Expert: Mike Potter - 1/4/2008

Question
This woman alleges I backed into the side of her Scion XB but there is no damage claim or evidence of an impact anywhere and she is claiming an injury to her back.  What kind of force is needed to dage the side of this car?  Wouldn't it show some damge if it were hit at all?  I understand the front and rear are designed to absord impact, but are the side panels?

Answer
The side panels are metal and would show damage. Front and rear, with a direct hit, would take quite a hit and not visibly show damage, I have seen these plastic bumpers pop back out when there is frame damage. Even if she has plastic cladding over her side panels, you should see damage to the side somewhere, The sides are soft and not rigid like the front and back.
                         Good Luck