Rear ended; frame bent

Just read your new post and from what I can gather it sounds like your truck should probably be totaled.

 

As I said before, time to seek legal counsel and determine your way through the system...

 

I got to this post late; but I will add real life experience.

The mere presence of frame damage does not total a vehicle. Any reputable body shop that expects to get any insurance work will have an up to date modern frame machine. The frames, on today's vehicles are not the massive solid looking hunks on metal that we used to see. The frames are meant to give a little "crush".

Further more, the frames have to be in alignment to hang the outside body pieces on correctly and also, to make sure the wheels are in alignment.

If the total damage estimate exceeds a certain $$$$ amount, according to whatever insurance company; that is when the vehicle will be totaled.

The normal insurance policies, (not counting collector car insurance); don't figure in any sentimental value. If the damage reaches or exceeds that magic $$$$ number; that is when it will be totaled; and you will be given the value of the vehicle at that time. "The value of the vehicle at the time of the accident", remember that phrase. Your add on items, (lift, extra electronic equipment, aftermarket wheels, custom paint, etc, etc) don't usually count, in the value, BUT you can argue about that. You may influence them. But sentimental value, will only make you sick by arguing.

They make Tacoma's every day, You may have had a nice one; but it may be time to move on.

And to answer the post as to, the accident history. If it was towed from the scene, for sure and maybe other cases; the CarFax will follow that vehicle. Any dealer worth their money; will question that accident at trade-in time. Sorry, but that is a tool they use to quote a price on your trade-in.

oldracer

 

Thanks everyone for your kindly replies.

I think, in the end, it will simply come down to money. The truck is 13 years old. Yes, it's been well cared for, well maintained, and babied, but it does have 136,000 miles and bluebooks for around $5,700. I don't know how much it will cost to fix the damage, but they might not want to deal with it. If it costs more to fix than it's work I know what the answer will be. It's upsetting that a driver who was NOT paying attention has started such a domino effect of stress, headache, and financial loss, not to mention the physical injuries of my back, which thankfully are feeling a bit better every day but still hurts.

I will most likely buy another Toyota truck, because I am a Toyota fan. But I just didn't need to be going through this now.

I found this thread the other night when I was doing some research on frame damage. The original poster's truck was much newer and worth a great deal more than mine, so I can see why more was done on repairs.

I have never seen this website before. Is it primarily for 4x4 enthusiasts?

Thanks again for your advice.

ONT-

 

Not really just for 4x4, but taco do so well off road and there is so much aftermarket support...

Best of luck in getting satisfaction out of this mess.

Howard

 

I am finally able to bend enough to use my camera. I shot some pics, though I probably shouldn't have because now my back hurts, but I wanted to have some good photos for myself. These were shot with a Nikon D300 and two different lenses; a 20 mm f/2.8 wide angle, and a 105 f/2.8 macro telephoto. I shot detail images of the bent frame, the way the receiver hitch was forced into the spare tire, and the missing paint/dents at the rear of the cab where the bed hit. Also, wide angle shots to show perspective, plus shots of the end of the hitch where the force of the impact sheered of the bottom of the nut that holds down the trailer ball.

 

If book is only $5700 I'm going to guess insurance will likely total.

 

My thoughts exactly. I think it would cost more to repair than it is worth. Any ideas (anyone) what the repair bill would be in this case?