Why Does My Car Pull to One Side After an Accident?

If your car pulls to one side after an accident, it's a clear sign that something is wrong with your vehicle's alignment, suspension, or steering components. This pulling sensation occurs when your wheels are no longer pointing in the same direction or when uneven forces affect your car's tracking. Don't ignore this problem—it's both a safety hazard and can lead to expensive tire wear and additional mechanical damage.

What Causes Car Pulling After an Accident?

Wheel Alignment Issues

The most common cause of post-accident pulling is misaligned wheels. Even a minor collision can knock your wheels out of their proper angles, causing your car to drift toward one side.

Suspension System Damage

Your car's suspension system includes struts, shocks, control arms, and springs that keep your wheels properly positioned. An accident can bend or damage these parts, creating uneven weight distribution and causing pulling.

Frame or Structural Damage

More serious accidents can cause frame damage that affects your vehicle's entire structure. When the frame is bent, it changes how your wheels sit on the road, leading to persistent pulling that won't be fixed by simple alignment adjustments.

Tire and Wheel Damage

Accidents can cause flat spots on tires, uneven tire pressure, bent wheels, or mismatched tire sizes—all of which contribute to pulling.

Brake System Problems

Damaged brake components can cause pulling, especially during braking. If one brake applies more pressure than the other, your car will pull toward the side with the stronger brake.

Why Car Pulling Is Dangerous

Car pulling after an accident should never be ignored:

• Difficulty maintaining control, especially at highway speeds

• Increased risk of accidents, particularly in wet conditions

• Longer stopping distances and unpredictable braking

• Driver fatigue from constantly correcting steering

• Rapid, uneven tire wear

• Additional stress on steering and suspension components

When to Seek Professional Help

You should have your vehicle inspected immediately if you notice pulling after any accident, no matter how minor. At Collision Buddy in Woodland Hills, our certified technicians use advanced diagnostic equipment to identify the exact cause of pulling issues.

Seek immediate inspection if:

• The pulling is severe or getting worse

• You feel vibration in the steering wheel

• Your car pulls when driving straight on level road

• The steering wheel is off-center when driving straight

• You notice uneven tire wear patterns

Professional Diagnosis Process

At Collision Buddy, our diagnostic process includes:

Visual Inspection: Examining for bent wheels, uneven tire wear, visible suspension damage, and frame alignment issues.

Alignment Check: Using computerized equipment to measure wheel angles including camber, caster, and toe.

System Testing: Comprehensive inspection of suspension components, brake system, steering system, and frame integrity.

Common Repair Solutions

Depending on the diagnosis, repairs might include:

• Wheel alignment adjustments

• Suspension component replacement

• Brake system repairs

• Frame straightening with specialized equipment

• Tire replacement with properly matched tires

Why Choose Collision Buddy for Collision Repair

At Collision Buddy, we've been serving the Woodland Hills, Tarzana, and Calabasas communities since 1957. Our experience with post-accident repairs means we understand exactly what to look for when diagnosing pulling issues.

Our Advantages:

• State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment

• Certified technicians

• Manufacturer-certified parts and repairs

• Direct insurance billing and claims assistance

Don't Wait—Get Professional Help Today

If your car is pulling to one side after an accident, don't take chances with your safety. Contact Collision Buddy today for a comprehensive diagnostic inspection.

Contact Collision Buddy:

• Phone: 818-600-0106

• Location: 5339 Comercio Way, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

• Services: Walk-ins welcome, free towing available

Remember, addressing pulling issues promptly ensures your safety and prevents additional damage. Trust the experts at Collision Buddy to get your vehicle back to driving straight and safe.