Road accidents are a harsh reality, with impacts that range from minor injuries to life-threatening harm and, tragically, fatalities. While we hear much about the human toll of these accidents, less attention is given to the damage vehicles sustain in the incident.
Car accidents don’t just affect people. They also leave their mark on vehicles—whether it’s a small dent, a shattered window, or significant structural damage.
Despite how frequently this happens, the story of a car’s damage in an accident often remains untold. Many of us might see the aftermath on the road. However, understanding the specific kinds of damage cars incur reveals just how extensive the impact of a single accident can be.
In this article, we’re shifting focus onto the cars. Join us as we explore the most common damage cars sustain in road accidents and discuss their impact on their function and appearance.
Fender Benders
Fender benders are minor collisions, usually occurring at low speeds, where the car’s fender or bumper suffers a small impact. These often happen in places like parking lots or at stop signs, where one car taps another in a moment of distraction or misjudgment.
One of the reasons fender benders are less severe is that they usually don’t impact the car’s core structure or safety systems. In most cases, the damage is limited to minor dents, scratches, or scuffs on the bumper or fender.
Despite their mild nature, fender benders are among the most common types of accidents. Even high-profile drivers aren’t immune to them.
In the first week of September, Charles Leclerc, the Formula 1 racer from Monaco, got involved in a similar incident. Road & Track reported that the Ferrari’s F1 star was captured in a video driving through the Fairmont Hairpin area, where he got involved in a fender bender in his Purosangue, worth $400,000.
This shows that fender benders can happen to anyone, irrespective of whether you’re a novice driver or a skilled one.
Windshield Damage
Windshield damage is all too common in car accidents, and it ranges from small chips and cracks to complete shattering. These damages usually happen in front-end collisions or when road debris, like rocks or loose items, strikes the glass at high speeds.
While a windshield crack might look like a minor inconvenience, even a small crack can quickly spread, compromising the driver’s visibility and safety.
The approach to repairing windshield damage depends on its severity. Small chips or cracks, often under a few inches, can usually be repaired using resin. It’s a quick and affordable fix that restores the windshield’s integrity.
When is a windshield replacement necessary?
A windshield replacement is necessary when the crack on your current one is too large or obstructs the driver’s view. The replacement is certainly more expensive than a resin fix. It often ranges from $200 to $400 for standard vehicles and much higher for luxury models with specialized glass.
Bumper Damage
Damage to the bumper can range from scratches and scuffs to serious dents or even detachment, depending on the force of the impact. The bumper’s job is to take the hit. And while it is great for protecting passengers, such damages can leave it looking worse for wear after an accident.
A police cruiser crash in Jersey City, New Jersey that occurred back in May 2024 serves as a perfect example. ABC7 News reported that 3 people were left injured after a police car slammed into a civilian’s car. It then spun and hit the fire hydrant, with the airbags deployed on impact.
Two of the injured victims were police officers, with the third one being a civilian. The domino effect of the crash caused front and back bumper damages in several parked cars.
This type of damage frequently happens in both low-speed collisions, such as rear-end accidents at stoplights, and higher-speed impacts. Since bumpers are on the front and back of the car, they’re the first to feel any impact. This makes them particularly susceptible to fender benders and accidents that take place in traffic and parking lots.
How much do bumper damage repairs cost?
According to StormWise Auto Body Shop, minor bumper dents can be repaired within $150-$250. Paint touch-ups for bumper scratches cost up to $300, while panel beating done to repair a major dent costs around $600. Even fixing a bumper crack through plastic welding and reshaping ranges between $250-$500.
The Leading Causes of Road Accidents
Now that we’ve learned about the damages suffered by our rides when we’re in any accident let’s dive deeper. Why do these accidents occur in the first place? Perhaps learning about their leading causes can help us avoid all the trouble.
Here’s a look at the leading causes of road accidents:
Reckless Driving
Often fueled by impatience, distraction, or just plain disregard for the rules of the road, reckless driving is a menace. When drivers speed, tailgate, weave through lanes, or ignore traffic signals, they put everyone around them at risk.
In the heat of the moment, that quick lane change or push on the gas spirals into a dangerous situation. Reckless driving doesn’t just affect the driver making the choice. It endangers passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers nearby.
What’s the leading distraction for reckless drivers?
According to Springs Law Group, smartphones are the biggest distractions we face while driving. Whether it’s for checking social media or using the map, any kind of smartphone use while driving is a menace on the road. It threatens not just your life and vehicle, but also that of others.
Snow on the Roads
Snow-covered roads are a major culprit in wintertime accidents, turning even familiar routes into risky terrain. When snow blankets the road, it can hide icy patches and reduce traction, making it easy for cars to skid or lose control.
This month, the snowfall in Colorado Springs has led to police officers responding to hundreds of crashes. According to 11 News, about 109 reported crashes have been within the city limits in a matter of days.
If you’ve suffered such a predicament, getting in touch with a car accident lawyer in Colorado Springs can help. They’ll help you prove that the accident occurred due to the fault of the other party so that you can earn fair compensation for the damages suffered.
Running the Red Lights
Running red lights is a major cause of accidents, and it’s often the result of impatience or risky decision-making. When drivers rush through intersections despite a red signal, they’re not just bending the rules but putting lives on the line.
A red light is there to create order and prevent collisions, but ignoring it can lead to severe, often high-speed accidents, especially with cross-traffic. Whether it’s due to distraction or the rush to save a few seconds, running a red light rarely ends well.
Road accidents can be a costly ordeal, both for our safety and our vehicles. From fender benders to shattered windshields and bumper damage, each collision leaves its mark, often requiring immediate attention and repair. By understanding these damages and the reasons behind road accidents, we’ll be better equipped to drive safely and keep our vehicles in tip-top shape.
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