Fender Bender

[skyzdlimit59]

Well, I dreaded this moment and hoped I would never have to deal with it but here it is. While I was waiting at a red light a brand new Mercedes, parked in a diagonal spot to the right, backs up without looking and hits my passenger side rear panel. Scraped the paint off the edge. It doesn't look like there is any other damage and the scrape is minor, but...
Now I have to take time off work to drive to the dealer in Laguna Niguel (a 60 mile drive)and wait for an estimate, including news on whether anything else happened that I can't see. I assume it will merely take a panel replacement, but who knows how long it will take to get one and then I'll have to drive down again to have it installed.
This is the downside to being the first in line, my friends. Eventually there will be more smart centers (I hope) and getting parts will not entail a six month wait. I'll post a picture later today - didn't get a chance when it happened - and keep you all posted along the way.

[jwight]

Sorry to hear that. You'd think hitting a car this small would be difficult but I guess not for some folks. Hope the repair process is relatively painless.

[nscaler]

Any damage to the Mercedes?
Hope so, but doubt it.

[JPaul]

Sorry to read that. When you have the time to post pictures, and the result of the dealership's estimate, sharing will be appreciated. In the mean time, take care of your car, the other's insurance and all those hurdles one dreads. Good luck.

[Smart pizzaguy]

I wouldn't drive all the way to the dealership, instead go to a local bodyshop to have it repaired. They're probably more qualified to tell you if there's unseen damage and they'll get the panel prepainted from the dealer. I don't see the reason to drive all that distance. Please keep us posted if there was any hidden damage as well as how long it takes to get a replacement panel.

[amad1972]

I think the guy that hit you did it on purpose because he was jealous that your Mercedes cost less than his and gets more attention.

[PerryA]

Originally Posted by nscaler

Any damage to the Mercedes?
Hope so, but doubt it.

Which Mercedes, the Smart or the other guy?

[Prospero]

Shouldn't a panel be very minor -- I think the most expensive one is a couple of hundred, and the time to pop one off and pop the other on should be small.

[skyzdlimit59]

Originally Posted by nscaler

Any damage to the Mercedes?
Hope so, but doubt it.

None to speak of, other than a small smear of blue paint from my baby.

[skyzdlimit59]

Originally Posted by Smart pizzaguy

I wouldn't drive all the way to the dealership, instead go to a local bodyshop to have it repaired. They're probably more qualified to tell you if there's unseen damage and they'll get the panel prepainted from the dealer. I don't see the reason to drive all that distance. Please keep us posted if there was any hidden damage as well as how long it takes to get a replacement panel.

I'll look into that, but I suspect there would be less confusion at a dealer, since a body shop doesn't have the installation experience. Many won't even know what they're looking at.