Got Rear Ended Friday Night!

Bonzo · 05-23-2016, 04:01 PM

Well I haven't been around here much in quite awhile, and needless to say I'm not happy about why I'm back here today. Some jerk was looking the other way (his words, not mine), and bashed into me while I was stopped at a light. Just sitting there waiting to turn right and BAM! I was so pissed off I couldn't see straight. Been driving for 30 years now and have never been in an accident. Perfect driving record gone. Good news is I'm fine, he has insurance and they have accepted full liability. Bad news is my perfect beautiful car is now f*cked up, I've got to go through all this hassle, it won't ever be the same, and I probably lost $5000 in re-sell value if I ever want to sell it.

I've been in a complete funk since. Had enough beers Friday night to allow myself to actually cry. I was a wreck all day Saturday. But my wife has been fantastically supportive, and she feels genuinely bad for me. Made me a super nice dinner Saturday night.

Is there anyone here that has been through this that can give me some pointers on what to look for? From what I can tell, the bumper is gone. The tailgate will have to be replaced. The light is gone. And what appears to be the worst news, is that the rear quarter panel is in fact bent up. I'm thinking that means a bunch of metal work which is bad. Without looking underneath I can't tell for sure, but it appears the exhaust, wheel, and suspension might be okay. Any advice or knowledge you can fill me in on is appreciated.

Thanks ----- Bonzo

Jsolo · 05-23-2016, 04:10 PM

It's frustrating and disappointing to be involved in any collision, esp one not your fault.

I've been through this several times. Most severe was almost totaling out my camaro many years back.

At the end of the day, it's just a car, get over it. No loss of life.

Make sure all damages are repaired to bring the car back to precollision condition. Once repairs are done, make sure you try to collect for diminished value.

From the pics, it doesn't look like the damage is overly severe. I doubt there was any subframe damage. How fast was the guy going who hit you?

Also, make sure you go to the doctor asap to get checked out. Often times symptoms show up after the adrenaline has worn off.

Bonzo · 05-23-2016, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsolo

It's frustrating and disappointing to be involved in any collision, esp one not your fault.

Being the Z and my first time, it's overly hard.

Quote:

At the end of the day, it's just a car, get over it. No loss of life.

I'm trying.

Quote:

Make sure all damages are repaired to bring the car back to precollision condition. Once repairs are done, make sure you try to collect for diminished value.

How does one collect for diminished value?

Quote:

From the pics, it doesn't look like the damage is overly severe. I doubt there was any subframe damage.

I'm hoping.

Quote:

How fast was the guy going who hit you?

Dunno. Not too fast. I'd guess more than 5 but less than 10.

Quote:

Also, make sure you go to the doctor asap to get checked out. Often times symptoms show up after the adrenaline has worn off.

I will do that.

OptionZero · 05-23-2016, 06:41 PM

All that stuff looks replaceable: bumper, hatch, lights, maybe some interior isht, and exhaust

Just make 100% sure there's no frame damage and your car can be repaired.

Assuming insurance comes through you'll be able to get it all paid up for the parts and labor. Keep all documentation and pictures in a file

And i agree with above - your health is more important than your car. I'd go to your doc and get checked out just in case, report any and all symptoms and listen to what they say. Anything unusual, better safe than sorry.

I have seen people walk away thinking they're ok and later turns out they have a ****** up back or something they didn't realize initially. It can affect quality of life so its always better to get checked out.

Voice59 · 05-23-2016, 07:07 PM

I got rear ended in March. As long as it's not your fault there's no issue. The bodyshop mentioned that cars don't have what people traditionally call "frames". Your car would have to be screwed terribly for it to be considered total. So that eased my nervousness a little. And to get some money back for loss of value, you just have to file a claim from what I'm told. I'm going to go that route here in the future. Also I would use this time to get whatever aftermarket bumper you'd like to get. As long as it's cheaper in cost than the original you should be fine.

Nixin · 05-23-2016, 08:28 PM

The main thing here is that you are all right. Parts and vehicles, as much as we love them and throw $ into them, are replaceable. Good luck and I hope you have your Z back soon.

