A method for simulating deformation of a body element of a motor vehicle that occurs during an impact event includes providing a model of the body element that includes an initial load distribution pattern. A first simulation output is generated during a first portion of the impact event using the initial load distribution pattern and includes data indicative of the deformation of the body element. Whether a portion of the body element is in a failure condition is determined based on the first simulation output. If a failure condition is determined, the load distribution pattern of at least a portion of the body element is updated, and a second simulation output including data indicative of the deformation of the body during a second portion of the impact event is generated using the updated load distribution pattern.