ok i got a big problem on my hands... 1'st off i have a 1989 560 sec. here is what happen......


i was driving on a side street going aprox 20-30mph and a lady in small compact car comes out of no where from an alley and try's to make a left turn.she didn't stop at the end of the alley to check for traffic or pedestrians at all.and as she try's to make the left turn the front of my car smashed the driver and rear driver door pretty badly. the damage to my car is the passenger side air bag came out so im going to need a new one of those & my hood buckled, one of my turn signals cracked and my bumper is scracted not sure of it is cracked yet didn't wanna look. and i need a new grill, so i was wondering can a buckled hood be fixed or does it have to be replaced? and if i need a new one where is the best place to get one at a decent price? dealer wasnts $$$$$$$$$$$3100.00 air bag is $2700.00
and a new bumper cover is $ 2100.00 that's not including labor or paint.


and if any one is a lawyer the way i explained the accident who's fault does it sound like ?

In most states you have to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when entering a city street from an alley. Check your city and state laws.

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1986 560 SEL (159K miles)

Are you in a no-fault state?

Your parts choices are discounter, aftermarket or used. I would look for used, since it was a used hood that was hit and a used hood will be better quality than aftermarket. If your local junkyards do not have your hood, try eBaymotors, Silver Star Recyclers in CA. or LKQ (several locations). If any 126 hood will fit, you have more search alternatives. Start with a Google search for 126 hood.

im in los angeles california

You may be in luck if the offending driver has sufficient insurance (or assets) to cover a judgment. It should be noted that the minimum insurance property damage coverage in California is $5000.

Out of curiosity, what did the police report state? The way you described the accident here is of no consequence to the outcome of this case. No offense intended, just the way the tort systems work in most of the country.

560SEC, your description of the accident is confusing. How does a 560SEC (a coupe) have a rear driver door? Anyway I imagine that the other driver's insurance company will consider your 560SEC 'totaled' and pay the value of the car rather than the repair costs. It's difficult and frustrating to accept, especially if your car is in mint condition, but that's the way insurance companies handle things.

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Fred Hoelzle

dont try to repair the hood. with all the complex shapes on a hood if it is bent or krinkled at all it is about impossible to ever get it right again. all front end sheetmetal is unique to the sec. i have one of each, sec and sdl i have compared. even the turn lense is different, though it looks the same.

and if they want to total it you can buy it back and fix it yourself with used parts, just make sure to get a fair settlement on it. it is all negotiable. also get paid for rental car while it is unsettled. salvage value is usually about .10 on the dollar.

good luck

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

my mistake i was trying to explain that my front end hit her driver and rear driver side doors....baisicly made a " T "

560SEC, my misunderstanding ... I read your post too quickly. You might try contacting the lady you hit and see if she'll admit responsibility for the accident and pay to repair your car out-of-pocket. My wife has been involved is a few minor accidents in her 1992 300CE and it's a hassle dealing with insurance companies and bodyshops to negotiate a satisfactory resolution.

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Fred Hoelzle

i doubt that i going to happen, after my brother hit her she was fine then soon as the cops got the she is claiming pain and she went to the hospital. so i think she is going to try to sue my bro on some stupid ****....

Some pictures will be helpful. From your description, this is going to be a case of your word against hers. She went to the hospital, and she can claim that she was injured in the accident. It is easy for her to said that she was already out of the alley, and she froze when she saw your car speeding down the road and hit her! Without witnesses or police on the scene to validate what happened, she can spin stories. If she is claiming personal injury, you better go through your insurance company unless you have a very large bank account. Remember this is "sue-lifornia".

Did the police note any skid marks on their report?