KrnAndy · 05-23-2016, 11:21 PM

wow sorry you had to get into an accident as well, yours came out worse than mine did (I still was not able to check the crash bar though)

for diminished value I was asking my insurance company as well but you'd have to take it to court and file a claim on the person. Most likely it's more of a hassle and would take a long time for it to even go through. Otherwise EVERYONE would try and file claims for diminished value.

Try to look for "affiliated" shops with your insurance because THEY are most likely the one's to hook your car up to the most money.

If you choose your own shop they will give you an estimate and you'll have to show it to the insurance to see whether or not they'll give you have amount.

For my instance I went to an affiliated shop, (random shops that are "partners")
and they don't have a adjuster take a look and deal with me. The shop just sends the bill out to the insurance. Depending on how they are my other car, they were able to "blend" the paint and fix paint on other panels for me too

but it's all different tbh. I'm in California and I have no idea how things work in Ohio with insurance

Bonzo · 05-25-2016, 10:49 AM

I did a bunch of shop hunting via the internet yesterday. What a hassle. Impossible to really tell. So of the top four reviewed places, 2 are both like an hour away, 1 is by where I work, and the other is right around the corner from my house. Went to the place by my house this morning and spoke with the manager for about 45 minutes. Seemed like a really good guy, so I think I'm going to go with them. They are on both my insurance and the other guys top lists, so that could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at things. Some will say that means they work for the insurance companies, not me. Others will say I will actually get more because the insurance companies are less likely to hassle them when they ask for more parts. I dunno. 6 of one half dozen of another I think. Same goes for which insurance company I choose let do the work, mine or theirs. All a bunch of smoke and mirrors.

Anyway, I guess we'll see. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

TerribleONE · 05-25-2016, 10:52 AM

Good luck with the repairs.

As far as the diminished value consider hiring a lawyer to recoup that. My friend got rear ended in his brand new GTI and it looks like he is going to get a nice check for it.

OldGuyFla · 05-25-2016, 11:06 AM

That's a real bummer, I've been there, just keep at them & make sure you get everything done right & to your satisfaction.

KMO-II · 05-25-2016, 01:21 PM

Man that sucks.. I feel your pain.. You can see my wrecked, totaled, 2013 NISMO through my album. I was down in the dumps for a week or so until I got another brand new 2014 NISMO.. ;-)

Bonzo · 06-27-2016, 05:05 PM

The body shop turned in the estimate to the insurance company today. $12,000. $6000 is just parts alone. Glad I had OEM parts on my policy, and $1500 in customization that will cover getting my taillights repainted and the FatMat sound deadening put back in.

Good news is only super light damage to the very back end cap of the frame. Said it looked like a small hammer ding. Otherwise it's all cosmetic, and according to him all is going well so far. Since I don't "need" the car, we are taking the time to do it all properly, no rushing.

Thinking when I'm done with this I might try to add more for customization, but I'm not sure they will do that. I have over $4000 in mods I've done.

Definitely upping the wife's Pontiac Solstice to OEM.

Atm121990 · 06-27-2016, 11:02 PM

Someone pulled out in front of me last year and caused $6000 in damages to my 2013 370Z. My insurance was no help with filing for diminished value. I did some internet searching and came across autoloss.com . I read some reviews of them online and they had mixed reviews. I ended up using them and I am glad I did. They made a diminished value report for me and sent it to their insurance company. They helped me thru the process the whole way. Sometimes it would take a week for them to email me back but they always did. They would tell me every step their insurance company would make to try to get me less money. They first offered me $2500 when they said it was around $5000. After 2 months of talking with autoloss and their insurance company they finally accepted my offer of $4750. I got the check in 5-7 days. Hope this helps

NJZGuy · 06-28-2016, 03:34 PM

I know what it's like to get rear-ended by a careless driver. At least your Z is repairable and most important--you weren't hurt.

Good luck with your re-build--and stay safe out there!

mults · 06-28-2016, 03:48 PM

Sorry for your situation and be glad that the impact wasn't more to the side. That may have really knocked the frame alignment out-of-whack.

Even though it is ONLY a car, I get the attachment we place on our vehicles.

Let's hope the car gets repaired fully and to your satisfaction.

