If you have had the unfortunate experience of being in a car accident lately, you probably know that minor fender benders seem to be a thing of the past. One part connects to another part, which in turn connects to a component, and the list goes on. With that in mind, it’s understandable why many of our clients turn to us to seek compensation after discovering the extent of the damage to their vehicles is more severe than they initially thought.
All this is to say that a quick inspection only tells part of the story. Many people drive their car home after an accident, park it in the garage, and don’t realize something is terribly wrong until the next time they try to drive it. And some types of damage take even longer to surface, often when it’s too late to do anything about it.
If you’ve been in a car accident and suspect you might need a personal injury attorney who can help you file a claim and secure a settlement that compensates you fully for both injuries and property damage, we can help. Call us at (916) 438-1819 to speak to a Sacramento personal injury attorney for free. There is no charge for a case review, and if we take your case, you pay nothing unless you win.
Types of Hidden Car Damage
Here are some of the most common types of vehicle damage that can go undetected after an accident. If you need help finding an ASE-certified mechanic in Sacramento, you can find help at International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN).
- Frame and Structural Damage: Even when the outside of a vehicle looks unaffected, the chassis, or frame, which other components are attached to, can be damaged. A bent chassis means the original safety features (how the car is designed to protect you) won’t work as effectively. Detection of a bent or damaged chassis requires inspection by a qualified mechanic.
- Bumper and Substructure Damage: Today’s bumpers are not our grandparents’ bumpers. Steel is out, and shock-absorbing plastic and other synthetic materials are in. Modern bumpers are designed to bounce back into shape, which can hide damage to materials that sit underneath or behind them.
- Suspension and Alignment Issues: A car’s suspension system consists of several components connecting a vehicle to the wheels. When any part of this system, all of which sits out of sight, is damaged, misalignment can occur, leading to tire and steering issues that worsen over time and compromise a vehicle’s safety.
- Electrical System Damage: According to GM Insights, it’s estimated that up to 30% of a modern, gasoline-powered car’s value is attributed to its electronic and electrical systems. Electrical system problems can cause lights, safety features like airbags and power windows, lock buttons, and dashboard controls to malfunction. These issues can surface days or even weeks after an accident occur and cause a cascade of other issues.
- Brake System Damage: Damaged braking system components range from leaks in brake lines to uneven braking or a complete failure of the system. For obvious reasons, a thorough check of a vehicle’s brake system is imperative after an accident.
- Fluid Leaks: The radiator and transmission lines carry essential fluids that affect an engine’s performance. Small leaks that go undetected can cause gradual changes leading to eventual overheating or complete failure of the transmission, which is one of the most expensive systems to replace or fix in almost any vehicle.
What Hidden Damage Sounds, Looks, and Feels Like
Here are just a few hints that something may be wrong with your car. Remember, damage can also be silent and go unnoticed. If you have been in a vehicle accident, the wisest thing to do is to have it evaluated by a qualified mechanic.
- Vibrations, unusual noises, or pulling to one side
- Uneven tire wear
- Leaking fluids
- Dashboard warning lights that may come and go
- Doors, trunk, or hood that feel stiff or won’t close properly
The Dangers, Inconveniences, and Expense of Hidden Vehicle Damage
When you get into your car to go somewhere, at least two things need to happen: You need to get to where you want to go and you need to get there safely. Hidden damage can prevent both of those things from occurring. It can also cause financial hardships if you miss your opportunity to get the compensation you deserve and need because you didn’t know your vehicle was damaged.
Affordable Sacramento Personal Injury Attorneys Are Available
Call Eason & Tambornini for an experienced personal injury attorney who is skilled, aggressive, and, best of all, affordable. We will conduct a free case review. If we take your case, you will pay no fees unless you win a settlement.
Call (916) 438-1819 to schedule your free consultation.