[_Microft]

This seems like something that could be detected while it’s happening (*). Maybe iPhones could warn users before lasting damage occurs?

(*) Edit: I was assuming that damage to the camera accumulates over time. If it happens on short time scales or as a single event as nicce's reply seems to suggest, this renders the notification idea moot ofcourse.

[nicce]

It is very likely that it is too late on that point. It might be hard to detect or pick up your phone from your pockets when driving. Even harder if it is on chassis somewhere.

[technoplato]

Could be interesting sci fi technology to “wrap” the sensitive parts in a shell kind of like a roly poly bug (it would have to be more than a wrap and more of securing foam that disappears, but interesting to ponder)

[HPsquared]

Simpler to have a little locking mechanism for when the camera isn't in use. Like the head parking "ramp" on some HDDs.