Crashed: What should I do?

I love the dash cam comments.. not really going to help homie out now. It’s like if you get your bike stolen and ppl say well should of got more or better locks.
Dash cams are cool but we’re not in Russia..

im interested to see what’s in back of that wheel though so you know if it’s worth fixing or not.

 

Wasn’t a proposal for a solution to the current situation.

It was a PSA for anyone/everyone else reading this thread.

 

Yep. Seems like a no-brainer if the frame is straight. I see it needing a new door, fender, and what ever in the front suspension that broke. Could be some things that need tweaking, but probably not too bad.

 

Would definitely help homie out proving who was acutally at fault would it not?

 

Not after the fact.

 

sounds like its time for your insurance to step it up... even with "only" collisions insurance. or a lawyer

 

I'm surprised it's not a 50/50. Not surprised your insurance isn't helping if you only have liability.
Look into filing a complaint with the state department on insurance. I've done it twice and both times it helped. It's free and companies don't like being investigated by the state.
Is the other driver/insurance going after your insurance. If there not, that's surprising and they might not have much of a case against you, so probably should be 50/50. They are just banking on you not having the means to fight.

I got a dash cam after my first accident that turned into a he said/she said. Saved me a few times since then.

 

Is there a Police Report on file? If so, and it shows you are not at fault, I would make sure the other
drivers Insurance Company is provided a copy. Or, sue the other party yourself. (Suggestion coming from a 10 year Insurance Agent-retired)

 

What the f*** is that supposed to mean? Are you implying the dash cam should have jumped off the dash dove out the window into the other car and stopped the driver from side swiping him? Because short of that all the dash cam is good for is after the fact.

 

This is why I have a dash cam.
Maybe your word against mine, but I'm bringing evidence.

You just lost way more than a $300 camera would cost and that's an expensive system. They can be had for less.

Get an attorney. See if you can pay them to send one threatening letter. Sometimes that's all it takes to get the other side to fold like a cheap suit.
If they push back then you have to decide - easier to take your losses or take them to court.

 

Unfortunately, based on that statement you will have a uphill battle. With out evidence (video, witnesses, etc) it will be very difficult to establish speeding or erratic driving. Since you where changing lanes and the damage is mid-cab+forward then their car was next to you during the moment of impact. Best you could try for is 50/50, but they won't budge unless have have something to loose (legal costs, time, etc) and that will only come from threat of legal action (you or your insurance) or some sort of investigation.
Insurance will fight only to get their money back if they pay you (full coverage), if they don't pay you they won't go to fight. Had accident like that years ago.

 

OP sorry about your truck


To the get a police report comments. You'd be shocked to see how many police reports are
A: pure garbage
B: don't actually show fault or say based on conflicting statements and no witnesses unable to determine fault.
C: have missing or wrong info
D: depending on jurisdiction take months or year to get completed and still may not provide the answer you seek.

To the get a lawyer comments. Lawyers can't force the other parties carrier to accept liability( assuming it is a word vs word dispute such as both saying the other person ran the red light or stop sign with no independent evidence) . The other person's insurance sure as heck isn't going to take the claimants side over their insured without supporting evidence. In addition they generally don't take property damage only claims due to the $ amounts involved vs BI claims.

To the DOI complaint comment that won't get them to change liability(assuming the adjuster completed a proper investigation and it is truly a word vs word)
OP would just get a politely worded F off letter in return.

Crapy situation always hate word vs word claims especially when 1 person doesn't carry 1st party. I know at least one is lying but without supporting evidence I'm supporting the insured 100% of the time. Give me actual evidence support and I'd flip it in a heartbeat.


Definitely agree that functioning front and rear dash cameras are the only really viable solution here but that doesn't help now.

 

I had a similar-ish accident. Despite the front/rear camera the other insurance ruled it 50/50. After the DOI complaint they kept the 50/50 but payed for all damages.

 

i've had the labiality/Collison insurance and even when it was not my faults they still fought- Ive had gecko, and progressive and liberty.
yeah dash cams diffinetly help even when not pointed at the impact spot- it can show how the rig was being driven prior to the accident. and sometime catch a glimpse of the other car.

 

You should mail me the seats... how much?

