Accident!

[SuperGeek]

Yes, the rear bumper's designed to take, I think, a 15mph hit (maybe it's 5) and will sacrifice itself to save the rest. After that, the Tridion cell kicks in, so if you get rear-ended at like 50mph your Tridion will absorb and distribute the force, bending if needed. At that point, if the engine is impacted, it's designed to move in a directed path under the car at an angle, to save the passengers. If that happens, your car's totaled because that's a heck of an impact.

The Smart can only be repaired properly at a dealership or a body shop they recommend. Don't let an insurance adjuster insist on their own shop without talking to a dealer first.

[Neonspinnazz]

Poor car, glad everyone's ok though. Hoping to see pics!

P.S. I have to agree with SuperGeek on this one!

[abelenky]

First some pictures:








I took my Smart to the dealer this morning for an estimate.
They said the damage to the bumper didn't look severe. But the real problem is that the tail-gate was forced upwards about 1". In doing so, it bent the two bracket-guides on each side. Those bracket-guides are attached to the metal, possibly the tridion-cell, and may have damaged that. That is where the real damage might be. They won't know for sure until they disassemble the entire rear-end. As a result the tailgate won't close properly.

The initial estimate was about $2,500, but with a big cautionary note that when disassembly starts, it could easily go up to $4,500.

Now, a question for the group: The other driver is a little anxious to settle this outside insurance, so as not to affect his business. I'm not opposed to doing this, but I want to be sure I'm protected. Has anyone done repairs outside insurance before? What're the issues to be aware of before? Or is it just better for me to insist on involving insurance companies? All advice is welcome.

-abelenky

[Neonspinnazz]

What's his offer? A new car? $16,000?
If he makes an offer better than the insurance company and you accept it, make sure you get it IN WRITING!!!

P.S. your car doesn't look bad, except for that tailgate

[jose3030]

wow @ pics

[jose3030]

I say do everything w/ insurance.
Have heard horror stories of people doing things "outside" of insurance.

[Neonspinnazz]

Originally Posted by jose3030

I say do everything w/ insurance.
Have heard horror stories of people doing things "outside" of insurance.

That's why you get it in writing so the if funny stuff happens you have proof of it!

[SmartDigger]

I would tell him it could be up to $2,500 -???? ( price of car if totaled ) I would call our Insurance agent and ask him for advice. if he/she is like mine he will give you some good advise

[jose3030]

Originally Posted by Neonspinnazz

That's why you get it in writing so the if funny stuff happens you have proof of it!

Man, I dunno.
I've seen too much shadiness even in writing bro.


Then you got months and months of litigation, meanwhile your car is sitting there lookin at you like

[Neonspinnazz]

Originally Posted by jose3030

Man, I dunno.
I've seen too much shadiness even in writing bro.


Then you got months and months of litigation, meanwhile your car is sitting there lookin at you like

That's unfortunately true but that's why you should negotiate with the insurance company before bartering privately.