Advice after accident

Last night an unlicensed 16 year old decided to take a drive and long story short, drove right into me (police report stated it was totally her fault). After meeting with the mechanic and going to get my stuff out of the truck, we discussed the damage and whether it was going to be totaled. Superficial inspection shows the drivers side tire and control arms were almost completely ripped off, damage to the door, bent the step bars, and probably will need a new frame (bent). Aftermarket wheels (that are on 6 month back order) were both bent and the drive shaft fell off and was on the floor. The mechanic said that another tacoma with similar damage came through the shop but wasn't totaled because of the crazy market leading insurance companies to rather fix it then give out the money for a new one. He also said its a minimum of 1.5 month wait for toyota to even build the new frame and send it out so its going to be a while before I get the car back if they decide to fix it.

This sucks cause if I ever want to trade this in, this will obviously be on the carfax. Additionally, I'm wondering if collision repair shops are usually good at finding all the damage and making the car as good as new or am I in for a life long journey of problems popping up and a higher chance for a much shorter life span then a usual tacoma. I will say that the shop it is at is very reputable and the best in my county; but no one is perfect.

So has anyone ever experienced something similar and have any advice? Is there a way I can argue to get it totaled and if so is it better to go this route?

 

Total it. You don’t want that truck back. I had my 2017 stolen and crashed into the LA River. Even though the cops found it upside down with three wheels - insurance tried to repair it with “Like Kind Parts”. I argued that my fam would never feel safe in it again - and they agreed and totaled it. You have a great argument to never want that truck back. I’d use it.

Sorry that happened. It sucks.

 

Year and mileage? Also what trim?... Glad you're okay. That's what matters most.

 

Best case worst case. Maybe they will tow in wrecked BEV drop it next to your truck, and hope for the worst. Or better yet ins says it's totaled.

 

its a 2021 with 26,000 miles. I bought it last September. It is a TRDOR DCLB with premium package. I also re-did the suspension (Bilstein 6112 front, 5160 back with ICON Vechicle Dyanmcs AAL) so Im not sure if that is covered either.

 

lol, I almost wanted to go with an impact gun and take whatever wasnt welded too the truck.

 

It will ultimately depend on the inspector and insurance, however from personal knowledge, a friend had their truck totaled, and the insurance company included the prinsu rack and tonneau cover in the total price. You will have to find out with your insurance I believe. Fight for what it's worth, but be kind and professional. It definitely goes further than hostility.

It is a newer truck with low mileage, and totaling vehicles depends on vehicles worth $$$ versus total repair costs $$$.

 

You’re not going to sway the insurance adjuster either way, they make decisions based on their financial interests, not yours.

looks very bad, very well could be totaled.

 

Disagree. I use USAA and they flat out gave me the option - whether to repair or total. The difference was about $3-5k savings to repair with LKQ Parts and I flat out told them I have little kids and didn't trust the truck with such repairs. Adjuster agreed and totaled it for me. Now, if it was maybe a $10k difference she probably wouldn't have but if the margin is close enough they will for sure listen to you. It's a nightmare for them if they repair a truck you wanted totaled and then you get hurt in it.

 

Bet they will fix it. That age, the mileage, and the value probably makes it worth fixing to the insurance company.

 

Hopefully they will total the truck. I imagine it depends on the adjuster. My sister recently had her two year old Hyundai totaled because of mice eating into the wiring harness and cv axle boots. Not a scratch on the car and ran fine with no trouble codes. Only discovered during a routine service. Granted it was a cheap Hyundai and with the labor and parts it would not take a lot for the repairs to cost more than the value of the car.

 

I'd press hard for them totalling the truck. After frame damage (and everything else) it'll never be quite right. To aid in that, start researching to see if your state allows for Diminished Value claims. This accident decreased the value of the truck if repaired, and some states say that you're entitled to being reimbursed for that lost value in addition to full repairs. That extra payout might be enough to tip your insurance to totalling it and getting you into a fresh rig.

We're you and the other driver both ok?

 

Glad you are okay. My cousin who worked a while back as as insurance adjuster said it is really about what is cheaper for the company and you may not have any say in the matter. Good luck either way.

 

This is good advice. Just looked an saw my state (NJ) allows for diminished value claims.

Thankfully Both of us were okay and walked away from the incident.

 

Glad you're both okay.

Diminished Value is a solid cudgel to swing for them to total it. Most insurance companies cover a certain dollar amount if accessories if you have receipts, so that'd be the next step for anything damaged. As long as it's not a functional part (wheels, control arms, etc.) that you don't have a stock part for, you can get your mods back. It's your property and not included in the insurance cost unless they are paying for it.

 

Does it rain where you're at?

Until your truck gets fixed even if doors and what not get wrapped while it's sitting waiting for parts. The interior is going to get wet and mold will grow, and will need all new interior components from the headliner down to the carpet.

 

This is a great point too. I didn’t think of that but I do remember the mechanic mentioning they wrap it while it’s sitting in the yard.

 

Totally agree, and since the OP is going to be without his truck for possibly 3 months (6 weeks for parts and 6 weeks for the repairs), he is out the use of a vehicle that he bought and maybe making payments. The cost of a rental of comparable value vehicle that the insurance will have to provide will quickly add up. The insurance company should make life easier for everyone and cut a check that both sides can accept so the OP can get a replacement

 

That sux. But thats totaled. Ive seen much less damage considered totaled. Given, Im no expert, but Ive had quite a few friends who have had their vehicles totaled. Doesnt seem to take much nowadays for them to consider it a complete loss. In your case, it is for sure. Id never really feel safe in that truck again.
On the bright side, start removing your aftermarket stuff!