If safety is an issue then please take notice. A few days ago I was rear-ended by a hit and run driver while stopping for a traffic light. The impact thrust my car forward into a stopped vehicle in front of me. My airbags immediately deployed with the metal lid of the airbag compartment on the passenger side striking and shattering the windshield. The driver's airbag exploaded hitting me in the chest. Fortunately I suffered only scratches and a bruised thumb although who knows is later if more serious injuries develop. Still, right now I feel fine. When I emerged to look at the damage believing that the whole rear end would be in shambles, I was surprised to find very little sheet metal disturbed (caved-in panals on both left and right side just beyond the rear doors, both symmetrical). There was evidence that the rear bumper had been hit hard (mechanic estimated
40mph). They estimated the car had been totaled because the frame absorbed the hit. Underneath they said it was bowed and that trunk, doors, roof had been noticeably damaged (although to me it was barely noticeable. Mechanically, the car showed no ill effects and seemed to drive o.k. after I left the scene. The car that I ran into suffered no apparent damage so the owner also left the scene. Meanwhile, the car that hit me was nowhere in sight. I'm now about to settle with the insurance company who will probably offer me anywhere from $6000 (low book) to $9000 (high book). The car was purchased in Sweden, had 69000 miles, and was in excellend like new condition. In negotiating settlement, I hope to get $9000 but realistically insurance companies are out to offer much less. If they offer to give me back the car for it's salvage value (I'm guessing around $500), should I take it and try to get it repaired myself cheaper? Or, should I just forget it and take the $7000 or $8000 (guessing) and try to find another car. This car was like new! Comment welcome... ART- posted
20 years ago