Results of being rear-ended at 45 MPH

[babybenz]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune.

[jose3030]

Wow, I am thoroughly impressed w/ how the smart fared in this crash.

[Bum-bling-B]

Congrats on surviving a Smart car crash since I bet you've been told you were going to die in that thing. (I've heard that one from strangers before) Hope your long term injuries aren't long term at all.

Are you going to go with the same color next time around? Maybe a convertible instead?

[CruzinSusan]

Holy Moly, what an incredible post. Sure hope you heal up fast, and there aren't any lingering problems with your unreplaceable self.

The photos are amazing. I showed them to my little smartie, reminding her how dangerous stupid, cell-yaking, oblivious drivers are, and she promised to be extra careful, (and that she thought the new heated seats will probably help your back feel better - very, very soon.)

You and John H should talk - you two electronics brainiacs might save the world.

Again, so happy you're (hopefully) a-0k, and I'm confident your new smartie will again bring the same smart joy in which we all love to wallow.

[Dave Van]

No frame damage and they total it??? I'd ask them to reconsider. Our deer hit was not too much less than what your front end damage was and the body shop was amazed at how little it cost to fix and that Smart tech center told tham a decent body man can fix it in 3 hours....and no paint keeps cost even lower. (60% of repair now with all the govt regs) Ours required R fender, grille, hood, front roll pan, radiator/headlight brace, headlight assem. and heater box. With labor it was around $1500....far from a total! Good luck and glad your OK!!

[JohnnyM]

Best wishes on your recovery and remember to not settle to quickly with insurance because of delayed health issues. Also your pain and suffering generated by the at fault driver is worth something to be compensated for.

[fpage77]

I'd be looking up a lawyer right now to sue the pants off the a-hole unattentive driver for your loss and pain and suffering.

[forestacademy]

Lucky for the Civic owner you were there. If not, he most likely would have wound up under the truck.

[jimvw57]

Glad you're OK, I always thought a smart would make one heck of a dune buggy, or maybe a Bradley GT body....

[darrelplant]

The exhaust system alone is pretty pricey. My own rear-ending was at a much slower rate of speed (probably 15-20) and didn't push me into the car stopped in front of me, but the bill for the two body panels, the exhaust, muffler, and mounts ran about $2,500 with labor. A harder hit from behind may have impacted the engine. And if that's the case I could see the costs mounting up.

I feel for you on all counts, bull: the car, the injury, and the layoff (although mine came between the time I ordered my smart and the time it arrived; still got it though).