If you have been in a rear-end collision, you should check for more than the visible body damage but also for mechanical problems as well.
A rear-end collision can lead to a variety of mechanical problems and has even been known to result in damage to shocks.
The force of the impact as well as the angle of the impact and how the cars were turned at the time of the crash play a major role in the damages that result from the accident.
As an example, a rear-end impact can lift the rear of the vehicle and force the front of the car downward and forward with greater force than it would experience from a panic braking.
Even if the brakes were applied hard enough, it can knock the front end out of alignment.
The impact can damage the shocks, particularly if the steering wheel was turned at an angle because the vehicle was about to make a turn when it was hit from behind. The rear-end suspension can suffer damage because it takes the majority of the impact.
Signs of Shock Damage After a Rear End Accident
A rear end accident doesn’t just damage the rear of the car and maybe the tires, but the impact can cause more serious damage like damage to shock absorbers. If this isn’t detected then you could lose control of your vehicle as shock absorbers are in place to give the vehicle more stability when braking and accelerating.
In their absence the front end of the vehicle could dive when braking and the rear end tends to squat when accelerating. This happens when the components are no longer strong enough to handle the vehicle’s weight.
The vehicle’s shocks and struts help to control the movement of the springs, which are in place to take the blow when the vehicle encounters potholes, bumps and uneven highways. If the shocks are damaged the driver and passengers of the affected vehicle will experience a bumpy and uncomfortable ride.
In addition, if the shocks are damaged, taking corners will feel uncomfortable as the vehicle tends to heel when turning. This can have an effect on the effectiveness of braking and steering. If the suspension system has been badly damaged in the rear end accident, it will make unusual noises.
This is because the shocks and bushings are not supporting the strut properly. When this happens and the strut has bottomed out the sound is caused by the metal to metal contact. At this point you need to do something about the damage.
What Kinds of Damage Can Shocks Suffer?
First off, your shocks and suspension will be checked for wear and tear. Of course, shocks do wear out and you have to replace them so if your car has considerable mileage and has the same shocks, then the insurance company will most likely chalk the problem up to regular wear and tear and stick you with the bill for routine maintenance.
Your shocks should be checked for any cracks or leaks. If the front end or the rear end of your car is now setting lower than the other, it is an obvious sign that the suspension has suffered some damage.
Because vehicles can operate on bad shocks, you might have trouble convincing the auto insurer to foot the bill for the damages.
You should always have your vehicle checked out for mechanical problems as well as body problems following a rear-end accident. Even if you don't notice problems right away, you can expect the vehicle to be out of alignment at least.
Evidence to Collect
When a rear-end accident causes damage to your shocks, suspension, and other mechanical damage, you will need to gather different documents and evidence. These documents will help prove that the accident caused the damage to your shocks. You will also need them as evidence if you file a personal injury claim.
Like any accident, after you are rear-ended you should exchange information with the other party and gather any witness statements. These statements can help prove who was at fault for the accident. Call the police so that a police report is filed and find out how you can get a copy of the report.
If you suspect your shocks or suspension was damaged, immediately take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic or auto body shop. If they were, keep any of documents the mechanic gives you. Any invoices and bills that you are given for repairs need to be kept as well.
To help make sure you have all the correct evidence, consult with a personal injury attorney. A lawyer will know exactly what you will need to help your claim and receive compensation for your damaged shocks and any other damages.
How Much Does Shock Damage Cost?
The cost of repairing or replacing shocks and struts can vary considerably, depending on the damage done and the make and model of the vehicle. If you need to replace the struts a pair will set you back between $450 and $900. This may or may not include the labor costs.
When new struts are replaced it is necessary for wheel alignments to be done. For two wheels this will cost anything up to $80 and all four wheels $160. Added to this is the cost of replacing the shocks which don’t cost quite as much as struts.
Depending on the vehicle brand a pair of shocks cost between $250 and $580 to replace and the labor cost is likely to attract an extra $200 on average.
Who is Liable to Pay the Cost of Replacing Shocks and Struts in a Rear Ender?
As replacing shocks and struts is an expensive process, if you can prove the damage was done in the rear end accident that was not your fault, you may be able to get the insurer of the at fault driver to pay the cost.
You will have to gather all the evidence to prove who caused the accident such as eye witness’s accounts of the accident, the police report photos of the accident scene and shock and strut damage and a quotation from the car repairer for repairing or replacing the struts and shocks.
Often, these sorts of claims are best filed with the help of a PI lawyer who has the experience to present a claim with evidence that is hard to dispute.
Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in a rear-end collision that damaged your vehicle's shocks or suspension, odds are you suffered personal injuries as well.
A rear-end impact can be devastating and result in serious injuries that require intensive treatment. Your car can suffer major damages that are costly to fix.
You should consult with an experienced auto accident injury lawyer who will help you pursue a claim against the responsible party in an effort to recover compensation for the damages that you suffered.
Working on a contingency basis, your lawyer will not be paid until he or she gets you money for your claim.
The statute of limitations or time limit on how long you have to file a claim varies from state to state. You should act before it is too late to do so. Call today to schedule a free case evaluation.
