Well, this was not a good morning.

Exiting the highway I was sideswiped by some kid in his mom's Mazda Mellinum.

There were 2 right hand turn lanes, and he decided to switch from the left most to the right, and didn't look in the process.

The initial impact was right behind the front rim, and it pretty much totaled the drivers door. Its really bent and doesn't close properly anymore. The rear driver side door has a wrinkle in it, and the rear quarter pannel is scratched.

I figure I'll need the following:
- New Front quarter, Driver side doors( front and back ), all painted.
- New rocker under the doors, painted.
- Painted rear quarter.

The wheels and suspension are all okay, and I think the frame is okay. The trunk, hood, and all other doors open and close just fine, no strange rubbing.

I would like to get all new parts when I get this fixed, but I am hoping that this kids (moms) insurance will pay for the entire thing. I can't imagine him not being at fault.

Any thought on cost? I'm figuring around $3000, but that's just a guess.

Everyone was okay.

On a lighter note, I had to call a cop there because this kid did not have an insurance card, and the cop liked my car. He was impressed at its condition ( minus the driver side ) and said it looked really nice. He was a really nice guy.

Pics to come once I get home...I'm at work now.

 

 

ditto SprintMax. I hate car accidents!!!!!!!!!! People just can't drive for crap anymore.

 

How sadly true. And because the can't drive, but still want to feel 'safe', they buy a bigger car, or a SUV.

 

In any significant accident, I think it's worthwhile having the police take a report. By significant, I mean $$$ of the repair. You'd be surprised how many at fault drivers will change their story to their insurance company. From looking at the damage, he very well could have said YOU turned left just ahead of him without looking. As long as the police report cites the other driver as being at fault, you are good. In some cases though, the other driver may get on the police's good side, deny fault, and if fault is not blatantly obvious (like rear ending), the police may leave "at fault" out of the report and you are hosed.

 

Actually, as far as insurance goes rear ending is always clear cut. The person doing the rear ending is always 100% at fault. Even if I were to stop short for absolutely no reason in the middle lane of a parkway, the person who hits me is at fault. Kinda sucky huh?

Chris

 

I think that's what he meant, but I think your number should be more like 99%.

 

my dad took my car out last night and after her parked on our driveway, he forgot to but the E-brake up. morning came about and i went to go walk my dog and i saw my car down the drive way in the bushes. i then put the e-brake up and i started cutting the bush up before i moved the car so it would scratch it up any more. there were lots of scratches but 4 coats of wax fixed it all up, exceept for one small chip, but it can barely be seen....

 

That is what I meant. Sorry for the confusion. In any case, you are right--maybe 99%. In certain instances, what appears to be a rear end can actually be a car in reverse. Eg. on a steep hill, it is easy for a 5spd owner to drift backward before they engage first gear. In fact, I almost did that when I was learning to drive stick but luckily missed the car behind me.

 

I am that 1 % but if you hit someone, it aall still depends on the circumstance. I hit someone last year when he tried to take a right turn from the left lane while I was in the right lane. I hit his right rear bumper/quarter panel. I won that case.