5 Common Types of Car Accident Damage and How to Repair Them

Car accidents can cause a wide range of damage, from minor scrapes to major structural issues. At Eli’s Collision Repair, we’ve seen it all: fender benders, side impacts, rear-end collisions, and more. We are factory trained, skilled, and have the finest equipment to identify the best repair approach for each type of impact damage.

Below are five common types of car accident damage and how they can be repaired. Keep in mind that these are just general repair suggestions, and we assess each case of vehicle damage individually.

1. Bumper Damage

Bumpers are only the first line of defense for your car. Keep in mind that depending on the severity of the impact, the majority of the damage may be underneath the bumper. Bumper damage can range from small dents and scratches to cracks, detachment, and complete replacement.

Repair Approach: For minor dents and scratches on a bumper cover, the ideal approach is touch-up and polish (improvement only). More severe damage, such as cracks or deep gouges, may require bumper replacement or reattachment using specialized adhesives.

2. Fender Damage

Fenders are bolted over the unibody or full frame as a protective layer, so they are another frequent casualty in collisions, especially in side impacts or parking lot scrapes. While fender damage is usually not as severe as frame damage, it can still impair vehicle functionality and aesthetics.

Repair Approach: Minor dents can be fixed with PDR, but if the fender is heavily damaged or misaligned, replacement may be necessary. Depending on the metal the fender is constructed from, there is a possibility that the fender can be reshaped into place, followed by refinishing to match the vehicle’s original paint.

3. Frame Damage

A vehicle’s frame is its backbone, so any damage to it can compromise safety, integrity, and performance. Frame damage occurs in more severe accidents and can result in alignment issues, airbag deployment, or even difficulty closing doors properly.

Repair Approach: The technician’s first step will use specialized frame measuring tools to identify if there is any frame damage. Depending on the intensity of the damage and type of metal, we’ll assess if it can be repaired or replaced. What makes Eli’s Collision Repair superior in our repair approach to frame damage is that most body shops don’t have these specialized tools to evaluate the scope of damage and find the best approach to fix the car.

4. Glass and Windshield Damage

Accidents involving high impact or flying debris can cause cracks or shattering in your windshield or windows. While a small crack may not seem urgent, it can spread over time and weaken the integrity of the glass.

Repair Approach: Small chips or cracks can often be repaired with a resin injection that seals the damage and prevents further spreading, if approved by the car’s manufacturer. For more extensive damage, full glass replacement is necessary, ensuring the new windshield or window meets manufacturer-approved safety standards. Eli’s technicians are sent to manufacturer training for glass and windshield repairs to ensure the most current repair procedures.

5. Paint Scratches and Scuffs

Even low-speed accidents can result in unsightly paint damage, including scratches, scrapes, and scuffs. While this type of damage might not impact a vehicle’s functionality, it does affect its overall appearance.

Repair Approach: Touch-up paint or polishing may be enough for minor scratches. For deeper scrapes that require paint in a spray booth, this will be a more expensive and extensive repair. If there’s a concern regarding color match, Eli’s has state-of-the-art spray booths and color mixing equipment.

Car accidents can lead to various types of damage, but most can be expertly repaired with the right techniques and qualified technicians. Whether it’s a small scratch or more severe frame damage, a trusted collision repair center in Los Angeles like Eli’s can restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition.