What is secondary damage in vehicle evaluation?

Secondary damage in vehicle evaluation refers specifically to damage that occurs away from the direct impact site. This type of damage can result from various factors, such as the transfer of energy during the collision, which may lead to misalignment or other issues in parts of the vehicle that were not directly struck.

In many instances, secondary damage can manifest as structural or mechanical problems in areas distant from the point of impact. For example, if a vehicle is hit on one side, the force of the collision might affect the opposite side or internal components, even though they were not directly impacted. Understanding this concept is crucial for accurate damage assessment and repair estimates, as overlooking secondary damage can lead to incomplete repairs and ongoing issues for the vehicle owner.

This understanding emphasizes the importance of a thorough evaluation when assessing a vehicle that has been involved in a collision.