Car accident...

[SevenJ]

Accidents Suck, and so does dealing with insurance companies. One thing to keep in mind--to maybe not get your hopes up. A 2004 will probably require $20,000 or more in damage before being considered a total loss. While your truck took a hard hit, my guess is it can be fixed for less than that. You may need to encourage your insurance company to fight for you to get the truck totalled.

 

[Vortec4800]

I live on Chandler Blvd. and Ray Road, and I was heading up Chandler to school which is Williams Field (Chandler Blvd turns into Williams) and Power. I was stopped at the light at Chandler and Cooper, which is just past Dobson.

I'm thinking even if they can fix it, it won't really ever be "fixed" again. I have a hard time beliving that they can bend the frame and the body back into position and get everything put back together while keeping Toyota quality, and their fit and finish. If they do fix it for me and its not the same as it was before, then we've already decided we're going to go to the dealer anyway and trade it in on something.

 

[linhsy]

If they do fix it for me and its not the same as it was before, then we've already decided we're going to go to the dealer anyway and trade it in on something.

I'm thinking the same thing. If I ever trade in for the new one. It has to be 05 4Runner V8 so I will have more options to upgrade the performance.

 

[Vortec4800]

I'm thinking the same thing. If I ever trade in for the new one. It has to be 05 4Runner V8 so I will have more options to upgrade the performance.

I was thinking about that, I wonder how long it will take before aftermarket parts will start showing up for the 05 V8?

 

[Tearjerky]

sorry to hear about the accident. at least nobody was hurt that bad. i remember you for being the first one to put the HID in a 4runner. get well soon!!!

 

[Scout Av8er]

DUDE!!!

man oh man, that is one bad looking mama jamma.
glad to hear that you survived. don't forget the radar detector in the front window as well :
Keep us up to date on your new ride if you get one.

Dave

 

[Vortec4800]

Re: DUDE!!!

man oh man, that is one bad looking mama jamma.
glad to hear that you survived. don't forget the radar detector in the front window as well :
Keep us up to date on your new ride if you get one.

Dave

Oh I wouldn't dare forget that

There was actually one in the center console as well, so I left the car with 2 radar detectors, a walkie talkie, my cd's, and a bunch of trash. Too much crap in my truck!

 

[rando]

I live on Chandler Blvd. and Ray Road, and I was heading up Chandler to school which is Williams Field (Chandler Blvd turns into Williams) and Power. I was stopped at the light at Chandler and Cooper, which is just past Dobson.

I'm thinking even if they can fix it, it won't really ever be "fixed" again. I have a hard time beliving that they can bend the frame and the body back into position and get everything put back together while keeping Toyota quality, and their fit and finish. If they do fix it for me and its not the same as it was before, then we've already decided we're going to go to the dealer anyway and trade it in on something.

I agree, it'll never be the same. I think you have a legitimate argument that you don't/won't feel safe in that truck -- if it were repaired. If the other insurance company doesn't offer to total it, make sure you ask them to accept full liability for any future accidents & abnormal damages. I believe you can also refuse their offer and/or repairs -- and take them to court. I'm not sure about AX, but here in CA you have the right to get an estimate at the repair shop of your choice. It shouldn't be too difficult to find a shop that wants $20k+ to fix that -- and warrant their repairs for safety.


That truck is phux0r3d -- don't take it back!

 

[PhxRunner]

Phoenix has the absolute worst drivers I've seen. I can handle the agressiveness of the east coast, but phoenix is full of people who don't pay attention and that is much more dangerous IMO. At least the agressive drivers are paying attention when they weave. Here you need to count to 2 or 3 after the light turns green to make sure some idiot doens't T-bone you because they ran the red.

Sorry about the accident. You'll bounce back.

 

[Vortec4800]

Phoenix has the absolute worst drivers I've seen. I can handle the agressiveness of the east coast, but phoenix is full of people who don't pay attention and that is much more dangerous IMO. At least the agressive drivers are paying attention when they weave. Here you need to count to 2 or 3 after the light turns green to make sure some idiot doens't T-bone you because they ran the red.

Quoted for truth.

 

[Mark86]

I was just watching my local news (NY) and four teenagers were killed in the same type of accident that you had. They were hit from the rear by a drunk driver driving going too fast. From what I heard, they were standing still and the drunk driver plowed into them at a high rate of speed. The four teenagers were driving a Honda Accord and the drunk driver had a Dodge Magnum. That Honda really was bent up. It looked like a pile of metal. When I heard about this, I immediately remembered your accident and how similar it sounded. This just shows you how lucky you were to be in a 4Runner that was able to sustain such an impact and more importantly, walk away being able to talk about your accident with minor injuries.

 

[c44me]

Sorry to hear about your accident and I'm glad you are OK. I agree with you and other posters that you should look on this as an opportunity, not a disaster! I had a similar experience a few years ago - my 13 year old Porsche 944 was sitting at a stop light and was destroyed by a Cadillac Eldorado plowing into it at about 35 mph. I staggered around for three days, Porsche-less, and then found the car I always wanted anyway, a 10-year old '89 Porsche Carrera 4.

What impressed me most about the accident was how it seemed to go on for eternity. I saw the Eldo in my mirror, felt the impact, and had time to think all kinds of things, like "am I going to die", "am I going into the car ahead of me", and finally "where in the hell is the head restraint", and then finally my head hit the head restraint. Luckily, all I suffered was a very sore neck for a few days, pulled muscles only.

Anyway, what I wanted to mention was that I got a cash settlement from the other driver's insurance company, on top of the check for the car (which was totalled). I didn't need a lawyer, I just told that insurance company my neck was REAL sore and their driver was completely negligent, and I wanted some compensation, and they ponied up something like $600 for "pain and suffering". Definitely worth asking for, or actually DEMANDING - and they aren't going to offer it on their own.

