What kind of damage can a rear-end collision cause?

Aside from bodily harm, rear-end collisions can result in extensive damage to the vehicles involved. Four common issues experienced by drivers following a rear-end hit are:

  • Body damage – Rear-end accidents can damage the lead vehicle’s bumper and taillights, as well as the sheet metal and frame at the rear of the vehicle. The front of the rear-ended vehicle can also sustain damage if it is pushed into another car or a stationary object.
  • Trunk or tailgate damage – Rear-end collisions can damage the latch and other mechanisms of the vehicle’s trunk or tailgate. The contents of the vehicle’s cargo area can also suffer damage.
  • Suspension issues – Damage to the suspension may not be obvious at first, but it is quite common among rear-end crashes. A broken shock or strut may affect the steering, braking, and overall stability of the vehicle.
  • Alignment issues – Another often unseen consequence of rear-end collisions is alignment issues. Such damage can cause unusual tire wear and difficulty steering.