I usually post over in the classics forum, because the 94 4runner is usually the bane of my existence. My 2005, double cab, TRD, 105k, Tundra has been such a great truck (no issues in 7 years). Last night I got rear ended while I was sitting at a stop light by a drunk driver. He was driving a late 90s or early 2000s Saab coupe. Managed to shove the Tundra at least a car length into the intersection. The guy didn't even have his headlights on when he hit and could barely walk or talk when the cops came. Needless to say, he went to jail on DUI. His car is ******. His engine was basically in his front seat. All I can think is thank god we weren't driving the 4runner. I'm sure it wouldn't have fared well. Today, I find out he has no insurance (of course he doesn't :redbrick
and made bail, got to go home after an hour, while I sat in the ER with my girlfriend for six hours. Cops, tow company and auto body shop estimate he was going at least 50 mph, more than likely faster (on a 35 mph street).
So, this is the first time I've had to deal with this type of accident in my life. Perfect driving record, never had more than a minor claim with USAA (my insurance). The truck bed smashed into the cab (both are need to be replaced), taillights are gone, bumper barely exists, couldn't be driven off because the tailpipe was bent closed and the engine could barely run. His car basically got underneath mine, so I can't really imagine the frame is undamaged. The auto body shop and tow driver say its a total loss, USAA makes that decision tomorrow, but I just know its totaled.
Any one have any experience with USAA claims? They've been good in the past, but hearing a lot of bad from others. Passenger in my truck was injured, had to visit emergency room from soft tissue injury of neck and back. She can barely move her neck today and on pain meds, thank god the xrays showed nothing was broken and we both had seatbelts on. So, my question is what would you guys do? Do I have any recourse with the insurance/the drunk driver, or am I just stuck with what USAA wants to give me? I've been told that I'll be responsible for my 1000 dollar deductible, even though it was 100% his fault (thanks for being uninsured).
To me, only a new truck can really replace the piece of mind of knowing exactly how the thing was maintained (I bought it new, meticulous maintenance and I have a glovebox of receipts to show it). I understand they can't just buy me a brand new truck, but thats gotta be worth something. I planned on keeping this truck till forever and treated it as such. Worried that I'm going to get screwed because of this guy's failure to act like an adult. I'm shocked that you can be 37 years old and not even have the sense to carry liability. He will likely get a slap on the wrist from the courts because DUI=misdemeanor, no big deal here. You can kill someone on your first DUI and barely get jail time. KBB says my truck is worth 14k, NADA says 12k, if I were to go to a dealer or private party to buy the same exact truck I'd pay at least 18k... Haven't found a comparable one within 300 miles for less than that. Really just want to know what I should expect.
and made bail, got to go home after an hour, while I sat in the ER with my girlfriend for six hours. Cops, tow company and auto body shop estimate he was going at least 50 mph, more than likely faster (on a 35 mph street). So, this is the first time I've had to deal with this type of accident in my life. Perfect driving record, never had more than a minor claim with USAA (my insurance). The truck bed smashed into the cab (both are need to be replaced), taillights are gone, bumper barely exists, couldn't be driven off because the tailpipe was bent closed and the engine could barely run. His car basically got underneath mine, so I can't really imagine the frame is undamaged. The auto body shop and tow driver say its a total loss, USAA makes that decision tomorrow, but I just know its totaled.
Any one have any experience with USAA claims? They've been good in the past, but hearing a lot of bad from others. Passenger in my truck was injured, had to visit emergency room from soft tissue injury of neck and back. She can barely move her neck today and on pain meds, thank god the xrays showed nothing was broken and we both had seatbelts on. So, my question is what would you guys do? Do I have any recourse with the insurance/the drunk driver, or am I just stuck with what USAA wants to give me? I've been told that I'll be responsible for my 1000 dollar deductible, even though it was 100% his fault (thanks for being uninsured).
To me, only a new truck can really replace the piece of mind of knowing exactly how the thing was maintained (I bought it new, meticulous maintenance and I have a glovebox of receipts to show it). I understand they can't just buy me a brand new truck, but thats gotta be worth something. I planned on keeping this truck till forever and treated it as such. Worried that I'm going to get screwed because of this guy's failure to act like an adult. I'm shocked that you can be 37 years old and not even have the sense to carry liability. He will likely get a slap on the wrist from the courts because DUI=misdemeanor, no big deal here. You can kill someone on your first DUI and barely get jail time. KBB says my truck is worth 14k, NADA says 12k, if I were to go to a dealer or private party to buy the same exact truck I'd pay at least 18k... Haven't found a comparable one within 300 miles for less than that. Really just want to know what I should expect.
Last edited:
