What term is used to describe crash damage apart from direct impact caused by bending or twisting?

The term "induced damage" accurately describes the type of crash damage that occurs apart from the direct impact, particularly as a result of bending or twisting forces applied to a vehicle during a collision. Induced damage refers to the structural or mechanical changes that arise not from the point of contact in the crash, but rather as a consequence of the physical forces that affect the vehicle’s components and systems as it absorbs the impact.

For instance, when a vehicle is struck, the immediate crumpling at the site of impact represents primary damage; however, the additional strain on other parts of the vehicle—such as misaligned frames, damage to electrical wiring, or issues in suspension systems—constitutes induced damage. This term highlights the broader implications of a crash, illustrating how interconnected the various components of a vehicle are and how one initial impact can lead to cascading issues.

In contrast, other terms like primary damage refers to the immediate damage caused directly by the collision, secondary damage is often viewed within the context of subsequent issues arising from an initial event, and collateral damage tends to describe unintended damage inflicted on other entities rather than structural changes to the vehicle itself. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurately assessing vehicle damage and the overall safety implications in the realm of law