Collision Thread?

[Franco1]

I guess this can go under General. I didn’t do any searching for crash related threads but I thought I’d mention mine and update on the progress.

36yr old woman plowed into the back of my new 2025 KR with less than 5k miles yesterday.

I was stopped on a heavy traveled two lane where traffic had slowed due to construction painting stripes on the road after new pavement.
I make it a habit to keep at least a truck length in front of me whenever I’m stopped in traffic, it paid off.

I’m also conscious of checking my rear view mirrors and could see a Jeep Cherokee was moving to fast to stop, besides the appropriate cuss words I turned my wheel to get out of the way while still looking in my mirror. I could see she clearly wasn’t going to stop so I gripped the wheel and stood on the brakes.
Afterthought was it might have been better to accelerate but spit seconds is not much time.
Bam
She rammed my rear end and I never heard any tire screeching.

Things went black for a minute but thankfully I didn’t hit the family in a Corolla that was in front.

Traffic started moving and the Cherokee was 20-30’ behind me.
Gathering my senses I looked back and the woman was out of her vehicle checking the damage and heading my way.

First thing she said was “I wasn’t on my phone” “are you okay?”
I was and asked if she was hurt. Later both her legs below her knees were bruised. I was just shaken.

Cops came and she’s legal with insurance. Awaiting her adjuster today to evaluate my damages. I’m pretty sure her Cherokee is totaled.

I think the truck held up pretty good. Looks like the bed is wasted and a little cab damage. Topper I think is good once I get off the twisted bed. Drove home fine with idiot lights reflecting the mashed rear end.

Owwww my neck !

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[Bigguy214]

Spell check got me lol.Its Diminshed value.Your truck will most likely get a mark on carfax I think they put either minor accident,major accident.If you ever decide to sell it or trade it in either the person buying it might look up the carfax on it or a dealer your trading it into will definately look the carfax up you will get less money for it then had it not been in an accident.Most insurance companies will pay you for deminshed value because of that.You will have to ask them most won’t offer it unless you talk to them about it.

 

[Eighthtry]

My 2024 loaded special ordered XLT with 1,810 miles was hit about 30 degrees off center from the front. I hit a gentleman that made a blind, to him and me both, left hand turn in heavy traffic. Probably 25-30 mph speed at impact. Not my fault.

The crash damage itself looked repairable. I was pissed, but that stuff happens. The shop the insurance company towed it to was one of those national chains with a "lifetime" guarantee. I was afraid they would be using "almost" qualified workers in training to repair the truck.

They put it on the lift to assess and told me I had frame damage in the rear door area that caused a small "kink" (about 1/4") on the frame opposite from impact. I could see absolutely no damage myself, and I like to think after 50 years I am smart enough to judge stuff like that. He was using some type of instrument that reads up and down the truck to come to that conclusion.

Now it's totaled, so I think. Except the insurance company wanted to put a new frame underneath it for $18,000. His "chain" shop would not do that kind of work. I did not want anyone doing that kind of work anyway. I don't care how qualified a shop is, just unplugging and plugging back in connectors is enough to give me a lifetime of forum troubles today.

Long story short, I called bullshit. They finally totaled it after the appraiser, who I think was a sophomore in high school, agreed. I lost a ton of money on it. Which is why I am driving a '21 Lariat now. Don't like the color, but that is not a consideration as long as it starts, runs, and I'm not having "forumproblems".

Accident appraisal is a rigged science. Car/trucks come with packages of options. An appraisal check sheet comes with boxes. Did it have power steering? Check. Did it have power brakes? Check. Duh!!!!!! And so it goes from there.

There was no way I could replace that truck with what they were paying me. I can't fight them in court because the attorneys would cost more than the difference. Stuck. I guarantee that truck is on the road today and no one can tell it ever had frame damage except from CarFax.

A piece of advice on a recent total of my wife's 23 GMC Yukon Denali XL. Same exact problems as above except it was with a pair of rolling/hopping tractor/trailer wheels with brake drums attached. Without question it was totaled. Every air bag blew in a wreck that probably occurred at an equivalent 90 mph wheels/Yukon combined. We were on a road trip to the WWII Museum in N'awlins.

From seeing the damage you would think we were badly hurt. We walked away. If fact the wife was on the phone in the fire truck making reservations to fly to N'awlins that afternoon. I had two broken ribs. The wife had a large contusion running up her arm. I sought no treatment. She was bandaged and done in about 10 minutes. The difference between the two wrecks begins here. The wife is pissed because insurance will not pay the out of pocket to continue the trip. She talked with an attorney I was working with on another matter. He had "billboard" injury experience, said he can recover some of that and then some, and was on contingency. Maybe I can get close to recovering the true cost of the accident, but if I don't I am out no money. I don't like having to "settle" in this manner, but if they will not pay and the wife is pissed, then the conversation is over.

 

[DNazzy’s2025]

I guess this can go under General. I didn’t do any searching for crash related threads but I thought I’d mention mine and update on the progress.

