Hi guys - apologies for rather ambigious topic title! couldn't seem to find a dscriptive and concise way to explain my query

Frontal impact speeds - what sort of collision speeds can our cars handle before there is permanent damage. Car is a 1990 GTA (85-90 styling).

The front bumper seems quite flexible and I know newer cars have bumpers designed to absorb impact and flex right back out - i.e. without and permanent deformation. My query also extends to things underneath the hood and really the whole car from a frontal impact. Especially as third gens seem a bit delicate in regards to chassis tweaking

Reason i ask is a recent knock - totally the other guys fault (he drove into me on my side of the friggin' road!) and whilst this guy deserves the book being thrown at him, I absolutely know the right thing to do is only claim for actual damage caused by him. - Impact was direct front, I estimate c.10mph. Paint chipped off point of front bumper at impact point.

I'm in the UK and the damage assessors will be clueless about my car so I'd be grateful for your guys' input to direct them to areas to check

thanks

 

It doesn't take a lot to permanently distort the shock absorbing structure on the bumper bar. Also check the frame mounts there. There could be a lot of nasty hiding under there.

 

I punted a girl in a toyota at a good 10MPH and it didn't do anything to either car, it was wet out and she looked to be going for the light then stopped short on me.

 

yeah think it must be the angle of impact - popped the bonnet and the metal piece between the front bumper and panel to which the radiator is bolted looks fine - this is cursory and I will get it checked out properly

also noticed my front left wheel is grazed (along with the tyre) - man! those rimless were kerb damage free!