Got hit today and have questions?

[burningskulls]

Hello all-

I am the owner of a 92 SE coupe with 93K miles.

Today I was driving and got hit by a lady that was pulling out of a street parking spot. I was hit in the passenger rear quarter panel. The cops were called and it was deemed her fault because of failure to yield.

The damage amounts to this. There is a scrape behind the wheel which continues along the top of the wheel until it gets to the area between the wheel and the door. This area is entirely smashed in. Two areas (2" x 3") have entire chunks missing and another area of the same size has all the paint missing. Also, the entire area is one large dent. The passenger side door also has a scrape and may have a dent. I would have liked to post pics but it is dark out so I will tomorrow.

My question is for anyone that has also been in an accident as to what their damage estimates came out to be. I cannot get estimates for a few days as I have to get contacted by her insurance. I did a search of the forums and found people with a lot less damage with 2-3k estimates. I dont have a lot of money into my car so Im not real concerned with it being totalled other than the annoyance of having to get a new car. In fact, if I am going to have any problems down the road (alignment, etc) I would rather it be deemed totalled.

Also, if you have any advice as to how to deal with insurance that would be great. Is there anything else I should get checked out other than the body work? This is my first car crash. Nothing like destroying a clean record. Feel free to post, email, or talk to me on aol.

Thanks for any help,
Micah
[email protected]
aol: burningskulls

[zweebach]

First off, I hate insurance companies.  They will not do you any favors despite the way they may try to make things sound.  If you have an accident report and it says the other lady is at fault then you should be okay.  I say should because the insurance company will always try and find something.  Don't let on that you were speeding or doing anything other than being a perfect driver or they will try and lay something on you.

If any part of your car is damaged that cannot be unbolted and replaced, I'd be concerned about it.  It sounds like it's just the front passenger side fender that is really damaged.  If so, it might not be a big deal.  Even if it's just the fender, it might cost a lot.  I got hit and needed a new hood and bumper and bumper support - the total came out to about $2300.  

Also, the insurance company likely has a recommended shop.  They will encourage you to use this shop.  I advise you not to.  They'll make it sound real nice and that everything will be really easy.  For me, it makes things worse.  The insurance company and the shop basically cut you out of the picture and do what they want with your car.  They limit your interaction in the repair process and that makes me nervous.  If you can, talk to some people about body shops in your area.  Try and find a place that seems easy to talk to, as communicating with the shop is important if anything comes up while your car is getting fixed.

Hope things work out alright for you.

[burningskulls]

Actually I got hit in the rear.  Hopefully the rear quarter panel is all that will have to be replaced.  Thanks for the advice!

[SimpleS14]

I got into an accident and all I can say is....insurance is quick to get the claim out of there hair, parts for the 240SX are expensive...VERY EXPENSIVE...when its coming from a body shop. I'm not trying to scare you or anything.....as long as there is no frame damage and your car can drive you should be okay. But yea...DO NOT go to the shop the insurance company recommends. I made that big mistake and had to deal with the insurance and $hit to prevent my car from being totaled. They cut me a check and I was off on my own <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='???'> but that was a new front end however. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

If the damage is anything you can replace....DO IT...but first take your car to various shop to get an estimate. Try to find a shop that will give a good estimate. When I say "good" I mean a estimate that does not exceed 50% of the car's value...or what you paid for it minus some.

Good luck and if anything else...say your going to take them (insurance company) to court or say "look!!...do you still want your policy?....my ass is buying $xxx a month to you damn guys.....now do you want to lose that?!?"

BTW, I'm just kidding......kinda <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/lookaround.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':look:'>

edit: frame damage is a big no no