Rear end collisions are one of the most common kinds of car accidents and they can cause extensive damage and injuries, both of which can be tough to spot immediately after the crash.

Always have your car checked for damage, even if you consider you crash to have been a minor one.

Look for gaps between panels

Body panels are not necessarily protective to your car and they can often hide damage. But if you notice dents or gaps, they can signal where that damage might be.

Look where two panels join together, either at the door or where one part connects to another. Is there a gap? Does the gap change size? If so, it could be a sign of damage to parts or to the vehicle frame.

Look at the parts in the undercarriage

One of the first signs of damage to the car is obvious cracks or broken parts in the undercarriage. Take a flashlight and look under your car or have a repair shop hoist it up for a better view.

An obvious sign of damage here is leaking fluids. If you’re not sure what’s leaking, don’t start your car.

Check the trunk seal

Even if your trunk appears normal after a rear end collision, it may not be. To check the seal, empty it and spray it with a hose or dump a bucket of water over it. If there is water in the trunk, the seal is broken and the trunk needs repaired.

Check your alignment

Alignment issues are one of the most obvious issues following a collision. If your car handles differently or is difficult to steer, have your alignment checked.

Pay attention to your transmission

There are three main signs of transmission issues:

● Struggling to accelerate
● Leaking transmission fluid, and
● Slipping gears when shifting.

Transmission problems are more common in rear wheel and all wheel drive cars following a rear end collision.