What Is a Low-Impact Collision?
Not all traffic accidents happen at high speeds. In fact, three-quarters of all fatal accidents are not speed-related. These accidents that occur at low speeds are typically described as “low impact collisions.”
A low impact collision is when a car collides with another car or an object at a low speed, typically under 15 mph. A low impact collision can be thought of as a minor fender bender. Some examples of low impact collisions include:
- Bumping the car in front of you during stop-and-go traffic.
- Side-swiping a parked vehicle, guard rail, or another object.
- Backing up into a car while leaving a parking spot.
Common Causes of Low Impact Collisions
Low-impact collisions can occur for any number of reasons, including:
- Distracted driving.
- Poor visibility.
- “Tailgating,” or following too closely behind a car.
- Laziness, such as failing to check a blind spot before changing lanes.
- Miscommunication, such as two cars both thinking they have the right of way at a stop sign or in a crowded parking lot.
- Wet or slippery driving conditions.
Consequences of Low Impact Collisions
Just because an accident occurs at small speed doesn’t mean it can’t come with big consequences.
Whiplash and neck injuries are common in low impact collisions because the head and neck move quicker than the cars colliding. A collision happening at 8 mph produces two G’s of force on the cars involved but 5 G’s of force on the neck.
Sometimes people are in awkward and vulnerable positions when a low-impact collision occurs. An example would be a driver who has their body turned to look out the rear window while backing out of a parking spot. If a collision occurs, this person is at an increased risk of injury due to the positioning of their body at the point of impact.
The consequences of low-impact collisions can be just as bad on your car itself. It doesn’t take much force for a vehicle to suffer significant damage to the body, bumpers, lights, and windows. And sometimes the body damage is only masking underlying structural damage or broken parts that can make driving unsafe.
Where to Repair in Madison, WI
If you’re in need of collision repair, the Zimbrick Body Shop in Madison, WI, has you covered. Read about our organized and efficient repair process that can have your car in and out and back on the road in no time.
We’ve all been there: You’re driving down the road when you hear a tiny stone hit your windshield. It seems like it’s nothing at first, but over time the tiny chip turns into a growing crack. Before the crack expands even more — possibly causing the windshield to break completely — it’s important to get the glass repaired or replaced.
When you need auto glass service, you can rely on Zimbrick Body Shops to get the job done.
Why is the Glass So Important to My Vehicle?
From the windshield to the rear glass and every side window in between, the glass components of your car contribute to its structural integrity. The glass provides visibility to the vehicles around you, while also protecting you from the wind, insects, and the elements.
There are several ways that the glass on your vehicle becomes chipped, cracked, or broken, including errant rocks on the highway, bad weather, and more.
What Auto Glass Services Does Zimbrick Offer?
At the Zimbrick Body Shops, we offer a variety of auto glass services to get your car back on the road. Our technicians are certified to use the training and parts needed to perform everything from a small chip fix to a complete windshield repair.
We know how important your vehicle is to your life, from running errands to driving the kids to school. That’s why we take the utmost care in ensuring each repair or replacement is done right the first time.
Our glass services include:
- Rock chip repair
- Front windshield replacement
- Rearview mirror replacement
- Door/quarter glass replacement
- Back glass replacement
We’re also happy to help with your glass insurance claim so that you can rest easy knowing the whole job will be taken care of. Whether you’re just seeking a minor auto glass repair, or it’s part of a larger collision repair project, Zimbrick Body Shops are ready to handle your job.
Make an Appointment Today in the Madison, WI, Area
Does your car need auto glass service and repair? Schedule an appointment with our certified technicians today. Call us at (608) 441-3475 with any questions about the collision repair process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collision Repair
Dealing with injuries, insurance, and transportation in the aftermath of a collision can be stressful. That’s why at Zimbrick Body Shops in Madison, Wisconsin, we want to help make the collision repair process as smooth as possible.
If you have any questions regarding your car, check out some of the most frequently asked questions about collision repair below. Don’t see your question? Contact the shop nearest you today.
Common Collision Repair FAQs
Can I choose which shop repairs my vehicle?
Yes. Your insurance company may recommend certain shops, but as the owner of the car, you have the right to decide where, when, and how your vehicle is repaired.
Do I need to get more than one estimate?
No. You only need one estimate of damage report from the repair facility of your choice. However, the insurance company may want to have their claims adjuster inspect the damage prior to repair. This is done to make sure everything is accurate and fair.
Tip: If your vehicle is not safe to drive, you can have it towed to the repair shop of your choice. When you notify your insurance company about the accident, tell them the vehicle is not drivable and where it is located so that it may be inspected.
Who is responsible for paying the collision repair bill?
You are. The vehicle owner must arrange for payment of the repair bill. Insurance policies state that the insurer will reimburse you for the cost of repairs, depending on your deductible situation. You can instruct your insurance company to pay the repair shop directly.
How long will the repairs take?
The length of time it takes to repair your vehicle depends on the extent of the damage. Once the repair estimate is made, your advisor can give you an estimated time of completion. A more accurate date can be given once the vehicle has been disassembled and the repair plan completed.