 

[QUOTE="TLyons23, post: 29408398, member: 81462
Should I just sell it as is?QUOTE]

• To sell, you need to establish what it is worth to you and then to a buyers market. You won't know unless you understand the cost to repair. Get and estimate!

How much do you think I can get?

• Second most important question once you know how much the damage will cost to repair. Get and estimate!

Should I fix it? I'm thinking you are a young of fairly young guy. Once you weed through all the BS you came to the right place. People on this site know the value of what you have. Getting the answers you need isn't always easy or fun.

• If it is fixable, I definitely would unless I were to find out the cost to repair, and then I determine if I can or can't replace it for the same or less money. Keep in mind, it looks like you had a nice truck and the mileage is nothing for a Tacoma. Did it run well? Did it ever leave you on the side of the road? Are you nervous about more rust after you fixed the frame? Determine if you want the hassle to fix it or the hassle of selling a broken truck and replacing it.
• If it were my 1st Gen Tacoma and I was happy with it before it got trashed and it made financial sense to fix it, I'd WANT to fix it.
• Don't feel bad about doing what makes sense; feel bad about not making an informed decision.
• "It doesnt need to be showroom quality, just drivable again" Good point if that is what YOU think. If it was fixed "right" and you just need transportation and it makes sense, find out what it may be worth looking like what it appears to be, a well cared for Tacoma with the rust taken care of. I'd be careful to look at the rust over the rear wheel in the picture. Ask people on this site where you should look for sheet metal rust damage.
• Thoughts? You were bright enough to ask for opinions of otherwise disinterested 3rd parties. Be bright enough to put yourself first and do your homework.

A vehicle is an investment. It may not be a good one but you have a Tacoma so it's better than money spent on most "transportation". Take advantage of the fact that it was a nice Tacoma and find out if it is worth making it a nice Tacoma again. Best of luck with whatever you decide as long as you don't quit on yourself

 

Keep your knickers on. I was simply pointing out that based on the post I quoted, buying a dash cam now, after the accident, wouldn't help 'homie', the OP, out any. The damage is done.

I made no reference to how dash cams can help, if you have one during an accident. Of course they would.

 

Not to be a Tesla putz...my wife's Model 3 has a continuous Dash Cam feature and a "Sentry Mode" to record the goings on around her Model 3 when it's parked. The Sentry Mode flashes the lights and gives audible warnings
if someone is getting too close or bumping her car when it's parked. This feature will also send her alerts on her cell phone if there's something up she need to be aware of. The Tesla has 8 cameras.
I have a buddy whose Tesla was backed into and the driver took off after causing damage-he got busted for hit and run. My 06 Tacoma just sort of sits there looking good!

 

I think this has been one of the more valuable posts, thank you.
The insurance thing sucks, but I have moved on... for now.
The truck was running well before the crash, and I had recently done some work to it and put on new tires.
It is funny how non-taco people look at an '03 truck just as being a junky old truck.
I know coming here, people are into their tacos and see the value in fixing a 20 year old truck.
I think its worth fixing, worst case if I put in some money, fix what I can, and then sell it.

 

I would still contact my insurance to get them involved. You would be surprised how quick the other insurance company will change their tune when you get your company involved even if it is "he said, she said" stuff like what you ran into. I ran into similar issue with 99 Tacoma vs Prius. I tried working through their insurance company initially when they claimed he changed his story. I told them, you can deal with my insurance company from here on. Within a week, my side was wrapped up. Granted, I lost a turn signal and the Prius got a bit more damage

As for whether to repair or not, another guy nailed it; analyze what it costs to repair vs price of selling/parting out and what can you get for similar price. I would venture you couldn't touch repairing it vs part out/sell and buy something else. Also, how much work are you planning on doing vs farming out?

I ALWAYS laugh at people who try the "the cost of <fill in repair> is worth more than the car". What are you going to buy that is similar for the cost of repair plus what you got for the car?

FWIW, Jan 1 this year, my 02 Taco dropped the passenger side suspension I paid a shop about $1500 to replace parts(ball joints, CV) I had a deer nail driver side fender/door last month. I'm pricing used doors and it will be around $300-$600. I will do the install myself. New fenders of unknown quality are about $60ea on Rockauto. No idea on how much shooting new paint on it. I'm not sure if the extra cab damage will drive you nuts... mine has a mild dent from when I bought it so I don't care.