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Crash Test - Personal Experience

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by 46mike, May 23, 2012.

  1. 46mike

    46mike Junior Member

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    Rochester NY
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    Well folks, I'm sorry to say that I can attest to the performance of my 2010 Prius during a 50+ mph sideswipe on a divided highway. It occurred April 5th in Rochester NY and probably looked like a NASCAR kiss and subsequent spin out by both cars into the median. I happened to go through the "Welcome to Rochester" flower garden, down the other side of the median into the oncoming traffic lane and then managed to pilot her back into the median. Car took down two 4/4 signposts and a highway reflector marker. No airbag deployment but did have $11,800 damage to body. Wheels did not require re-alignment. Body damage to front, left rear quarter panel and rear door, right rocker panel. Car was remarkably sound during that split second change of direction and hair raising trip. I was impressed. Other driver and I were not injured (he also drove another Toyota - model? ). We were very very fortunate. My car is looking well after a lot of TLC by my body man. Oh yes...he had to buy $140 gloves to disengage the battery pack, despite what the bare handed lady on You Tube did.... Way to go, Toyota!
     
    #1 46mike, May 23, 2012
  2. spiderman

    spiderman wretched

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    Wow, glad you are OK. Hope I don't ever have to test its soundness. :)
     
    #2 spiderman, May 23, 2012
  3. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    In my first 2010, had 3 kids and me - turned to quiet down the ones in the back, subsequently hit a center median curb (4"+ high) head on at an angle (40 MPH). It was high enough to pretty much stop the car at the drivers front - sending us end over end (yes end over), and rolling. All airbags deployed. The only injury was a slight burn to my hand (airbag). From the outside, you would think there were fatalities...

    Needless to say, the replacement was the same car... We then got one for one of the kids...

    Insurance totaled the car...
     
    #3 rrolff, May 23, 2012
  4. phoenixgreg

    phoenixgreg Senior member

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    OP: You didn't mention if the sideswipe was the other driver's fault. If so, be sure to get diminished value from their insurance company.
     
    #4 phoenixgreg, May 23, 2012
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    Plug-in Base
    :welcome: not the way you want to introduce yourself, but i'm glad you're here and well!
     
    #5 bisco, May 23, 2012
  6. stream

    stream Senior Member

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    Glad to hear everybody's OK.
     
    #6 stream, May 24, 2012
  7. Michgal007

    Michgal007 Senior Member

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    Welcome to PriusChat and I am glad you are ok!
     
    #7 Michgal007, May 24, 2012
  8. aragon

    aragon New Member

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    So glad you are ok! Welcome!
     
    #8 aragon, May 24, 2012
  9. GSW

    GSW PRIUS POWER

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    Glad your ok 46mike! I'm amazed you can have a 3 year old car with $11,800 in damage and it not be totalled.


    rrolff, that's scarey! And with 3 kids in the car is a nightmare. Really happy for you and family that the Prius held together. I've heard some pretty amazing crash stories about how the Prius has held its own. (Safely)! :faint2:
     
    #9 GSW, May 24, 2012
  10. dustoff003

    dustoff003 Blizzard Brigade #003

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    Aloha 46mike welcome to PC wow that sounded like one heck of a ride. Tell your body guy now that he has the gloves he can take on more Hybrid work if he wants to and you can refer all of your new Prius Chat friends in your area. Glad to hear everybody was okay.
     
    #10 dustoff003, May 24, 2012
  11. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    Glad everyone walked away, wow!

    Yes, $11k in damage would total most 3 year old $20k+ (purchase price)
    Evidently not a Toyota:)
     
    #11 dig4dirt, May 24, 2012
  12. The Critic

    The Critic Resident Critic

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    Glad you're OK.

    If it is cheaper to repair the vehicle vs a total loss, then that is the route that the insurance company will take. There's no reason to total out the vehicle if it can be repaired economically, at least from the insurance company's POV.
     
    #12 The Critic, May 24, 2012
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