Do I get a loaner car?
We make every attempt to help you with your alternative transportation needs. Your advisor can discuss those options once we have completed a repair plan. If you have rental coverage on your insurance policy or are a third party claimant, we can help secure a rental replacement vehicle for you.
Contact Us Today in Madison, WI
Whether you were just in a collision or your car is currently being repaired, give us a call if you have any questions. The technicians at Zimbrick Body Shops want you to feel confident and comfortable with every repair being made. Contact us for more information about our auto body repair services or to schedule an appointment today.
A Step by Step Guide to Our Repair Process
If you have been involved in a collision, turn to the Zimbrick Body Shops to restore your vehicle to its former glory. Continue reading to learn about our auto body repair process.
Walking Through the Repair Process at Zimbrick
Preliminary Estimate and Approval
Our technicians perform a visual inspection of the damage, while we also gather relevant customer and vehicle information. Once our findings are entered into a computer, a preliminary cost estimate is produced.
After the preliminary estimate is completed and we determine that your vehicle can be repaired, we’ll move forward with your authorization. Your insurer may also need to agree to the estimate.
Schedule the Repair
Based on the preliminary estimate, an initial parts order is placed while we schedule an appointment for the work to be made.
Break It Down
Our repair technicians will disassemble the areas where your vehicle needs work. At this time, they will document any previously undiscovered damage and add it to the preliminary estimate. We will contact you, and your insurance provider if needed, to approve the new repairs.
Structural and Body Repairs
Using OEM-approved tools and equipment, our technicians will measure and return your vehicle to the manufacturer-specified dimensions. 70% of vehicles suffering collision damage show some signs of structural misalignment, which is why diagnosing and repairing the structure is vital to ensuring safety.
Depending on the extent of the damage to the body of your car, truck, or SUV, the body repair step is when we straighten or replace exterior panels. Each panel is carefully aligned and fitted to ensure everything looks just right.
Paint
Getting your vehicle to look just right is crucial to the repair process. Our technicians carefully prep, prime, and seal each panel before applying the eco-friendly waterborne color and polyurethane clear coat. We precisely mix each color in order to deliver a picture-perfect match.
Reassembly
During the reassembly phase, everything is inspected and adjusted, so your vehicle is returned to its pre-accident condition.
Among the services conducted during the reassembly phase include:
- Installation of lights, moldings, trim, and hardware
- Electrical and mechanical systems checks
- Wheel alignments
- Air conditioning recharges
- Road test
Detailing
Every vehicle we service receives a wash, vacuum, paint inspection, and a polish if necessary.
Delivery
When you return to one of our Zimbrick Body Shops to pick up your vehicle, we’ll sit down and explain the bill, show the completion of the repair work, and collect payment.
Turn to the Zimbrick Body Shops for Auto Body Repair Near Madison, WI
With 4 locations, there is a Zimbrick Body Shop nearby to handle your collision repair. Contact us today to schedule service.
Life is full of unpredictable moments. When an accident or collision leaves your vehicle in need of serious repairs, you need someone you can trust.
At Zimbrick Body Shops, we’re proud to be there for you. The certified technicians and courteous staff members at any one of our four body shops around Madison, Wisconsin, work to make your experience easy and stress-free. Our technicians are equipped with the tools and expertise to complete any and all vehicle restorations and repairs.
Collision and Glass Repair Services at Zimbrick Body Shops
Collision Repairs and Restorations
In the event that an accident leaves your vehicle severely damaged, we offer the certified collision repair services to get your car, truck, or SUV looking as good as new. From bumper-to-bumper accidents to full-on collisions, our experts can handle a range of car accident repairs.
We begin the process by inspecting your vehicle and proposing a preliminary repair estimate. After finalizing the details and scheduling an appointment, we’ll order the necessary parts to restore your car. Our technicians will disassemble your car and perform the structural and body repairs to get your car back to its original condition. We’ll then paint and detail your vehicle before sending you back out on the road.
Windshield and Glass
Whether a small pebble left a crack or a fallen tree limb completely destroyed your windshield, you’re going to need the specialized services to fix or replace the glass. Our technicians can perform the auto glass replacement services to fix your front or rear windshield, rearview mirrors, and door windows. Even the most minor chips can lead to serious damages, so it’s important to schedule your appointment to get the glass fixed.
Dings and Dents
Though dents can result from a range of scenarios, they all have something in common: they’re aesthetically displeasing and often unpredictable. To remove dents large and small from the body of your vehicle, don’t trust DIY tips or videos online. Let the experts at our body shops get the job done. After an appointment for car dent removal service, your car will be looking smooth and dent-free.
Scuffs and Scratches
Like dents, paint chips and other structural damages can leave your car looking rough around the edges. Our technicians can perform the car painting services to fix the scuffs and get your vehicle looking brand new.
Seek Vehicle Repair Services in Madison, WI
For vehicle accidents big and small, the technicians at Zimbrick Body Shops are here to help. Find your nearest Zimbrick Body Shop location to schedule an appointment today.
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