Taco Flavored Kisses (Tacoma collision)

So my baby was in an collision today. The driver in front pulled over to the side of the road, then suddenly pulled out in front to perform an illegal U-Turn with no signal. Classy. My insurance is AAA, other driver is packing Geico. Since the other driver was performing an illegal turn, she has decided to lie about what happened and has created a dispute of facts in the case. Now I'm stuck with no rental car for the time being. The Geico rep threw in the T word and said that she might have to be totaled because, "the wheels now point in different directs...", there's damage to both front fenders, grill and hood, and because she's a 2002. I asked what 2002 has to do with anything and he said she's "OLD"!

I don't see how it could be considered totaled, but just in case, I've already looked into getting replacement vehicle and <sarcasm>surprise, surprise, there are none in the area. Seriously, who'd have guessed that one would be unable to find a TRD SR5 4X4 Double Cab Tacoma readily available on the market; blacked out and modded even?</sarcasm>

Anyways, here are some pics, feel free to post any advice, I already have taken pictures of the crime scene to counter the woman's claim that she was merely making a turn into a driveway. Satellite imagery clearly shows that the only drive way at the scene was on the opposite side of the road, if she was in fact turning that way then why did she feel the need to pull over to the right side of the lane and hug the curb before turning left?

The truck is paid off and another just like it can easily cost $17k street value. KBB and NADA are closer to $10K. So far the only option is a 2003 4x4 Double Cab with an ARB bumper... which reminds me, this collision took place under 15MPH, had I had a heavy aftermarket bumper, would the truck have fared better or worse? My truck, of course.

I just want my baby back on the road, but if for some crazy reason they offer to buy me out, let me know what I ought to do. Like I said, finding an identical replacement is rather difficult.

 

TACO TACO

Sorry to hear about the accident. Atleast you walked away! Best of luck man!

 

If they do total it buy it back your truck doesn't look too bad and turn just piece it back together

 

I use a dashboard mount to put my phone on for using google maps (I just moved to a new part of the country and don't know where anything is). Anyway, I was looking into ways to use my phone as a dash cam for just this sort of situation.

 

No way that's totaled unless there's serious frame damage that we can't see.

Back in 09, they did about $5500 worth of work on my 99 single cab.

I doubt you have that much damage. Don't sweat it, OP.

 

For what its worth, if the vehicle is 5 years or older they will likely total a vehicle because its not cost effective to repair it. In other words, we're all screwed.

 

Read my post directly above yours.

With the residual value of Tacomas, and Toyotas in general, that really doesn't apply to us.

 

I got into an accident about 4 weeks ago in my 2009 double cab whole front clip pass door pass rear cab corner and a bunch of other crap and insurance didn't blink an eye at fixing it

 

if I was you id take it in to a private shop and have an estimate made. But if they offer to buy you out you should go for it and use the money as a downpayment on a newer Tacoma. An early second Gen 05-09 double cab TRD off road 4x4 is right around $20,000 my friend bought an 05 for just over 19 and loves it.

 

I just realized that the majority of the damage was done to the other vehicle with my tire. Sure enough, it's covered in gold paint. For whatever reason, I find this impressive. Also, AAA Insurance is really being awesome throughout the whole case. The Geico side was less than impressive. Also, my rep said that when they cut me a check for the repairs, I can spend it on stock components, or aftermarket components. So....Any recommendations for: fenders, bumper, hood, rims, grille, etc? I'd love to get long travel ready flared fenders, but I don't know if I'll be able to upgrade my suspension anytime in the near future, and would hate to drive around looking like a tool in the meantime.

 

Can't see from pictures you posted how your truck would not be easily repairable.

 

If possible, obtain at least 2+ estimates for the damages. It really doesn't look that bad in the pictures, but depending on how the adverse party's insurance sees things, it might be more cost effective to total it.

Also, regarding the fact that tacomas hold a street value that is typically better than KBB or NADA, be sure to search your region's classifieds and print out ads that have a similiar year/make/model. This will help to prove that the ACV (actual cash value/market value) is higher than book. The more you can find and compare the better.

