A lady ran a red light going 41 mph according to her car’s black box. Hit my driver’s tire but mostly the door hinge support then spun around and got my rear bumper and a road barricade on the shoulder went down the entire passenger’s side cutting the paint to the metal.
2019 F250 limited edition in perfect condition with only 38k miles. I loved that truck. Hers was totaled. On the way home, the front driver’s tire started to shake so bad it almost put me in the ditch, so I had to creep home at 15 mph.
I’m at a loss about what to do. Only owed $10k and KBB was $60k+. If repaired, does anyone think it will be right? Or have any value?
Because of the value of the truck, the adjuster admitted it was going to be hard to total it. He started in with using after market parts. “Both bumpers together wouldn’t be more than $1200.” I think $10-12k should do it.” Let’s just say we had some words. I replaced an F150 bumper from a deer in 1997 for $800 and it didn’t have any sensors or cameras.
I am sick over it. It was a 3800lb car. I just don’t see it being right again with that much force but IDK. Haven’t been able to get it to a body shop because of the ice storm.
Any suggestions? I have a son not far from driving age and am considering repairing for him as his first truck. He will likely tear it up anyway. I have to get another truck tomorrow for work or risk losing a job.
What’s your shoot from the hip thoughts from the pics? It doesn’t look bad but she knocked the snot out of us. Am I overreacting or can it possibly be right again? I know it can be close, but I worked hard to pay that thing off as my dream truck and I want it exactly like it was before: perfect. ANY suggestions are appreciated.

 

I am sorry to hear about your truck. Don’t let them bully you into a questionable repair. Stand your ground.

I am glad that you are ok. Looks like you got hit pretty dang hard!

 

Truck took a shot for sure. I would fix and trade, move on to new. Shi* happens.

It will never be the same

Why aftermarket parts ?

Matt

 

There won’t be anything aftermarket on this. He just wanted to be cheap. In my driveway. Big mistake. He couldn’t squeeze into that little car fast enough

 

I appreciate it. She was on her cell phone.
I had a concussion from head hitting the window but Ill live. The truck stopped that car dead in its tracks which is why I’m thinking to fix it as well as can be and keep for my 15 year old. He’d be safe in it and drove it for 2 years as I taught him to drive. Gets license in August. He probably has more miles on it than me.

To fix and sell, what do you think the value of it will be? I’m thinking with what I owe on it, if the value plummets, just pay it off and keep it, as long as it’s safe to drive.

 

Glad you are okay. Demand only OEM parts, get your own body shop estimate for negotiating, and get depreciated value. Check for frame damage at A pillar/driver door. Good luck.

 

Drop it at a Ford Body Shop to get the work done. Ask for OEM parts. Her insurance company should be paying for this along with any other cost to you. Don't just rush out and buy a new truck unless you just want one. You can rent one and have her insurance company pay for it. If they give you push back just say aw my neck and head are starting to hurt. Your insurance company should be on your side in this. If by chance you both have the same company then force their hand, if they start to balk at cost, just be polite and say the next call will be from my lawyer.

Glad you're all right. Just take your time this will be taken care of.

 

Thank you. I will do.

 

This truly sucks. Sorry for your troubles. I think your situation requires legal advice. You not only have your truck to deal with but also the potential loss for your business use. Do not down play the concussion. These can have lasting effects. The insurance company will offer you less than you want/deserve and will drag it out. Getting a lawyer involved will protect your legal rights and take the stress off of you for dealing with all of this.

In answer to your question, the truck is not fixable to original condition. It can be fixed to correct the damage and look good but it will never be like original. Be prepared for a fight over non-OEM parts. The insurance company dictates what they cover in the policy (hers or yours). Most specify equivalent non-OEM parts will be used. You might be required to pay the difference if you want OEM parts. You will expend a lot of effort and stress to fight it. Some insurance companies are better than others in this regard.

Good luck. I hope it works out for you.

 

Your state may be different, but in Ohio you can claim diminished value over and above the cost of the repair. My car recently sustained $7,000 damage and I negotiated an $1,800 payment for diminished value. The value of the car is about $18,000.

The body shop assisted in preparing the dismissed value claim. Not sure if you can do this or not, but food for thought.

 

get it fixed, drive it. It should be ok..If it feels different when you drive then consider trading it in...fender , door shouldnt be a big deal IMO.. the dealer will give you a better idea of the damaged and will work with the adjuster. Going to a ford dealer should ensure OEM parts are used

 

Not necessarily. The insurance company will dictate what parts they will pay for. Just a caution, the Ford dealer body shop may not be the best in your area for fixing the truck. Some are good. Some not so good. The OP should do some research to find a good body shop in his area.

 

When I bought My 2020 F-350, I talked to the body shop manager at the dealership ..
I asked about damage repair, He told Me big dents in Aluminum really can't be bumped ..
They remove panels until they get to straight metal and replace and paint ..
I would take it back to the dealer .. Then there is no question about OEM parts ..
As long as there is no frame damage the truck should drive like it always has ..
Talk to the sales manager about reduced value and demand that from her insurance co.
Along with repair cost, rental, and inconvenience .. Good luck !!

 

Stand your ground don’t be pushed around! You have the right to take it where you want and how you want it repaired, you were the one damaged, you did not cause it. If they keep pushing for non-OEM parts then start talking about them replacing the truck. You need legal counsel you were injured, and your lively hood will suffer because you do not have the tools and supplies to do your job because of the accident! Talk to a lawyer!

Smokepe

 

How did you get that info?

I'd check the state insurance laws first. Google Insurance and/or banking commission for your State.

NJ sucks as far as insurance rates go, but the state has a strong insurance and banking commission. Insurance companies cannot dictate inferior parts or what shop you choose to use in NJ.