I think my 370z is done for...?

cv129

I suggest OP use the same dash cam to shoot the same section again, but this time with any night time enhancing function turned OFF. It will reveal just how invisible the truck would’ve been.

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Rusty

Once the OP settles up with the CHP and the insurance company. He should go after the truck owner in a separate lawsuit. Different laws are applied.

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Zbrah

dashcams have light enhancement built into the camera to produce better night time vision than actual real life visibility. Might be challenging to recapture the same scenario unless you have similar weather conditions but definitely worth a try.

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cv129

It was wet, but seems the rain had stopped (didn’t see rain drops on windshield). So I think he can just reshoot this at late night, under similar traffic condition.

I think dash cam technology is relatively new, many of us (myself included) aren’t aware just how much these tiny camera’s can enhance a night time video, and jumped to conclusion that the truck was easily seen.

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KCZ

If I'd just heard the story..."I hit a truck that was abandoned in a passing lane around a corner in the dark"...then I'd say it's the truck owner's responsibility. But having seen that video, where the truck is visible well before the curve, where there's no other traffic in the right lane preventing a swerve, and where the video makes it appear there was time to avoid the truck, now I'd have to say the responsibility is on the OP. Should have left that video under your car seat.

Asus_

I'm sorry i really don't see any situation in where OP doesn't come out of this at fault, or best case scenario, partly.

The truck IS visible, and very much so at 3 seconds, easily. . . not to mention there are lights above and the street is well lit so in terms of visibility, there is no debating, the truck had suffecient lighting around and above, hell even that really bright one that is pretty much right above the truck then you go the few every few meters or so... and the licences plate from the truck also starts to reflect and even at that point he still has time to react. OP was distracted or not paying close enough attention Some are arguing that we can see the truck because we are looking for it. . . then what are you doing when your driving? You definitely cannot just be looking straight ahead a few inches, you are periodically looking ahead so that you can anticipate and avoid things like this, like your blind spots and rear view mirrors..

In terms of "reaction" time he had enough time, OP was WAYYY to close before he noticed the truck and tried to avoid it, lets be honest here....way to close, that right there will be a strong point against him orrrr OP maybe is loosing his eye sight and not know it? lol but seriously guys, look at it, i'd like to vote in favor of OP but realistically here 9 times out of 10 he will come out at fault!

vanskees

Thank you guys for your input. It's up to the CHP and my insurance to figure out whose at fault. I mean, it's an accident. I'm cool with whatever the outcome is. Stuff happens.

But back to my original question... is my car done for???
I took down the videos, I think it kinda veered people away from my original question...

MZ DAIZY

I like your attitude! It doesn’t look like a total, but you never know with an insurance company. Keep us updated and good luck!

CRiZO

Yeah yo ride is ******

37zeroZ

The damage is concentrated on the driver side above the wheels/tires so I can't imagine any frame damage since it was more of a side swipe vice an impact. It helps your side bags deployed but I seriously doubt your car would be totaled by the insurance company.

solidus

Take your car to the dealer or the most expensive body shop you can find to get an estimate. Insurance is going to give you a number based on used , refurbished parts and cut rate labor numbers they pulled out of their butt. I just went through this with Progressive. They tried to say they could find a front bumper for 360.00 and a grill for alittle less for a 2017 Titan XD. They use a hole in the wall parts company that says they can get the parts at that price. When I called them on it they cut my check at what is about right. Don't take the first number because they leave float for error , and dont do a photo estimate because there are small items that coukd cost a grip that cant be seen.

dts3

I'm glad no one was hurt... The most important thing.

If you do end up lawyering up and going to court, make sure that your lawyer understands that your dash cam has done some low-light filtering and processing, and the video may be much more clear than your sight picture that night. Don't trust that a lawyer will be tech savvy (probably best to assume that he doesn't even know how to check his email)

solidus

Court won't be an issue for him if he decides to contest the citation. The crash report has no bearing on whatever citation he might receive because he would be the only witness against himself. Any evidence that the officer writing the report has to present is considered hearsay and is inadmissible. At present the only evidence barring him not recognizing his 5th amendment rights is the dashcam video and aside from the fact that he posted it on Youtube, I'd venture to guess that his SD card was corrupted and probably won't be available for discovery. (If it were my memory card it would be corrupted by now anyway.) . I'd just go to court plead not guilty. If they officer is asked to give testimony , as soon as it was my turn to cross, I'd ask one question......."Were you there when this happened?" Survey says "No." I make a motion to dismiss, no fine no court fee , just the cost of a crap afternoon in a municipal facility. Then off to deal with insurance. For those who may doubt what I say on this find a friendly legit traffic lawyer and ask him. This is even simpler than avoiding a speeding ticket adjudication or an accident with occupants because in this case the defendant would be the only witness.

Ghostvette

IBTL


Oh, and OP.... your car is totaled.... Mine had less damage, but once the airbag pops, the insurance company calls it done....

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vanskees

Thanks everyone for your input! The adjustor got back to me on Monday, but I couldn’t get to them in time before they left the office for the day. My car is a total loss... I thought it’d be repairable... Well, on to the next one