Car didn't go into gear after impact

Depends how much damage there is. Post some pics.
Did you file an insurance claim? You may want to. Tell them the car has driveability problems after the accident.

Since you didn't file a claim, its probably this was a minor tap. Either way get the car scanned for codes.

 

My guess is there is some kind of "shock sensor" that either self-resets or the shop knows how to do it.

Years ago, some cars had a safety feature that upon impact killed the fuel pump to prevent vehicle fires. If you didn't know how to reset the system, the fuel pump wouldn't start.

 

Scan it for codes. Anything under the sun can happen. not much to go on without photos.

 

That body damage is going to be costly. But cosmetic and not really the issue you are asking about. The body damage can easily be repaired by a good body shop. I would start investigating, looking for reviews, to try to find a good one. Sounds like the accident was clearly not your fault, so try to find one that has a great reputation for quality of work.

As far as your other issue.

I wouldn't worry too much.

Look at it this way, if it is some internal switch, or sensor or software that shut it down after the impact, and it now has reset? Well it worked, and you're OK.

If it isn't, and the On again, Off again problem is indeed something more serious and re-occurs? I'd think it would be very obvious and should result in codes being presented. Of course you would want this discovered BEFORE you're back on the road in the vehicle.

In my opinion what you need and deserve at this point is simply a good Hybrid Technician and Mechanic. The investigation, inspection and repair should be thorough.

I honestly can't give you a educated answer, as I don't know the specifics of the system to the point where I could say with confidence that there is a safeguard system that automatically shuts down the vehicles ability to go into gear. I've never heard of this happening, and I would think if it was a built in action of the vehicle or software of the vehicle it would of been accompanied by a code or warning being displayed on your dash.

But I would say, as nerve wracking as it is, just continue with the investigation, inspection and repair. Since it sounds like this accident was clearly NOT your fault, make sure you're happy with the results. Hopefully you'll get a vehicle back that you can continue to enjoy and be confident in.

 

Good Luck.
Dealing with insurance companies can be difficult.
I would think, uneducated opinion, but if your vehicle has been impacted (not your fault) and is now demonstrating different behavior, then it SHOULD be run through complete diagnostics. It's an expense, but you deserve to get your vehicle back in as close to a pre-accident condition as possible.

I know it's daunting, but since the vehicle is so new, you may also want to investigate being reimbursed for diminished value. If it now has a reported impact and accident on it's record, it's resale value will be less. You should be compensated for that reality.

In my State any accident resulting in $1000 dollars or more damage is suppose to be reported. Once reported it goes on the vehicles record, and then will show up if someone runs a Carfax report. Obviously a vehicle with an accident in it's history is worth less than a vehicle with a clean history.

Hate to give you something else to worry about, but I would guess that body damage will be relatively expensive. It looks purely cosmetic, but simply the cost of repair at a good body shop really adds up.

 

It looks like the wheel wasn't touched, which is good. I got hit a fair bit harder in that corner, did stove in the wheel some, needed replacement rear axle

 

The not starting thing could just be you didn't press the start button or step on the brake before trying to shift. You are new to the car afterall. I highly doubt there's any connection between your accident and what you are describing. Did it only do it that once and never again?

 

When you say a car "rolled a couple inches" after putting it in gear, did you confirm the car was actually in gear? Did it say "R" on the shift light indicator?

Aside from seeing if there's any check engine light illuminated, there's really nothing to inspect aside from looking to see if there's any open and obvious mechanical damage. From that kind of an impact, it is extremely unlikely your car suffered any mechanical damage.

As long as it drives fine now, I'd just chalk it up as a fluke and enjoy your car =)

 

Did you have the foot brake on when the car was hit? The only thing I can think of is the car got pushed hard enough where the locking mechanism (on a typical car--the parking pawl) and the car was unable to shift out of gear itself because the pawl had pressure on it. Once the pressure is relieved, the pin/pawl can disengage. But if you had the parking brake on then the chances of any damage are pretty much 0.

Far fetched but all I can think of. again my guess is your car did not suffer any kind of damage to its drivetrain because of this. If it makes you feel any better. Good luck!

 

Have you reported this accident to your insurance? You say the other insurance will not grant the diagnostics test, you need to have your insurance fight for you. Don't take the other insurance company's crap.