Rear Ended. Need to worry about frame?

Just got rear ended. Her car seems a lot worse. The only damage I could see is L scuffed tow hitch. Bent trailer hookup and broken connector. Tweaked rear bumper.

In cases like this does the rear tow hitch getting hit cause the frame to bend?

 

Perfect opportunity to get armor for the rear?

 

Well, your trailer hitch IS connected to the frame, so it is possible to have some frame damage. BUT...that POS car that hit you may not have had enough inertia to cause frame damage.

Had almost the same situation way back with my S10 Blazer. Car that hit me was damaged pretty much the same as the one that hit you, but my car only had a scratched bumper. Took the other driver's insurance check, cashed it, and went out for a good time.

 

A shop told me that there's no quick/easy way to check frame alignment. It involves taking bumpers off etc. Is that true?

 

I also think most of the impact went under the car since my car is lighted rather than straight on. My hitch crumpled the alum hood is that I'm guessing.

 

I think cause my truck is lifted and her car is low and small, it caused minimal damage. Same thing happened a few months back but parking lot speeds and my car was 100% fine and the lady needed new hood.

 

If it's her fault, why not get it checked out while her insurance will pay?

 

Oh I will.

 

Looks like a tacoma WIN on that deal!

 

No, because taking the rear bumper/hitch off will cause the frame rails to flay open slightly. All-Pro's instructions for bumper replacement actually tells you to tie the frame rails together with ratchet straps before removing the stock bumper.

Just take the truck to a good collision shop. The frame has designed-in crumple zones to protect your spine in high-energy collisions. Shouldn't be difficult to see if there's frame damage by simple visual inspection.

 

I am going to get it checked. I was just saying I think the lift helped avoid a lot of damage.

 

Got it checked out. Frame is fine. Damn these Tacomas are tough.

 

Got hit exactly the same way, scuffs on bumper and took off the trailer wire connector. Was inspected by Toyota and no frame damage. The Pontiac SUV didn't fare as well. His hood scratched the tailgate just a hair on the bottom.