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