36yr old woman plowed into the back of my new 2025 KR with less than 5k miles yesterday.

I was stopped on a heavy traveled two lane where traffic had slowed due to construction painting stripes on the road after new pavement.
I make it a habit to keep at least a truck length in front of me whenever I’m stopped in traffic, it paid off.

I’m also conscious of checking my rear view mirrors and could see a Jeep Cherokee was moving to fast to stop, besides the appropriate cuss words I turned my wheel to get out of the way while still looking in my mirror. I could see she clearly wasn’t going to stop so I gripped the wheel and stood on the brakes.
Afterthought was it might have been better to accelerate but spit seconds is not much time.
Bam
She rammed my rear end and I never heard any tire screeching.

Things went black for a minute but thankfully I didn’t hit the family in a Corolla that was in front.

Traffic started moving and the Cherokee was 20-30’ behind me.
Gathering my senses I looked back and the woman was out of her vehicle checking the damage and heading my way.

First thing she said was “I wasn’t on my phone” “are you okay?”
I was and asked if she was hurt. Later both her legs below her knees were bruised. I was just shaken.

Cops came and she’s legal with insurance. Awaiting her adjuster today to evaluate my damages. I’m pretty sure her Cherokee is totaled.

I think the truck held up pretty good. Looks like the bed is wasted and a little cab damage. Topper I think is good once I get off the twisted bed. Drove home fine with idiot lights reflecting the mashed rear end.

And when she said she wasn’t on her phone, I would have immediately said, “if you weren’t on your phone, then how did you not see the stopped traffic and plow into me ??” Especially if she never even hit the brakes. People like that are infuriating. Especially with a brand new beautiful truck. I’d be sick. Nothing ever the same after being in a bad wreck like that, plus the depreciation. Glad you’re ok and everyone else.

 

[DNazzy’s2025]

My 2024 loaded special ordered XLT with 1,810 miles was hit about 30 degrees off center from the front. I hit a gentleman that made a blind, to him and me both, left hand turn in heavy traffic. Probably 25-30 mph speed at impact. Not my fault.

The crash damage itself looked repairable. I was pissed, but that stuff happens. The shop the insurance company towed it to was one of those national chains with a "lifetime" guarantee. I was afraid they would be using "almost" qualified workers in training to repair the truck.

They put it on the lift to assess and told me I had frame damage in the rear door area that caused a small "kink" (about 1/4") on the frame opposite from impact. I could see absolutely no damage myself, and I like to think after 50 years I am smart enough to judge stuff like that. He was using some type of instrument that reads up and down the truck to come to that conclusion.

Now it's totaled, so I think. Except the insurance company wanted to put a new frame underneath it for $18,000. His "chain" shop would not do that kind of work. I did not want anyone doing that kind of work anyway. I don't care how qualified a shop is, just unplugging and plugging back in connectors is enough to give me a lifetime of forum troubles today.

Long story short, I called bullshit. They finally totaled it after the appraiser, who I think was a sophomore in high school, agreed. I lost a ton of money on it. Which is why I am driving a '21 Lariat now. Don't like the color, but that is not a consideration as long as it starts, runs, and I'm not having "forumproblems".

Accident appraisal is a rigged science. Car/trucks come with packages of options. An appraisal check sheet comes with boxes. Did it have power steering? Check. Did it have power brakes? Check. Duh!!!!!! And so it goes from there.

There was no way I could replace that truck with what they were paying me. I can't fight them in court because the attorneys would cost more than the difference. Stuck. I guarantee that truck is on the road today and no one can tell it ever had frame damage except from CarFax.

A piece of advice on a recent total of my wife's 23 GMC Yukon Denali XL. Same exact problems as above except it was with a pair of rolling/hopping tractor/trailer wheels with brake drums attached. Without question it was totaled. Every air bag blew in a wreck that probably occurred at an equivalent 90 mph wheels/Yukon combined. We were on a road trip to the WWII Museum in N'awlins.

From seeing the damage you would think we were badly hurt. We walked away. If fact the wife was on the phone in the fire truck making reservations to fly to N'awlins that afternoon. I had two broken ribs. The wife had a large contusion running up her arm. I sought no treatment. She was bandaged and done in about 10 minutes. The difference between the two wrecks begins here. The wife is pissed because insurance will not pay the out of pocket to continue the trip. She talked with an attorney I was working with on another matter. He had "billboard" injury experience, said he can recover some of that and then some, and was on contingency. Maybe I can get close to recovering the true cost of the accident, but if I don't I am out no money. I don't like having to "settle" in this manner, but if they will not pay and the wife is pissed, then the conversation is over.

If you lost a ton of money you must not have had “Gap” coverage?

 

[Eighthtry]

Don't buy gap coverage. Not sure what it covers in these cases.

 

[DNazzy’s2025]

Don't buy gap coverage. Not sure what it covers in these cases.