05-23-2016, 04:10 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jsolo Track Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: chicago Posts: 783 Drives: '12 G37 6MT Rep Power: 14	It's frustrating and disappointing to be involved in any collision, esp one not your fault. I've been through this several times. Most severe was almost totaling out my camaro many years back. At the end of the day, it's just a car, get over it. No loss of life. Make sure all damages are repaired to bring the car back to precollision condition. Once repairs are done, make sure you try to collect for diminished value. From the pics, it doesn't look like the damage is overly severe. I doubt there was any subframe damage. How fast was the guy going who hit you? Also, make sure you go to the doctor asap to get checked out. Often times symptoms show up after the adrenaline has worn off. labrador likes this. __________________ G37S Sedan 6MT, Eibach swaybars, Invidia Exhaust, Weaker Clutch Pedal Spring For sale links

05-23-2016, 07:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
Voice59 Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Va Beach, Virginia Posts: 1,418 Drives: 2009 Nissan 370z Rep Power: 16	I got rear ended in March. As long as it's not your fault there's no issue. The bodyshop mentioned that cars don't have what people traditionally call "frames". Your car would have to be screwed terribly for it to be considered total. So that eased my nervousness a little. And to get some money back for loss of value, you just have to file a claim from what I'm told. I'm going to go that route here in the future. Also I would use this time to get whatever aftermarket bumper you'd like to get. As long as it's cheaper in cost than the original you should be fine. __________________ Amuse//GTM//Stance//Z1//ONEighty//Defi//VolkRacing//FLy1Motorsports Seibon//FastIntentions//Zspeed//Mishimoto//EBC//Innovate//Defi//Ichiba Quaife//RJM//Galeforce//ShineAuto//TWM//IG @n0w_u_z_me

05-23-2016, 08:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
Nixin A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: GWN Posts: 3,488 Drives: Goodbye Z! Rep Power: 19833	The main thing here is that you are all right. Parts and vehicles, as much as we love them and throw $ into them, are replaceable. Good luck and I hope you have your Z back soon. Last edited by Nixin; 05-24-2016 at 08:58 AM.

05-25-2016, 10:49 AM	#8 (permalink)
Bonzo Track Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 690 Drives: Finally, a 370Z!!! Rep Power: 3372	I did a bunch of shop hunting via the internet yesterday. What a hassle. Impossible to really tell. So of the top four reviewed places, 2 are both like an hour away, 1 is by where I work, and the other is right around the corner from my house. Went to the place by my house this morning and spoke with the manager for about 45 minutes. Seemed like a really good guy, so I think I'm going to go with them. They are on both my insurance and the other guys top lists, so that could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at things. Some will say that means they work for the insurance companies, not me. Others will say I will actually get more because the insurance companies are less likely to hassle them when they ask for more parts. I dunno. 6 of one half dozen of another I think. Same goes for which insurance company I choose let do the work, mine or theirs. All a bunch of smoke and mirrors. Anyway, I guess we'll see. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. __________________ Finally Able To Order 2012 Model 8/24/2011 Delivered Tuesday November 15, 9:57 am!!! 2012, Auto, White, Sport, Kick Plates

05-25-2016, 10:52 AM	#9 (permalink)
TerribleONE A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 10,203 Drives: WOT Rep Power: 5850	Good luck with the repairs. As far as the diminished value consider hiring a lawyer to recoup that. My friend got rear ended in his brand new GTI and it looks like he is going to get a nice check for it. __________________ 638WHP 541WTQ @ 13.5PSI Build thread

05-23-2016, 06:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
OptionZero A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,223 Drives: 15 370Z Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 214100	All that stuff looks replaceable: bumper, hatch, lights, maybe some interior isht, and exhaust Just make 100% sure there's no frame damage and your car can be repaired. Assuming insurance comes through you'll be able to get it all paid up for the parts and labor. Keep all documentation and pictures in a file And i agree with above - your health is more important than your car. I'd go to your doc and get checked out just in case, report any and all symptoms and listen to what they say. Anything unusual, better safe than sorry. I have seen people walk away thinking they're ok and later turns out they have a ****** up back or something they didn't realize initially. It can affect quality of life so its always better to get checked out.

