hidden damages get worse in the long run, leading to more repair expenses.

  • What You Should Do After a Collision to Stay Safe and Reduce Repair Costs

    1. Pull over—but don't block the traffic

      It's important that you pull over and turn off the ignition after a collision to avoid sparks and fire.

    2. Confirm if everyone is safe

      If you discovered nobody sustained any injuries, move to the next agenda.

    3. Call the police

      If the other driver is at fault—if it's a hit-and-run and your vehicle is severely damaged.

    4. Report the collision to your insurance company

      You should report the collision to your insurance company as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.

    5. Don't continue driving without going for a post-collision inspection

      This inspection will spot both surface and hidden damage:

      Professional Inspection Includes:

      Diagnostic scanning—checking onboard computers for fault codes
      Road test—to ensure safety systems are intact and working perfectly

      Responding to collisions early with post-collision inspection will significantly maximize your safety and minimize potential high repair costs.

    Bottom Line

    A collision can happen to anyone, but having the right guides helps you navigate through the challenges that may arise. By implication, you will be safe and spend less on repairs.

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