That was my assumption as well and I was leaning that way pretty strongly!

 

Thanks for the analysis. Add in a new wheel and tire... the wheel is cracked!

I just put new brakes and rotors on last Wednesday. I wonder if those were affected at all!

 

Not all dealers have body shops, and the ones that do are varying quality. I would ask around with people you trust to get a recommendation for a GOOD local shop.

Several years ago, I got a contract to install wi-fi in body shops so they could update the computerized frame racks online. I partially judge a body shop's quality by how clean it is. The absolute WORST shop I was in was at a Chevy dealer. The bondo dust was so thick I could barely breathe. One shop I went to was so clean you could almost eat off the floor. When I needed some work done on my truck a few years later, I went to that shop and I am completely satisfied with their work - they did a job that you can't tell was even done.

 

Sorry, but I'd be replacing everything on that corner, suspension parts included. I wouldn't reuse a shock or spring, a-arm, brake rotor, etc as hard as the wheel was hit. I'd probably go so far as to have a frame shop verify that it is still true and within factory tolerances.

 

I agree with Sooner. Given that you have taken such good care of the truck, make sure everything is fixed or you won't be happy

 

wow that's horrible but odd that nothing else on the body is damaged. If you decide to part it out I'll buy the hood sorry for the crudeness after such a tragedy.

 

You should be hearing, like getting a witness subpeona before long I think. While you didn't see it, you owned it and can state the condition it was in before the kid hit it and what it cost to repair and if that has been satisfied. At least, that's why I always had the owner there in a hit & run case. His statement that he fell asleep is enough on the reckless driving.

You don't have to take it to where they want, but I di suggest that you do visit your own insurance agent who makes a tidy sum off your premiums and let him help you in dealing with the other insurance company.

 

GLC is 100% correct. I worked in dealer body shops for 25 yrs. or so. (the rest of the time in independents) I always worked on everyones car as though it were my own, but sad to say, there were plenty of butchers over the years in those shops that I wouldn't let touch my demolition derby car! There is honestly a better chance with an independent that has a HIGH quiality reputation, because in order to keep that reputation, he has to deal directly with the customer who will soon ruin that reputation for him if he's unsatisfied. Dealers care far less most of the time what the individual thinks about the work that was done. And also, if you think a dealer won't use aftermarket parts, think again. All shops take their orders from the guy writing the check, and that's the insurance company. MANY insurance companies routinely write for and DEMAND the use of aftermarket parts if the car is more than 2 or 3 years old. The ones most likely to demand and GET OEM parts from the insurance cimpanies are the HIGH QUALITY independents that have a reputation that gives them the clout to do it, if ANYONE can.

 

I think you're getting off fairly light considering. You must have had the wheel turned in one direction to not have any sheet metal damage that I can see. It appears to me the control arm absorbed the hit and I wouldn't think the strut is damaged. I can't imagine it's totaled.

 

That's why I always park in the garage or driveway. I've seen too much stuff on the side of the road get taken out in my day.

 

Sorry to hear and see the damage.....hopefully it gets resolved.....good luck!

 

Pity Party is getting better! His insurance company just called me to say that he carries the state minimum for property damage, which is $7500. The initial estimate is over that so it flips to my insurance company!

Where are the responsible people?!?!?

 

I normally do... but I was doing yard work and didn't move my truck back to the driveway when I was done! I also put in a basketball hoop which has me parking no the street far more often than I did the first 5 years I had the truck.

 

Nice.....so you get to help pay for HIS accident......what a crock.....but better than nothing....

 

sorry to see this. The fact that they'll only cover $7500 kind of stinks.

I have a question about this pic. Was the inner axle flange assembly ripped out of the differential? Wouldn't that mean something in the case also got fubared?? Are the pieces of metal on the ground part of the case??