screeeeeeeech...boom

Happy Saturday afternoon to me...







The truck has 10,870 miles on it and just turned 7 months old. I was in the far right line in slow moving traffic to get off an exit and next thing I know I hear screeching tires and boom the rear drivers side of my truck got blasted by a Nissan Xterra. The air bags did not deploy and the truck took the impact very well. My girlfriend didn't even know we got hit she thought I ran over something. I was expecting much worse to be 100% honest. The front of the vehicle that hit me was demolished. She was going no less than 20 mph when she hit me. She almost missed me. Needless to say, my truck is in need of some body work.

This was my first accident, I'm 24 years old and the driver of the Xterra that hit me was ticketed. I already filed a claim to my insurance. The truck was drivable, I drove it 40 miles home from where I was. Drove straight and no noticeable vibrations. I had to sacrifice my rear driver's side mud flap.

From what I understand, the adjuster values the damage they cut a check to me and I follow suit by choosing a body shop. I am curious how you go about getting aftermarket parts out of the deal. I would love to get an aftermarket rear bumper. Below, is a list of the visibly damaged items.

-Rear Bumper
-Driver's side tail light
-Tailgate
-Driver's side bed panel
-Driver's side over fender extension
-Driver's side mudflap
-Driver's side rear wheel

Any idea of value of the damage and what I am estimated to get a check for?

I also have a complete Ultimate Lift Kit and new wheels/tires sitting at home waiting to be installed. I realize that since my suspension components seem fine that they won't be taking any of it apart. However, I wonder if I can get a break on having a body shop do the work.

I am interested in information on those who have been in accidents and needed replacement parts. Especially anyone that got aftermarket parts instead and how they went about doing so.

Thanks,

Jeff

 

If your insurance has you run around and give them estimates from shops around town, lets say they ask for 3. Go to ALL the shops and get quotes and then give them the 3 highest, rest of the money they give you can be spent on mods technically its not against the rules haha

 

I know you said that you drove it 40 miles without vibrations, but make sure they check the frame. That looks like a pretty hard impact.

 

Fiberglass bed sides are $500 per pair. You'll know how that compares to a single OEM bed side when you get estimates.

 

Ok thats 2 accidents posted here in 24 hrs. I say get off road bumper next you get a new bed .Make sure your frame is not bent I was hit from rear bumper took it all and bent fram that taco had 1100 miles on it,insurance co. totaled it and got a new one. My big question is was the other driver on the cell phone or texting,I money is on yes is the answer.

 

x2. And if the shops say that they should inspect the frame or suspension or will need to disassemble the rear end, see what they will charge you to put the lift on.

 

your gas tank door is open

 

I will definitely will make sure the frame is checked. I have a body shop in mind that has fixed a few cars for a friends family and they've been pleased with the results. I didn't get her story. I won't see the police report until Monday. She definitely wasn't paying attention.

I'm pretty bummed. It's my daily driver and I typically drive it 300 miles a week or more. My insurance has a rental program but from what I read it's still going to cost me some out of pocket expenses. I do have a second vehicle but it's a Mitsubishi Evolution and not exactly set up to be driven daily.

 

it popped open on impact. I was able to close it, but the bed side is creased right above the rear most corner of the gas tank door so it's not sitting flush.

 

time for a plated bumper so that wont happen again..

 

Depends on your insurance company. A lot of the time they'll work directly with the body shop you choose, some will guarantee some preferred shops work though (USAA for one).

Like everyone said though, make sure they verify the frame is straight, and have it fully inspected for any further hidden damage. Can't really tell with those pictures but did the bedside ram into the back of the cab? If so that'll rack up bodywork/paint alone.

Also if don't forget your diminished value money on top... it's not going to be worth the same as a vehicle never in a wreck. If your or their insurance company starts giving you the run around and trying to cut corners, tell them you believe them to not be acting in "good faith." Those are some key words to straighten them right up. Keep track of all people you deal with, names, contact info, dates and times. Hopefully you won't have a problem, but better to be prepared than not.

 

Thanks for the detailed information. Didn't think about the diminished valve aspect of things. The bedside did not come in contact with the cab. It doesn't even look like it was moved forward. I will specific that I want the truck checked for frame damage. I have a well respected and difficult to get insurance company (New Jersey Manufacturers.)

 

Her insurance will have to pay for you a rental. If you are willing and able to drive the Evo then you can just pocket the money that her insurance would have to pay for the rental.

 

You sound like your heading in the right direction.Reason I asked the phone question is I drive a semi and I look into alot of cars and thats all I see holding onto cell phone .Yesterday had a guy thats all I will say talking an phone go around my on the right no lane and cut my off,all the while talking on phone.This is the funny part I was able to get next to him both of us had window down,I asked where did you learn to drive My day was complete as he flipped my the bird and yelled F you,I laughed at him and told him you made my day complete.

 

man that really blows!

If it we're me (and it was me about 4 months ago ) i would bring it back to the dealer. less than 1 year old truck i'm sure you'll want all original toyota parts, ya never know what ol' jim bobs body shop is gonna use for parts and paint etc. sure you can shop it around and try for some cash for your pocket but i think having your truck fixed right should be your number one concern.

just my .02

 

in response to a couple of comments above...

you are not at fault she is. her insurance co is responsible for repairing your truck and suppling substitute transportation! call your insurance co and file a claim DO NOT speak with her insurance co let your's do that!

 

I've been told that the dealer is the last place I want to go. Anyone have any other input on taking it to a dealer versus a body shop?

 

if your dealer has a collision center this is were i would bring it if not i would find a dealer that does. they are going to have the most experience in repairing new Toyota's


again just my .02

PS.

take this list and at least quadruple it

 

x2 on the dealer.

 

I know this is after the fact, but you may want to look into an OEM only clause in the future. I have one on my policy I have am...costs me very little and I know I am guaranteed factory parts if I am in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.

My wife had an incident in her Camry this past winter and it was fixed with all Toyota parts. Even had the body shop put all the boxes/bags from the new parts in the trunk to verify when I picked it up!