Hey guys. Yesterday I got hit by a garbage truck AND a neon. I was not in the truck, but I watched it happen right in front of me. Currently I won't officially know if its totaled for at least another week (stupid holiday breaks). Until then, I'm trying to get peoples opinions on how bad the damage really is. The axles are both shifted to the left out from under the body, and the truck is also pigeon toed now in the front. I attatched pictures of the other damage. It still runs and moves.

Kbb.com and Edmund's say its worth about 20K before the accident. Add on the 4" lift and Nitto tires and youre at around 23K. So with the damage as indicated above, do you think it will be totaled or be repairable?

 

Ok...I'll post pictures when I'm not on my phone. Until then, the damage they show is the corner of the bed is smashed, a is the bumper, taillight, and my exhaust system.

 

Without pics it's impossible to tell. Even with them it is difficult without being able to check over the frame.

 

Well that sucks.
Damage needs to be 75% or more for a total loss with most insurance companies.

I don't think a 2007 w/75kmi books for 20k although I havent priced it out, and unless you have receipts for your lift and tires, the insurance company isn't going to pay you $3k more for them.
I think you'll get about the $17k you paid for the truck.
Just remember, if you egg them on for a higher value, the greater chance you'll fall below the 75% damage ratio and then you'll have to get it fixed. Not something I would want. I'd just want out! So, if you break even, you should be happy..considering the tradgedy..haha

 

Haven't updated here in awhile...got an estimate at a dealership and they said its fixable. However, they only looked at the body. Had to take it somewhere else so that a different insurance company could send an adjuster to look at it and make an estimate. Looks like $5,000 in body damage so far. Hopefully they wont find anything terribly wrong with the suspension or axles...

 

Without pictures and and a complete write-up of *all* damage, it's difficult to tell. Get more than one estimate and be very particular about any suspension damage.

Overall, just remember that it's a physical/material possession that can be replaced. I'd rather have to replace a FUBARed vehicle than have a vehicle repaired but give nothing by aggravation due to poor repairs.

 

Yea there's no way you'd get 20k for the truck. KBB tends to overvalue trucks. If it's an 07 Hemi 4x4 with 75k on it you're probably looking closer to 16-17k. The lift and tires don't add to the value unless you find a private buyer who wants it like that. But just from what you describe the damage as I would hope they total it to be honest. I wouldn't trust the rebuilt axles and suspension if the insurance company is paying for it because they'll probably go as cheap as possible and then a year down the line you could have the axles fail and then you're paying out of pocket for repairs and maintenance on a "dirty" title which will make it harder to sell. So the truck that worth 16-17k would now be worth like 11k maybe to a private seller.

 

Check your insurance company requirements, but I would opt for OEM used fenders so they have a proper fit and finish versus aftermarket. Same with headlights. New OEM or used OEM. Aftermarkets just arent the same.
Also, if your bed was crunched, I wouldnt settle for bondo because there is no way they can get behind there to properly seal it and it will bubble in a few years.
Don't be afraid to get another body shop opinion and dont let the insurance company bully you around. I had my car side swiped and they said they would only pay their shops quoted rate. I said ohh no...NYS law says otherwise and they had to cough up $1k more after I got a quote from the dealer.

Frame damage can easily outweigh body damage. BUT, to be fair, your truck was parked and unless it was wedged between a curb or some other blunt object, or the dump truck was cruising very fast, I doubt there is any frame damage.

 

Currently its at its second body shop pending an estimate. Its already been a ride with the insurance companies with who is going to pay what with the damages. The frame *should* be okay. On the current estimate I have through my insurance company, I see damage to the bumper mount on the frame...wonder if there's anything else wrong. I m going to ask for OEM panels and parts if I can. Its at the most well respected auto body shop in town so I do trust them. I'll keep ya all posted

 

DO...NOT...SETTLE FOR ANYTHING.

Do not be afraid to check with an attorney regarding your State's laws with what should be provided.

Also, shouldn't the other driver's insurance be covering the damage? I think that's the case, which means your company's adjustor and/or agent should be working in your favor. That's what the premium you pay is for.