What type of damage is referred to as a result of the vehicle's structural changes during a crash?

Induced damage refers to the type of damage that occurs as a result of a vehicle's structural changes during a crash. When a vehicle experiences a collision, the forces involved can cause deformation in various structural components. This deformation can lead to secondary damages that are not a direct result of the contact with another object but rather the changes in shape and structure of the vehicle itself.

For instance, when the frame of a vehicle bends, it can create tensions and stresses in adjacent parts, resulting in cracks or other forms of damage even in areas not directly impacted. Understanding induced damage is crucial for assessing the overall integrity of the vehicle after an accident, as it can affect safety features, functionality, and further engineering assessments during repair.

In contrast, mechanical damage typically pertains to the failure of components due to their wear and tear or malfunctioning, impact damage focuses on the immediate physical damages done by the collision point directly, and deflection damage relates more to changes where the vehicle materials are bent or flexed without structural failure.