Ok, I was getting gas today and so girl with a older flatbed truck with bad brakes backed into me. . . The accident wan't more that 5 MPH, but I was still wondering what things I wouldn't notice. . . Most of the damage is to the license plate, there are a couple scratches on the bumper, but with all the pits due to rocks, it really isn't noticeable. I was just not going to bother with the hassle of insurance as I don't think it is worth it, but I was wondering if there is anything hidden I should look out for? BTW the lights all work correctly and are not cracked.

 

IIRC, 4th gen Maxima's are one of the best rated cars on 5mph crash tests. Do a close visual inspection underneath, inside, around the grill and fender-to-bumper skin seam. Bump it in several places with your knee to see if anything rattles or is loose. If it all looks o.k. on the outside, you're probably fine.

 

happened to me...painted chipped..no big deal..

dont even bother with insurance..

 

Depends on what year you have. If you have a 95-96 you're in bad shape. If you're in a 97-99, the structure was redesigned. Check it out.


http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle%5Fr...html/95012.htm

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle%5Fr...html/97024.htm

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle%5Fr...eed_midmod.htm

 

ONLY 97+ are good in 5mph collissions.

 

the bumper reinforcement could be bent. would have to remove the bumper 2 know

 

The first two links you posted are for 40mph crash tests and the third only shows a '98 and a '00 in 5mph bumper tests. I don't think you can assume that a '95 will do worse in a 5mph test because it did worse in a 40mph test.

 

There is a reference to the 5 MPH pole vs. bumper test in the middle of the page under this picture
The quote for the picture states,"BOTTOM RIGHT: Rear bumpers on 1995-96 models allowed more than $2,000 damage in a 5 mph pole impact (left). Bumpers on 1997-99s are much improved. They allowed little damage in the same test (right)."

 

My bad, I missed it.

 

Your bumber SHOULD be fine, but get it inspected nonetheless.

If per chance a rod inside was bent, it could screw you later.