Rear crash damage checklist?

[PeterAllen]

Yesterday my car was significantly hit in the rear drivers side. The car was parked on the side of the road and was shunted about 30cm forward by the impact. Other than the obvious damage to the bumper and rear light panel and tailgate, I want to ensure there is no other damage that has been sustained such as to the transmission etc. The car was in "park" with the hand brake on.
The airbags and suspension are all good, the exhaust was pushed up around the rear right wheel which I have bashed out of the way and secured with thick wire. Other than exhaust noise and rattle from exhaust it seems to drive ok so far. Will be three weeks before her insurance will assess it and I am getting some quotes for the repairs but want to make sure I cover all possible damage.

Any advice on things to double check on would be appreciated.
By the way the Toyota Corolla 2011 was a total write off and she was not injured. Tin can meets brick.

[Keithy P38]

Should be right, my Rangie was in a sandwich and previous owners failed to mention it, have no complications with mine!

[PeterAllen]

Snap, crackle,Pop.

[Hoges]

Was the white car driver using a mobile phone?

The full extent of damage can't be seen until the rear bumper is removed etc.
The chassis will have taken a decent wallop and the energy has to be dissipated somewhere...hopefully a lot of it in the crumple zone of the offending vehicle!

Some thoughts:
Chassis twist / rear axle alignment ...will need a knowledgeable alignment specialist to deal with this ...otherwise there's a possibility of the vehicle wheels being aligned Ok but the body "crabbing" (i.e. travelling along slightly off centre)

Seam sealing (dreaded wheel well water leaks). Pay particular attention as to how the rear body panels are inspected and repaired. The rear comparment is simply sheet metal spot welded and seam sealed. It has to be precisely repaired to prevent future water leaks

Check carefully for brake line /air line /electrical damage

Bother!

[PeterAllen]

Thanks Hoges,
Yes I suspect a phone, putting on makeup or lighting a cigarette, possible all three while checking the contents of her handbag in the back seat.
The recorded statement refers to swerving to avoid a dog. Alleged dog left the scene without stopping ( possible dingo with baby although no missing babies reported as yet)). No signs of car braking before car breaking..

[wayneg]

I was rear ended a couple of years back, The damage bill came to over 3k.
See.......http://www.aulro.com/afvb/wa-aulroia...vs-rr-p38.html

[PeterAllen]

I have had the car in for a couple of quotes and I have got to say that the lack of "significant damage" is pretty impressive.
Apart from the dented panels and broken light lens etc the old girl has basically shrugged it off like it was no more than a mozzie bite.
The main damage is to the exhaust system which will need replacing right up to the block on one side and to the manifold on the other. Hope they just do both sides all the way. Can even use the tailgate as whilst dented and has a metal split on the latch area still opens and shuts freely and seems to have remained water tight.
They really are a solid vehicle and worth the effort. ( at least that what I keep telling myself).

[Marshall]

Check the exhaust system for cracks around any joins...

I just reread your last post and missed the exhaust bit completely... Sorry

[wayneg]

I had similar a few years back. They took off the towbar for inspection and replaced with new bolts

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/wa-aulroia...vs-rr-p38.html

This reply was meant for this thread....Got rear ended yesterday, need advice