Fender bender costs? How to deal with? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Nate · #1 03-01-2011, 01:08 AM

Hey,

I was involved in a fender bender in my beloved XJ (no rust, no dents, runs great ect ect) The other party was at fault 100% and I have a police report.

Damage on first glance was a broken fender flare. Called a salvage yard, they said around $200. Talked to the lady, she said sure, and we exchanged info. I got a case number, and we decided to settle it civilly (w/o insurance involvement)

Took it to two body shops, and they noticed the fender is creased, inner liner cracked, bumper bracket bent, fender flare bracket ruined, the flare, and if I wanted to push for a pair of new front tires tires I could (damage to sidewalls from curb hopping to avoid her, and from the impact)
Both estimates $750-$800ish, 3 days in shop, including a loner car.

Called her back and said we need to talk, and when she finally called back and asked what the problem was...

She had some serious sticker shock, accused me of fraud, extortion, and said it was rusty and falling apart anyways. She then said she only makes $200 a week at burger king... I said the liability comes with the responsibility of driving, it was her fault admittedly so and per the reports, and that I wont be on the hook to fix it. I said I would call my insurance tomorrow, and she pleaded not to. She said she wanted her boyfriend to look at it, I said sure he can look at it, but we're meeting somewhere mutual and public. Left it at that. Still calling my agent tomorrow, but wondering a few things.

Is there a better way to handle the situation?
Does the price sound about right?

Longshot!
Is there anyone who happens to have a fender, the flare, and the trim pieces around the truck (Both front fender flares, both lower front fender trims, both front door trims)

Thank you
~Nate

aklim · #2 03-01-2011, 01:26 AM

You need a sanity check.

First off, there is a reason the body shops say that the estimate they give you is merely that. When I peel off a layer, more damage might be observed.

Second, why would you consider doing a civil thing in this day and age?

Third, now that this woman is accusing you of all kinds of things, your choice is clear, isn't it? Go thru insurance.

Her Boyfriend? WGAS what he thinks? Of course he is going to lowball you or he won't get any tonight. Unless he is a body shop guy, his word isn't worth squat. Even then, I wouldn't trust him.

TylerH860 · #3 03-01-2011, 01:29 AM

I'd just take the insurance check, get a new flare, and live with the damage underneath.

aklim · #4 03-01-2011, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

I'd just take the insurance check, get a new flare, and live with the damage underneath.

And the deductible? I think he will have to pursue her for it. Besides, why should he have to inconvenience himself?

aklim · #5 03-01-2011, 01:37 AM

BTW, take cash ONLY. No money order, check, etc, etc. Remember, a bad check is worth the lessor of 3X the face value or $500 but only if you collect. With her making $200 a week, assuming she has no garnishments, you will be doing garnishments for a long time since it has a short lifespan. Each time you garnish you have to spend another $92.50, IIRC. You cannot turn it into a garnishment without going to court so..... You cannot drag her t court without having the Sheriff serve her so......

TylerH860 · #6 03-01-2011, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

And the deductible? I think he will have to pursue her for it. Besides, why should he have to inconvenience himself?

It was her fault and she has insurance it seems. No deductible.

aklim · #7 03-01-2011, 01:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

It was her fault and she has insurance it seems. No deductible.

Not sure. I didn't read that. Nothing I read says he got her insurance information. But it is late and I am tired so I might have missed it.

To the OP.What is your deductible? Please clarify. Are you talking to your insurance? Why is that? I thought you should be filing a claim with HER insurance? Does she have insurance?

TylerH860 · #8 03-01-2011, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Not sure. I didn't read that. Nothing I read says he got her insurance information. But it is late and I am tired so I might have missed it.

To the OP.What is your deductible? Please clarify. Are you talking to your insurance? Why is that? I thought you should be filing a claim with HER insurance? Does she have insurance?

I assumed since he has a police report corroborating there was an officer on the scene who would have recorded both of their insurances.

If he didn't that was a very poor decision.

mgburg · #9 03-01-2011, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TylerH860

It was her fault and she has insurance it seems. No deductible.

Wisconsin is a "No Fault" state. You go to your agent, then (INSERT INSURANCE MINDGAMES INTO THIS PORTION OF COMMENT), you get it fixed, someone goes after the girl. Once you take the check, you're on the hook for everything that pops up later...

Nate, you should have gotten out of the Jeep, fallen down on the snow, went to the hospital for a "check out" (different from a "check up") and waited for the chick's insurance company to contact you...any hospital visit is a 5-figure payout with the insurance companies. You could have coughed, squinted, pissed your pants, farted "Yankee Doodle" and that would have had the cop making sure you RODE to the hospital in an ambulance...those suckers are a $1K just to start the engine and turn on the lights/siren.

You missed it this time...next time...just fall down.

BTW: When we getting together for a beer out at the Wander Inn? PM me.

Nate · #10 03-01-2011, 01:56 AM

I have liability insurance, with limits much higher then what is required by the state. My policy includes under insured motorist, and non insured motorist She has insurance, with limits of at least what is required of the state, no further info. I have the report, which contains her name, and insurance info.

My deductible is a grand. I wanted to contact my insurance agent so I dont deal with her, or her agent. I'm planning on bailing on the boyfriend now that I think about it, but wanted to shut her up.

Didnt take a wambulance ride, but the crash irritated an already sore neck, and then I went snowmobiling, and paid for it. Feel fine.

Her daughter/grand daughter was cute, fwiw

She didnt feel like talking to me.

~Nate

Nate · #11 03-01-2011, 03:38 AM

After a rum and coke or three to ease the body and soul, i made a claim online. Used the gf to type it, she was my passenger.

We will see what tomorrow brings.

Marc, crazy busy as always. Pics soon.
~Nate

el presidente · #12 03-01-2011, 05:44 AM

Good luck with your circumstances. Sadly, many folks open a can of worms when trying to play nice.

SwampYankee · #13 03-01-2011, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by el presidente

Good luck with your circumstances. Sadly, many folks open a can of worms when trying to play nice.

Yup. BTDT, lesson learned.

layback40 · #14 03-01-2011, 07:47 AM

Nate, You were trying to be a nice guy & you know nice guys run last. Stay right away from the bf !! Its nothing to do with him!!
As a matter of principle you should always complain of a sore neck/back. You never know when it will be important.
A couple of broken ribs coming off the snowmobile & you would have wished you had said something.

Good Luck with your jeep !!

75Sv1 · #15 03-01-2011, 07:54 AM

Might look here for parts:
http://car-part.com/
Also, what year? Is there a pick-npull near you? I don't think $800 is that bad for some body work. Still, if it is just the trim then I think that could be fairly cheap. Still, it depends on any damage to the frame.
Tom