 

[Vortec4800]

I was just watching my local news (NY) and four teenagers were killed in the same type of accident that you had. They were hit from the rear by a drunk driver driving going too fast. From what I heard, they were standing still and the drunk driver plowed into them at a high rate of speed. The four teenagers were driving a Honda Accord and the drunk driver had a Dodge Magnum. That Honda really was bent up. It looked like a pile of metal. When I heard about this, I immediately remembered your accident and how similar it sounded. This just shows you how lucky you were to be in a 4Runner that was able to sustain such an impact and more importantly, walk away being able to talk about your accident with minor injuries.

Wow that's insane. Good thing that didn't happen to me!

As for my accident, it was all over so fast I had no idea what happened. Then again I didn't see it coming, and didn't really even know what had happened until I got out of the truck and looked behind me at a pile of Saturn.

 

[alpha]

Phoenix has the absolute worst drivers I've seen. I can handle the agressiveness of the east coast, but phoenix is full of people who don't pay attention and that is much more dangerous IMO. At least the agressive drivers are paying attention when they weave. Here you need to count to 2 or 3 after the light turns green to make sure some idiot doens't T-bone you because they ran the red.

Sorry about the accident. You'll bounce back.

haha, I know how that is. Cept not in Phoenix. Count to 2 or 3, I've always done that, but then again, in Colorado, its at least 2 or 3 cars that run the red every red. Like red means, oh, I'm the third car behind after the light has turned, I can still go. I don't understand that concept. It makes it scary to stop at red lights because the person behind you probably doesn't want to stop. That on top of aggressive driving. A lot of drivers there, not all, but a lot, just push the gas and steer, and at the same time are aggressive. First place I've been that you get tailgated while you're in the right lane and the left lane is totally clear but they don't pass you. Or also where you're doing 90+ mph on the freeway and you get tailgated by semi trucks in the fast lane..

anyways, glad that you were able to walk away from the accident with minimal pain. good luck with recovery and getting the situation settled quickly..

 

[haro]

sorry about the accident.....I'm glad that you are ok..
and good luck with choosing your new 4runner.

 

[Border411]

Before I went into my current profession I worked at GEICO handling the medical claims. I know how things work and so here is a little advice:

1) Make sure you continue to get medical attention. Go for followups often, and make sure all the bills go to the other persons insurance as well as yours. If you go through your insurance which you may have to do based on your state regulations, your insurance company will SUBRO (aka-go after the womens insurance for repayment for what they paid out for your medical bills/damage). Dont worry about your rates going up by having to use your own insurance. The most important thing is to get the medical attention you need.
2) If you decide to go to a chiropractor, dont get suckered in and get treatments many times a week for a long time. Chiro is for short term wellness---physical therapy will be lifelong.
3) I would suggest you tell her insurance company you want to put in a claim for your pain and suffering. THIS IS A LEGITE THING! The money is to help pay for your diminished quality of life. Not to mention you can also ask for payment for your mileage to and from the doctors if you use your own car (not a rental).

----If you have any questions...please feel free to ask. Like I said, I worked for GEICO and within 1 year they were asking me to be a supervisor, something they usually dont do for years. I moved up quick and handled all my files fast and most of all CORRECTLY. But had to quit---Who would have thought being a cop paid better?!

 

[Vortec4800]

Thanks for the good advice. I'm trying to do everything pretty much just as you said above, hopefully everything will work out alright.

Dammit... I have the hiccups...

Before I went into my current profession I worked at GEICO handling the medical claims. I know how things work and so here is a little advice:

1) Make sure you continue to get medical attention. Go for followups often, and make sure all the bills go to the other persons insurance as well as yours. If you go through your insurance which you may have to do based on your state regulations, your insurance company will SUBRO (aka-go after the womens insurance for repayment for what they paid out for your medical bills/damage). Dont worry about your rates going up by having to use your own insurance. The most important thing is to get the medical attention you need.
2) If you decide to go to a chiropractor, dont get suckered in and get treatments many times a week for a long time. Chiro is for short term wellness---physical therapy will be lifelong.
3) I would suggest you tell her insurance company you want to put in a claim for your pain and suffering. THIS IS A LEGITE THING! The money is to help pay for your diminished quality of life. Not to mention you can also ask for payment for your mileage to and from the doctors if you use your own car (not a rental).

----If you have any questions...please feel free to ask. Like I said, I worked for GEICO and within 1 year they were asking me to be a supervisor, something they usually dont do for years. I moved up quick and handled all my files fast and most of all CORRECTLY. But had to quit---Who would have thought being a cop paid better?!

 

[peter78]

Just curious, has the insurance company decided yet if they are going to "total" your 4Runner or do they feel they can fix it. Hopefully they will total it.

 

[Cleric]

Wow, Vortec, glad you weren't severely injured. It looks like the runner held up well, considering the speed of the accient. I can't imagine what the Saturn must have looked like.

Hopefully they will total it so you can start new. After an accident like that, it will NEVER be the same. Even if they can bend the frame back and repair the cosmetics and body, you will probably have brake or suspension problems. Maybe even just weird noises when you corner, but why should you have to settle for that?

I had $12000 damage to my BMW and they wouldn't total it (my dumbass fault for rallying on a night cold enough to develop ice). They made it look great, straightened the frame and rear axle, fixed the body, etc...but it never drove the same. I almost cried when I saw it. When you spend that much time with your car it can be really dis-heartening to accept.

Good Luck getting things straightened out with you car and your health.

 

[Vortec4800]

Got a call from State Farm today, they're giving me $34,039 for it. Seems like a good bid to me.