Got Hit Today

I unfortunately lived through a nightmare with an Audi TT when I got hit on the driver's side just behind the door. Person turned too early and the rest was history. Thankfully I wasn't hurt minus just a bit of soreness on my left side in my rib area a day later. The other driver was ok too. She was cited for not wearing her glasses and claimed she never saw me (HOW DO YOU NOT SEE A RED CAR COMING RIGHT AT YOU!!!!????.....oh that's right you didn't have your glasses on!!!!)

Anyways, First estimate didn't include replacing the rear subframe which I immediately flagged as something that needed to be replaced. The other driver's insurance refused to cooperate but my body shop knew better and provided me a suplimental estimate for the record. Car was repaired with original subframe still in and I was invited to come on the initial test drive once the car was out of body and paint. The tech who was responsible for the mechanical repairs drove and as soon as we left the shop's driveway which had a pretty descent incline you could hear a pop/creak sound from the rear as the suspension moved. The tech said immediately and I'll never forget his words, "this car isn't ready, that sound is from the rear subframe without a doubt."

We both used our smart phones to film the sound from inside the car and after 2 1/2 weeks of fighting with the other insurance company they finally gave in and the entire rear suspension including subframe was replaced.


Here is where I was hit:


With the car on a lift and suspension freed up you could see the rear tire/wheel was pushed back and turned out. It was really obvious in person:



4 months after and an alignment perfectly in spec:




To me it's all about the insurance company's putting pressure on shops to only repair what is necessary in order to maintain a relationship with one another, but if you stay adement about the repairs and you're at a good shop they will goto bat for you.

Sorry to be long winded OP'er but my point is, do your homework on repair shops, you live in Texas like me and in our state (and I'm sure other states are similar) you have the right to have your car repaired where YOU want it done at, not where the insurance company wants. Stay on top of the estimate(s), keep an open line of communication with the body shop and let them deal with the insurance company.

Your truck will be good as new man. Hang in there.

 

The at fault drivers insurance has taken over after I started the claim on mine just to get it going quicker. They agree with my insurance company's evaluation. The small dent will be repaired, complete new rear axle/housing, four wheel alignment and two new wheels. They said I can keep my old wheels and one of them only has a small nick out of the lip so I will have a matching spare. Hopefully get it back this week. They gave me a Challenger as a rental but it's a fake ass 6 cylinder muscle car, could have been worse but still want my truck.

 

Yes sir I have a long time friend of mine, over 20 years, that does body work where my truck is. I think it's in good hands.

 

I'm wondering if I should ask for any sort of deprecation from the ins. company? Not looking to get over on them but is that maybe something I should at least ask about?

 

It never hurts to ask. Some states allow for diminished value claims. Check your state laws for details...YMMV.

 

Still waiting to get my truck back, should be this week. Body work is done just waiting on wheels, rear end install and alignment. I'm hoping real soon, tired of this car I need to take my boat out or go to the beach or something.

 

Ended up with $2500 deminished value check. I plan on keeping the truck another four years and I believe I can get a premium on a 4x4 taco, I have pictures of the damage to show the next buyer. I definatly will not trade it in so no worries really.

 

The ins. company had no intention of mentioning deminished value until I asked then tried to lowball me. I must give credit to the guys here for letting me know I had something to go after, otherwise I would have walked away after my truck was fixed.

 

Glad it worked out OP

 

It worked out as I expected after researching deminished value claims in TX. If I hadn't done that I would have probably settled with their first offer. My boys were with me when I got hit and I figured they deserved a little something for their trauma so they got a PS4. I've spent a lot of it on my boat, some on my wife and some on my truck. All I can say after spending $2500 is that it's never enough.

 

Money is funny like that.

 

I'm constantly spending it in my mind so when I get extra that shits gone, I bought $500 worth of ice chests.

 

2 Rtic 45s and the soft 40.

 

No worries I have already got 10k
mentally gone. Just starting in this truck, but want it done yesterday. Bank accounts and wife say hustle more and make more. So it shall be done.

 

I Want the 65qt Koolatron 12v refrigerator/warmer and either a yeti or rtic

 

I ordered a new matching spare tire 295 55 20 trail grappler $350. Luckily one of the rims they replaced is perfectly fine other than a small nick. I plan on mounting my full sized spare on top of my bed bars.

 

For the money Rtic is the way to go I believe

 

Had to buy new axel boots as well.

 

Right now my Walmart igloos, and Coleman will have to do. Wife's Nissan needs fixed still. Once I get that done, I can work towards my truck. Lol

 

Nothing wrong with igloo, used them for years