Tacoma got hit hard on the interstate. Concerned the body shop won’t fix it correctly. Help!

When my old 2000 was crashed it had severe frame damage up front as the boxed section was crushed. It was repaired and I drove it for 6 more years, but it never felt the same.

 

I always get confused by the former and latter context so I have no idea what you are talking about.

But these posts about accidents always get filled up by people giving advice and knowing nothing about what they are talking about.
Calling fenders front quarter panels, and warning about blending but having no idea what it’s for.
I’m Just trying to put my qualifications to use and provide the OP some meaningful input to help her thru an unfortunate situation.

 

*her

Your attention to detail is sorely lacking. Not good for a body guy.

 

Edited for your pleasure

 

There's no way that's totaled. Looks like 80% of the damage is to the tailgate, which should cost a few hundred bucks to replace. No, it's not pretty, but it's really not a huge deal...

 

It depends on how the frame is being repaired. The good ol boys use a chain-n-tree method. Space age frame shops have certified tables with lasers Etc. Ask the shop what methods they employ. Ask how close is good enough?

 

i have heard fenders called quarter panels for years. it seems to be a regional thing from what i've seen over the years. and you don' think guys know why they blend the paint?? really?

 

My mistake calling a fender a quarter panel! Thank you for the correction.

I do understand why to blend. My point was simply that State Farm was cutting costs and was not going to pay for it, nor did the certified shops care.

 

Hey, everyone knows what blending means - mixing the colors of course!

 

OP?

 

It sounds like the OP has already said that the shop confirmed there is frame damage, they just don't know how much or how significant it is. Its one of those things, they don't know until they start taking it apart, once they take it apart they might find more than they were expecting and shady shops may attempt to fix it instead of totaling it just to get compensated.

 

Have the truck repaired and then trade it in before the accident shows up on Car fax..

 

They should be taking it apart and starting the work this week. They will measure the frame to see if there is any damage they can't fix. Due to the current cost of repairs, if they have to replace the frame, it becomes likely that they will total the truck. I am fine with it getting fixed with the current damage to the frame, but if it is diamond shaped or doesn't measure correctly, I would obviously prefer a new frame. I don't want them to total it, as that is a whole other thing that will take up too much time, so we'll see.

 

Good to hear it's being worked on.
As far as declaring it a total loss? You don't get to decide, you'r insurance company does, and if they want to total it? Then you want it totaled too.

It's all instanetz guessing, but since Ricky Ratchet had his Jeep lifted so high, the impact was primarily to the truck box and not the bumper/frame. It's wishful thinking, but I'm trying to stay positive

 

If it is a reputable shop, they will take all the steps needed and notify your insurance if they find more damage. I got hit on the left rear corner of my bumper, it started as a $1000 estimate from insurance and ended up at $4700 after the shop found more issues and got them fixed. It is not uncommon at all for them to start with a low "visual" appraisal, and then have to increase it after your shop finds more damage.

 

I'll update y'all when its done. I really do appreciate the advice--I would have never thought to do a devaluation claim!

 

make sure they check the seat rails - that is what absorbs the energy in a rear end collision. in this picture the driver's seat isn't reclined - it's bent. before the crash it was at the same angle as the passenger seat.

 

I would second go to a shop that has the latest technology to ensure your frame is back to manufacturer specs.

 

Some new pics from the shop. I’m now feeling pretty confident in the shop. Asked a lot of your questions and ended up having a buddy that knows some of the guys that work here and they come highly recommended. Updating now just because someone might care lol.

 

Thanks for posting the pics OP.