05-23-2016, 11:21 PM	#7 (permalink)
KrnAndy Base Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Irvine Posts: 112 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z M6 Rep Power: 9	wow sorry you had to get into an accident as well, yours came out worse than mine did (I still was not able to check the crash bar though) for diminished value I was asking my insurance company as well but you'd have to take it to court and file a claim on the person. Most likely it's more of a hassle and would take a long time for it to even go through. Otherwise EVERYONE would try and file claims for diminished value. Try to look for "affiliated" shops with your insurance because THEY are most likely the one's to hook your car up to the most money. If you choose your own shop they will give you an estimate and you'll have to show it to the insurance to see whether or not they'll give you have amount. For my instance I went to an affiliated shop, (random shops that are "partners") and they don't have a adjuster take a look and deal with me. The shop just sends the bill out to the insurance. Depending on how they are my other car, they were able to "blend" the paint and fix paint on other panels for me too but it's all different tbh. I'm in California and I have no idea how things work in Ohio with insurance

05-25-2016, 11:06 AM	#10 (permalink)
OldGuyFla A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Indian Lake Estates Fl Posts: 1,049 Drives: 14 370Z TS Roadster Rep Power: 19127	That's a real bummer, I've been there, just keep at them & make sure you get everything done right & to your satisfaction.

05-25-2016, 01:21 PM	#11 (permalink)
KMO-II Base Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: new mexico Posts: 189 Drives: 370Z NISMO - 2014 Rep Power: 5014	Man that sucks.. I feel your pain.. You can see my wrecked, totaled, 2013 NISMO through my album. I was down in the dumps for a week or so until I got another brand new 2014 NISMO.. ;-)

06-27-2016, 05:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
Bonzo Track Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Ohio Posts: 690 Drives: Finally, a 370Z!!! Rep Power: 3372	Update 6/27/16 The body shop turned in the estimate to the insurance company today. $12,000. $6000 is just parts alone. Glad I had OEM parts on my policy, and $1500 in customization that will cover getting my taillights repainted and the FatMat sound deadening put back in. Good news is only super light damage to the very back end cap of the frame. Said it looked like a small hammer ding. Otherwise it's all cosmetic, and according to him all is going well so far. Since I don't "need" the car, we are taking the time to do it all properly, no rushing. Thinking when I'm done with this I might try to add more for customization, but I'm not sure they will do that. I have over $4000 in mods I've done. Definitely upping the wife's Pontiac Solstice to OEM. __________________ Finally Able To Order 2012 Model 8/24/2011 Delivered Tuesday November 15, 9:57 am!!! 2012, Auto, White, Sport, Kick Plates

06-27-2016, 11:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
Atm121990 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Hagerstown, Md Posts: 52 Drives: 13-nissan370-gun,m6 Rep Power: 12	Someone pulled out in front of me last year and caused $6000 in damages to my 2013 370Z. My insurance was no help with filing for diminished value. I did some internet searching and came across autoloss.com . I read some reviews of them online and they had mixed reviews. I ended up using them and I am glad I did. They made a diminished value report for me and sent it to their insurance company. They helped me thru the process the whole way. Sometimes it would take a week for them to email me back but they always did. They would tell me every step their insurance company would make to try to get me less money. They first offered me $2500 when they said it was around $5000. After 2 months of talking with autoloss and their insurance company they finally accepted my offer of $4750. I got the check in 5-7 days. Hope this helps

06-28-2016, 03:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
NJZGuy Base Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 29 Drives: 2009 Nissan 370Z 7AT Rep Power: 13	I know what it's like to get rear-ended by a careless driver. At least your Z is repairable and most important--you weren't hurt. Good luck with your re-build--and stay safe out there! Last edited by NJZGuy; 06-29-2016 at 07:50 PM.

06-28-2016, 03:48 PM	#15 (permalink)
mults A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Cleveland, OH Age: 69 Posts: 1,830 Drives: 2010 (40th) #706 Rep Power: 16886	Sorry for your situation and be glad that the impact wasn't more to the side. That may have really knocked the frame alignment out-of-whack. Even though it is ONLY a car, I get the attachment we place on our vehicles. Let's hope the car gets repaired fully and to your satisfaction. __________________ mults 40th Anniversary 'Z', 312.06HP/260.58TQ (Dynosty EcuTek Tune) Build Date/Number: 1/27/2010 #706 Berk HFC + CBE, R2C CAI, Clear Bra, Cleveland Z Club

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