Major damage to a car refers to serious harm that affects the vehicle’s structure, safety, or key systems. This can include damage to the frame, engine, transmission, or airbags. Major damage often results from high-impact collisions, such as a crash or rollover, and may make the car unsafe or too expensive to repair.
Insurance companies may label a car with major damage as a total loss if the cost of repairs is close to or more than the car’s value. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer can help you get maximum compensation for the damages to your vehicle.
Common Types of Major Damage to a Car
When a car is involved in a serious accident or experiences significant wear and tear, it can suffer major damage. Understanding the common types of major damage can help you recognize when your car might be unsafe to drive or too costly to repair.
Structural Damage
Major structural damage affects the parts of a car that give it strength and stability. The two most common types are frame damage and unibody damage.
Frame damage occurs when the metal structure supporting the car is bent, cracked, or broken. This type of damage is common in high-impact accidents. When the frame is damaged, it can affect how the car drives, how it handles a crash, and even how the doors and windows fit.
Unibody damage refers to harm done to a car’s main body structure, which is built as one piece. Most modern vehicles use a unibody design. If this structure is damaged, it can affect the car’s alignment, safety systems, and overall performance.
Mechanical Damage
Major mechanical damage to a car involves serious problems with essential systems that keep the vehicle running. Two of the most critical types are engine failure and transmission issues.
Engine failure can happen when internal parts, like pistons or the crankshaft, are damaged due to overheating, lack of oil, or wear and tear. When the engine fails, the car may not start or could stop working while driving.
Transmission issues affect how the car shifts gears. Problems like slipping, delayed shifting, or total transmission failure can make the vehicle difficult or impossible to drive.
Safety System Damage
Major safety system damage in a car affects features that are designed to protect the driver and passengers. One example is airbag deployment.
When airbags go off during a crash, they need to be replaced, along with any sensors and control modules involved. Driving without working airbags is unsafe because they won’t protect you in another accident.
Another serious issue is brake or steering system failure. If the brakes don’t work properly, the car may not stop in time, leading to a crash. Problems with the steering system can make it hard to control the vehicle, especially at higher speeds.
Flood or Fire Damage
If a car is involved in a fire, the heat can destroy important parts like the wiring, engine, interior, and safety systems. Even if the car still looks okay from the outside, the damage underneath can make it unsafe to drive.
Flood damage happens when water gets into the car, often during storms, heavy rain, or accidents involving water. Water can ruin the engine, electrical systems, brakes, and even the seats and carpets. It can also lead to mold and rust over time.
Insurance Implications for Cars With Major Damage
When a car has major damage, insurance companies carefully assess the cost of repairs. If the cost to fix the car is close to or more than its current value, the insurer may declare it a “total loss.” This means the car is not worth repairing, and the insurance company will usually pay the owner the actual cash value of the vehicle instead of covering repairs.
Major damage also affects how claims are settled. The more serious the damage, the more involved the claims process can be. It may take longer to inspect the car, get repair estimates, and determine a payout. In some cases, disputes can arise if the car’s value or the repair costs are unclear.
Even after repairs, a car that has had major damage may lose value. This is called diminished value. Future buyers or insurers may see the car as less reliable. As a result, insurance rates may go up, especially if the car is more likely to have problems or be involved in another claim.
(310) 526-8383Repair vs. Replacement
When a car has major damage, deciding whether to repair or replace it depends on several factors. These include the cost of repairs, the car’s current value, its age, and how badly it was damaged.
If repairs cost more than the car is worth, or the damage affects safety systems or the structure, replacement is often the better choice.
Repairing a severely damaged car can be risky, as hidden problems may show up later, and the car might not be as safe or reliable as before. In many cases, especially after a serious accident, replacing the car is the safer and more economical option in the long run.
A Los Angeles Car Accident Attorney Will Help You Get Maximum Compensation for Your Damaged Vehicle
A car accident lawyer from our team will assess the extent of your car’s damage, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
We can also help determine if your vehicle should be considered a total loss and make sure you are compensated for repairs or replacement costs.
At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we have been helping people like you since 2016. We are putting our clients first. Always! Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation.