GAP covers the difference in depreciation, which is the perfect situation to have in this case. Most of us owe more than the truck is worth, for the first couple years of ownership in most cases. If insurance only pays you $30k but you owe $40k, the GAP covers that additional $10k that you would have lost. Maybe I’m not understanding your situation, but sounds exactly what you are describing if you lost money with it being totaled.

 

[24SCP]

My advice is contact an attorney for a consultation regarding the Diminished Value. Also, coming from a family that owned a dealership. With all the technology something like yours will have problems well after warranty. Anomalies and others.
Lastly if someone hit me in my 5k odo 2024 Platinum like yours. I’d sue for value and a bit more to get Taxes etc and incidentals. Then trade for a new one! Just me though. 59 yo and many more autos than 80% of people have owned.
Good luck on your journey and hope all is well health wise.

 

[Eighthtry]

Health is good. The rib pain is sloooowly going away.

My 0% loan was for 3 years, so by the time I wrecked the truck the outstanding balance on the loan was well below the value of the truck. I'm not sure how that would have worked for me in either instance. I must pay more attention next time I buy one, which will likely be soon.

I paid cash for the 23 Denali, so no loan.

The problem with suing for such small amounts is the expense of lawyers. I talked to some recommended diminished value lawyers. They told me I could not money out on either. They both had diminished value, but not enough to pursue legally. That sounds crazy for a frame replacement. Let's assume I could get another $4,000 for the truck. The lawyers must be paid. The insurance company will take this to trial. So what do I end up with? Lots of out-of-pocket time and probably expense for lawyers who are advising me that in their experience it will not work on this particular vehicle.

Life is not fair, but I have been fortunate that these messes will not impact my finances. So, I am using the back door approach with personal injury on my Denali. I should have done exactly the same thing on my F150. Live and learn. By the way, the insurance person handling the claim for my wife's Denali has called again asking her to sign the release. The wife is "still thinking" about it.

 

[JoeF]

Something that worries me about going to court: you might very well win your case and get a judgement against the other party. My understanding around here is that all that means is the other party now owes you money and they are not going to write a check on the way out of the court.

Thus, it is likely that further legal action will be necessary to recover your judgement. If the person has no assets, or not enough, then you will be screwed. Just more time, effort and expense on your part to collect what you are owed.

 

[kieefer]

And when she said she wasn’t on her phone, I would have immediately said, “if you weren’t on your phone, then how did you not see the stopped traffic and plow into me ??” Especially if she never even hit the brakes. People like that are infuriating. Especially with a brand new beautiful truck. I’d be sick. Nothing ever the same after being in a bad wreck like that, plus the depreciation. Glad you’re ok and everyone

That’s pretty close to what I was thinking but I thought it best to keep my mouth shut in the heat of the moment.
I’m thankful we both walked away and she was an American citizen with INS.
(My brother got screwed when a van full of illegals bailed out and ran away from the crash scene that totaled his new VW.)

After reading the comments I will be consulting a lawyer on Monday.
I can see it’s going to be a real trick to get the bumper mount straight.
The truck is paid for and I was planning to keep it a long time.

 

[kieefer]

FYI for future reference and information.

https://grok.com/share/bGVnYWN5_9a8dbdc4-0721-4950-ae65-cf33570a36db

 

[Fordphanatic]

Im sorry this happened to your new truck. Im glad youbare okay. I can tell you from a recent experience that your looking between 15-20k to repair your truck. I was rear ended a month ago and it was almost 12K to fix. I had the same bumper bracket bent. They cut it off and welded on a new one. Make sure you go to a Certified aluminum repair shop. Don't just settle for any body shop. I got my truck back and it looks as good as new. Here's a few pictures of my accident and repair.

 

[kieefer]

Im sorry this happened to your new truck. Im glad youbare okay. I can tell you from a recent experience that your looking between 15-20k to repair your truck. I was rear ended a month ago and it was almost 12K to fix. I had the same bumper bracket bent. They cut it off and welded on a new one. Make sure you go to a Certified aluminum repair shop. Don't just settle for any body shop. I got my truck back and it looks as good as new. Here's a few pictures of my accident and repair.

Thanks.
That’s pretty minor compared to mine and surprised the frame bent on yours, maybe designed intentionally?
I would guess-a-mate twice if not more than 12k to repair all of mine.
Unless they salvage the beds left side panel a whole bed is in order. Then I got the new access three piece tailgate and minor cab damage and that’s what I can see.

 

[Fordphanatic]

Thanks.
That’s pretty minor compared to mine and surprised the frame bent on yours, maybe designed intentionally?
I would guess-a-mate twice if not more than 12k to repair all of mine.
Unless they salvage the beds left side panel a whole bed is in order. Then I got the new access three piece tailgate and minor cab damage and that’s what I can see.

You are definitely more then 12k at least 15 to 20k. That tailgate alone is expensive and it looks like your tail light was damaged also. I had a tail light replaced undercwarranty it was almost $1600 for the part. Im curious what the damage will end up being. Heres a picture of my bent frame bracket

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