5ontheFloor
New member
Warning: Long but dramatic read ahead
It was a dark early morning back in January. While traveling on a lonely back road in the Texas Hill Country, I encountered whitetail deer crossing the road and in a split decision move, tried to avoid obliterating them and my 4Runner. Unfortunately this decision was not any better, as the road slightly curved to the left and I swerved to the right where there was a rather large and sturdy oak tree near the shoulder. Heidi was no match for the majestic trunk and it's solidly anchored roots as I crashed into it. I don't remember much of the incident, but it seemed like it happened in slow motion and fast all at once. My airbags went off, I felt the seatbelt lock and remember thinking how "lucky" I was not to be injured and actually stepped out of the truck. I was 15 minutes from my parents home to help with some plumbing repairs after a recent freeze caused their pipes to burst. I found my cell and called them. I had a full contingent of tools in the cargo area. My back seats took the weight of the tools and were actually pushed forward so they kept some of the heavier items flying forward and hitting me in the back of the head. My parents arrived, we unloaded all my personal belongings, called for a tow and notified the police. I was taken to the hospital just to be safe since I was showing signs of a concussion and for pain in my chest and shoulder (seatbelt). It was not until the next day that I saw Heidi in her injured state. It broke my heart gentlemen (and ladies too). Here is a pic of the damage
A quick text to my insurance adjuster confirmed what I already knew. Totaled. The officer at the scene did not cite me for anything like speeding. There was light fog but not too bad. When asked about my speed I could not remember. The speed limit in that area is 45 to 55 depending on the section of road. You can tell by the photo I did try to get back on road which is why damage is more to the right. Upon closer inspection, I hit the tree directly on the frame rail of the passenger side. This is why the 4runner is leaning to the right.
Within a few days, I had the report and offer for my 4runner from AAA. They valued my T4R at about 33k and at the time I owed 25k. So I was happy that I was not upside down. My truck had about 46k miles on it so I could have gotten more money had the mileage been a little lower. I wish I had kept my Trail rims and BFG's as they only gave me $150 for my aftermarket accessories which was a bummer. If I had known they would give me so little then I would have taken them off and swapped em for some junkyard steelies and tires. I would have also removed the crossbars but oh well.
So, those of you who know me know I'm a TE lover. I knew that I could easily get a 17 TRD Off Road but I wanted the TE. My ins adjuster told me that these 4runners are holding their value really well so I searched high and low to locate a new 16 TE as I did not want a used 4runner. I almost pulled the trigger on a Silver TEP but it sold. I saw a black TE exactly like what I had but it sold quickly. There was a Cement PRO at my local dealer but that was sold within two days of arriving. So I begged my sales lady to locate a brand new 16 TE. They found me one and I was able to take delivery last night. I stayed off the forum while I was dealing with all this bc it made me sad thinking about Heidi. I wanted to get through the purchase so I could post the whole story. Here is a pic of my new girl. No name yet but we will have some adventures that's for sure.
Basically the same but I'm a simple man with simple tastes. I likes what I likes. I saw a T-Force 4runner while at the dealer, I liked the rack but I'm vain. I love my scoop and the stick for switching to 4wd. On the way home last night I forgot how smooth these babies are on the road. If I have time I'll try to load pics of my report on the valuation so maybe it can help someone else here on the forum. I've seen a few total loss threads here and I did not think it'd happen to me, but it did.
So if you're still reading this thanks, I know you guys and gals feel my pain...also purple monkey dishwasher...heh heh
It was a dark early morning back in January. While traveling on a lonely back road in the Texas Hill Country, I encountered whitetail deer crossing the road and in a split decision move, tried to avoid obliterating them and my 4Runner. Unfortunately this decision was not any better, as the road slightly curved to the left and I swerved to the right where there was a rather large and sturdy oak tree near the shoulder. Heidi was no match for the majestic trunk and it's solidly anchored roots as I crashed into it. I don't remember much of the incident, but it seemed like it happened in slow motion and fast all at once. My airbags went off, I felt the seatbelt lock and remember thinking how "lucky" I was not to be injured and actually stepped out of the truck. I was 15 minutes from my parents home to help with some plumbing repairs after a recent freeze caused their pipes to burst. I found my cell and called them. I had a full contingent of tools in the cargo area. My back seats took the weight of the tools and were actually pushed forward so they kept some of the heavier items flying forward and hitting me in the back of the head. My parents arrived, we unloaded all my personal belongings, called for a tow and notified the police. I was taken to the hospital just to be safe since I was showing signs of a concussion and for pain in my chest and shoulder (seatbelt). It was not until the next day that I saw Heidi in her injured state. It broke my heart gentlemen (and ladies too). Here is a pic of the damage
A quick text to my insurance adjuster confirmed what I already knew. Totaled. The officer at the scene did not cite me for anything like speeding. There was light fog but not too bad. When asked about my speed I could not remember. The speed limit in that area is 45 to 55 depending on the section of road. You can tell by the photo I did try to get back on road which is why damage is more to the right. Upon closer inspection, I hit the tree directly on the frame rail of the passenger side. This is why the 4runner is leaning to the right.
Within a few days, I had the report and offer for my 4runner from AAA. They valued my T4R at about 33k and at the time I owed 25k. So I was happy that I was not upside down. My truck had about 46k miles on it so I could have gotten more money had the mileage been a little lower. I wish I had kept my Trail rims and BFG's as they only gave me $150 for my aftermarket accessories which was a bummer. If I had known they would give me so little then I would have taken them off and swapped em for some junkyard steelies and tires. I would have also removed the crossbars but oh well.
So, those of you who know me know I'm a TE lover. I knew that I could easily get a 17 TRD Off Road but I wanted the TE. My ins adjuster told me that these 4runners are holding their value really well so I searched high and low to locate a new 16 TE as I did not want a used 4runner. I almost pulled the trigger on a Silver TEP but it sold. I saw a black TE exactly like what I had but it sold quickly. There was a Cement PRO at my local dealer but that was sold within two days of arriving. So I begged my sales lady to locate a brand new 16 TE. They found me one and I was able to take delivery last night. I stayed off the forum while I was dealing with all this bc it made me sad thinking about Heidi. I wanted to get through the purchase so I could post the whole story. Here is a pic of my new girl. No name yet but we will have some adventures that's for sure.
Basically the same but I'm a simple man with simple tastes. I likes what I likes. I saw a T-Force 4runner while at the dealer, I liked the rack but I'm vain. I love my scoop and the stick for switching to 4wd. On the way home last night I forgot how smooth these babies are on the road. If I have time I'll try to load pics of my report on the valuation so maybe it can help someone else here on the forum. I've seen a few total loss threads here and I did not think it'd happen to me, but it did.
So if you're still reading this thanks, I know you guys and gals feel my pain...also purple monkey dishwasher...heh heh
