Date:         Wed, 12 Apr 2023 19:02:40 -0700
Reply-To:     David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Bam! My Vanagon got hit...hard
Comments: To: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
In-Reply-To:  <139838015.1451749.1681347569102@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

At fault driver's insurance will want to total and lowball.  Don't settle
until you are certain to get what it takes.  Sorry this happened to you.
Also, don't necessarily expect the at fault driver to maintain his
statement of fault when he deals with his insurance company.  Been there,
done that, with my camper WHEN REAR ENDED AT A FULL STOP.  At the time I
did not have full coverage insurance, and had to go to small claims court.
Luckily my damage was relatively minor, not major like yours, because
without corroborating evidence, the judge split the liability between me
and the other driver.  I only got half what it took to make my camper whole
again.

On Wed, Apr 12, 2023 at 5:59 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
wrote:

> Saturday I was patiently waiting in left hand turn lane at light; I moved
> across the limit line, well into intersection.  Light changed from green to
> yellow, opposing traffic in slow lane stopped.  I continued on my left hand
> turn.  Out of nowhere, a black Tesla in fast lane raced to try to make the
> light....came out of nowhere (those Teslas are fast accelerating).  BAM!
> Hit passenger door.  My Vanagon spun around, and also got Passenger side
> rear quarter hit.  So, crumpled up Passenger door and stuff underneath,
> windshield broken too.  Tesla driver said to me, "I'm so sorry, it's all my
> fault, we were in a hurry, any neck or back pain?"  Cops came.  No police
> report, they just instructed us to exchange information.  Mine is a Tintop,
> super excellent condition, Subie 2.2 conversion, new tranny too.  I haven't
> taken to shop for estimate, but my guess is $9K+.  My insurance requested
> photos; exterior, interior, I also sent then $15K invoice for the total
> Subie conversion.  Not sure if stuff can be "pulled out".  I do know of a
> guy with a backyard of junk Vanagons....including door.  Maybe sawsall
> stuff from a junk Vanagon and weld into place.  And that's only the front
> end!  Rear damage included barely allowing Hatch to open.  It's a mess.
> Wish I could post photos.  Advice?
>