Date: Tue, 28 May 2002 20:30:33 -0700
Reply-To: Mike Garske <mjgarske@ATTBI.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Garske <mjgarske@ATTBI.COM>
Organization: NW Resourcer (www.nwresource.com)
Subject: Re: Battering Ram vs. Ford Escort
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Easy fix! Get out the bondo and keep the insurance money.
Mike Garske
Edward Maglott wrote:
>
> I have some photos up of the damage to my vanagon:
>
> http://buncombe.main.nc.us/~emaglott/pp010/index.htm
>
> Got 2 estimates so far, in the $2000-$2500 range. The VW dealer said that
> the 86 vanagon was only worth $1100, and they would total it. The other
> body shop said the estimate was only $150 above the value for a regular
> vanagon, not a camper, and that with the rest of the vehicle being in good
> shape, they wouldn't total it. I hope I come out OK on this. All I've
> gotten from the other driver's insurance company in the way of contact is a
> form in the mail to fill out and send back with my estimates...
>
> My original post on this is below.
>
> Edward
>
> I was on my way this afternoon to have a friend weld in my passenger side
> seat swivel. Smacked into the left rear of a ford escort with my right
> front. Its driver decided to make a left turn from the right lane, while I
> was passing them in the left lane. I laid on the horn and the brakes, and
> got that sinking feeling as the car disappeared below my windshield. Spun
> the escort a tad more than 90 degrees. Last I saw the escort, I was headed
> right for the driver's door, so I'm glad I hit it farther back near the
> corner. Unfortunately, enough of the impact occurred above the bumper to
> dent in the front pretty good, break the right headlight and side marker
> light and knock off the lower grill. I'm not sure if the grill is broken
> or not yet. Other driver was charged with a safe movement violation, but
> is claiming they were in the left lane already when turning left. Officer
> doesn't go for that story based on the damage and how the vehicles ended
> up. I may have to testify against other driver. Oh well. I hope
> insurance will help me out... Vanagon is an 86 weekender converted to full
> westy. Chrome bumper is all tweaked on the right side, but the big
> structure under it appears completely unscathed. I was not afraid at all
> when i realized I was going to hit the other car, because I knew I had the
> battering ram technology on my side!
| 