If it does get considered totaled, and if you're up for it, you could buy it back and repair it yourself for cheap. The only issue then is that you'll have a salvaged title which an hurt the resale value.

One more thing to consider, if the adverse party's insurance company is trying to low ball you and your insurance company is offering a more fair value, settle through your own insurance and they pursue the other party legally to collect your deductible back. Also, I'd the other party is found to be at fault, it most likely won't affect your policy and increase your rates.

I'm an insurance adjuster so I see this often. Good luck and hope it all works out!

 

Let them buy you out. Buy the "totaled" truck back, fix it, mod it some.
Rest of the money down on a new one. This way you can have a truck to beat on off-road.

 

I can't imagine they'd total it from that, but I don't blame you for worrying. When I had my accident they were throwing around the T word too. I didn't have near the same damage and mine was over $3k to repair. My tailgate was a little dented and the bed flexed into the cab which dented it and chipped the paint.

IMO you would have definitely fared better with an aftermarket bumper because they are a lot stronger.

The ford I demolished


My tailgate a little dinged.


And then the small cab damage. It was a four car accident as I was car number 2 in the line. I guarantee you my bed would have been demolished and probably bent my frame had I not had that bumper.

And if thy do total yours, I'd buy it back. If the suspension is THAT messed up just get it SASd!

 

Yes accidents suck, and there are a lot of idot drivers on the road. But at least you are ok. Now let a old man who has been through this before, ( not my fault) give you a few words.
1. for your own memory write every thing down that happened.
2. if you can go back and take pics of the accident location. don't depend on the insurance squirts to go out and take good pics.
3. This might sound crazy, but witnesses are important, place a ad on craigslist to see if anyone saw her u-turn.
4, to protect yourself, consult a lawyer. These tips are from my mom who still works, and she has been writing insurance for 35 years. insurance company's lookout for themselves first.

 

I've been collecting online ads of similar double cabs for value reference should it come down to it. I still can't get over how rare these trucks are on the market. Makes me want to hold onto mine that much more. Also, my friend was in a collision today. He had to slam on his brakes while on the 10, got rear ended, then slammed into the car in front of him. Not a good week I suppose... Him and his "girlfriend" walked away from it though.


Before I forget, Which aftermarket bumpers would y'all recommend? I've always had my eye on the ARB front end, but I'm worried it could make the vehicle too front heavy....

Regarding fenders... I found these http://www.mcneilracinginc.com/off-road-fiberglass/toyota/tacoma/2001-2004-tacoma/

I've no experience with aftermarket body kits, what would be a good way to go with the front fenders to allow more clearance for either larger tires and or suspension travel?

 

If it comes down to a fight, were there any businesses in the area, I was recently in an accident and the shopping center had cameras that showed the whole thing

Good luck, and keep fighting

 

Residential street just south of an elementary school. A cop took record of everything that happened, hopefully his notes are well taken and everything works out. She says she was pulling into a driveway, but if that were the case, why pull all the way to the right side of the road to turn left? My insurance rep says things look good in my favor, so I just gotta keep my hopes high.

In the meantime I'm researching fenders and front bumpers to be installed in place of the smashed stock items. I've been seeing members with the Elite bumber and am sort of liking its seemingly desert/crawler hybrid design. I should probably post my tires and see if that helps in choosing some aftermarket fenders, especially if I ever plan to get larger tires (likely) or a long travel suspension (not as likely, but hopeful depending on future financial situation).

 

That sucks man! I remember my friend had gotten hit by a driver that lost control due to heavy rain. My friend had a 00 Camry and the other driver had a Corolla. They guy hit the back of my friend. The entire front end of the guy's car was smashed including the windshield and the bumper was sitting in front of the car. From being hit, my friend's car ended up clipping an Avalanche. Most damage to my friend's car was from the hit with the Avalanche. His back bumper only had scratches and some dents and they considered it totaled. Worked out in his favor lol. Now he has an 03 Jeep Liberty. Accidents can be very tricky to deal with at times

 

What he said. I've been an adjuster for 20 + years. BTW... tyically if the damages are 70% of the value of a vehicle they will total it.