Is a Damaged Left Front Wheel Considered a Major Accident?
2 Answers
No, a major accident generally refers to damage to metal parts, typically the vehicle body, such as deformation of metal components due to frontal impact or bending of the hood. Below is relevant information about accident vehicles: 1. Definition of an Accident Vehicle: It refers to a vehicle that has suffered damage from non-natural wear and tear accidents, resulting in decreased mechanical performance and economic value. Generally, these are vehicles with structural damage, where the performance is inferior to before. An accident itself indicates issues with the vehicle, and driving such a car may pose safety hazards. 2. Identification Methods: Examine the exterior, check the lights, review insurance records, and inspect the interior.
Having driven for over 30 years and experienced various collisions, whether a damaged left front wheel counts as a major accident depends on the situation. If it's just a punctured tire or scratched rim, replacing it with a spare usually solves the problem, and it's generally not considered a major accident since no critical components were affected. However, if the damage extends to the tie rod or suspension arm, the issue becomes serious—you'll feel strong steering wheel vibrations while driving, and high-speed cornering could lead to loss of control and severe accidents. In accident records, this often relates to repair costs: if total repairs exceed 30% of the vehicle's value, insurers classify it as a major accident, impacting resale value. My advice is to stop immediately after a collision, get the chassis inspected by professionals, prioritize safety, and avoid risking further driving—otherwise, a minor issue could escalate into a disaster.
