My rear left tire was hit and the back part of the tire looks like it's pushed in a little bit.?

Question

It's not very noticable unless you look closely.
Car is driveable, however i need to steer about 5 inches about 10'oclock to the left for my car to go straight. Do I need an alignment or is it something more serious?
(2005 Accord) and impact to tire was at about 10mph.
Thanks

Answer 1

Bobweb pretty much had the answer but in addition to his answer, I would say when the repair shop estimates the damage, whatever suspension parts are quoted, they should include a wheel bearing for that side in the estimate as it will likely be damaged, if not from the impact, it might from driving with bent suspension parts and may not be acting up or making noises right now but a month from now it probably will. Also, if you have to pay your deductible to your insurance company to get it fixed, if someone else is at fault, you should get your deductible back when they settle. The insurance company will probably want to charge you a "betterment" on the suspension parts which is a term used for replacing certain parts that normally wear out like bearings, tires, shocks, tierods, etc...You are getting new parts and they feel you should pay for a part of the repairs since they have some wear on them. Make sure you leave the claim open in case you have any trouble with something related to this in the near future that was not found the first time.

Answer 2

Sounds like you broke a belt in the tire so i would check it and may have bent the rim as well i would have both checked at a tire shop.
Any time you have a side impact it is a good idea to have the alignment checked on that Axel.
Good luck hope this helps

Answer 3

I'd definitely file an insurance claim with your agent regardless of who was at fault because collision damage can be much more extensive than it appears sometimes. In addition your agent will tell you what collision shop to go to and they are the best repair shop for determining collision damages. The rear wheel will probably need some components replaced for sure by the sounds of it before they can realign the car. You'll probably have to replace the tire also. Of course you would have to pay the deductible portion of your collision policy. If another driver was involved in the accident, your insurance company will negotiate with his insurance company on your behalf, and you should not talk to the other insurance company without going through your own agent.

Answer 4

sounds like you need an alignment --and in future a new tire