What are the most common car damages after an accident?

Being in a car accident may not only mean injuries for you but also damages to your car. This may be a huge obstacle on your road to recovering your health since having no transportation can make it harder to get to medical appointments and other treatments. Damages to your car may range from some minor scratches to a total loss. If this has happened to you, you may be considering filing a claim against the party responsible for the damage. To learn how to go about finding a car accident attorney, click wattelandyork.com/phoenix/. In the meantime, here are some of the most common car damages you may expect to see after an accident.

Scratches

Even in a minor accident, you can expect your car to get scratched. Fortunately, these can usually be fixed without a major investment. Large or deep scratches may call for a paint job or some minor bodywork.

Broken Windshield

A collision between two cars may result in their windshields breaking. You may also find that the windshield broke because of debris that hit the glass. Minor cracks can sometimes be repaired and it is recommended you take care of them right away before they get worse.

If your windshield shatters during a car accident, you should pull over as soon as possible and get to a safe place to exit the car. Check your surroundings to verify that there are no branches or other debris that may cause your windshield to be damaged further. Do not attempt to drive with a shattered windshield. Call someone who can assist you or roadside assistance services.

Damaged Frame

Your car’s frame may get damaged when someone collides with you, even if they are traveling at a low speed, although greater damage tends to be associated with higher speeds during a collision. A damaged frame may require extensive repairs and be quite costly.

Dents and Scrapes

Dents and scrapes can be caused when other vehicles bump into yours. They are common in parking lot accidents when others park too close and open their doors wide without noticing how close they are to other cars. You may be able to fix a dent with a tool that uses suction to pull them out of a car’s body. A professional shop can also fix dents and scrapes for you.

Broken Mirrors and Headlights

When these items are broken, your best bet is to replace them. You may also deal with flat tires and a wide variety of minor damages like dented doors and bent fenders. Headlights tend to shatter quite easily during any type of collision, as do tail lights.

Trunk Area Damage

If you are rear-ended or hit from the side, your car’s trunk area may get damaged. If the damage is not obvious, you may be driving with a trunk that is not properly aligned or you may find it impossible to open or close, leading to water intrusion and other issues.

Alignment Issues

When your car is not properly aligned, it may pull to one side instead of driving in a straight line. The result will be uneven wear in parts such as tires and the chassis. Alignment issues may not be immediately obvious, and you may not notice you have a problem until your mechanic points out that your tires have uneven wear.

Damage to the Electrical System

When your car gets hit, the sudden bump or jerking movement may loosen parts of the car’s electrical system, most likely in the area where the vehicle was hit. Some electrical malfunctions are immediately noticeable such as windows not rolling down, but others may take longer to be detected.

Heaters, Air Conditioners, and Airbags

Internal damage to a vehicle is more common after a major crash. Unfortunately, whenever heaters, air conditioners, or airbags get damaged, you may need a complete replacement.

Fenders and Grilles

Fenders and bumpers can get damaged during any type of collision. It is also common for these parts to fall off during a crash, which means a great expense to replace them.

Take Care of Yourself and Your Passengers

Being in a car accident and having any part of your car get damaged is not a good experience. Fortunately, seat belts, airbags, and improvements in car engineering can prevent drivers and passengers from bodily harm that would otherwise be quite extensive.

Nevertheless, it is important to ascertain whether you and your passengers are safe or were injured. The first thing you should do after an accident and once you have gotten yourself to a safe spot is to call 911 and report the collision. Police will arrive at the scene and eventually write a report. Request a copy for your insurance and your car accident attorney should you decide to file a claim.

Also, take pictures of your injuries, your car and its damaged areas, the accident scene, and anything that might have contributed to the wreck, such as debris or oil on the road. Exchange information with the other driver, including their driver’s license number and insurance information. Avoid speculating about who might have been responsible for the accident with the other driver or with the police. Remember that anything you say could be used against you.

Get Legal Help

If you have been injured in a car accident and are facing medical bills while unable to go to work, you may be considering filing a claim against the party responsible for your injuries and losses.

Working with a car accident attorney will allow you to focus your time and energy on recovering your health while your lawyer can take care of building a strong case in your defense. Your lawyer will explain what damages you are entitled to receive and will work to find a fair amount that will cover your medical expenses and wage losses. You may also receive compensation for your pain and suffering and even punitive damages if the other driver was especially reckless.