Car accident in Plug In. Battery question

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by DudemeetsDad, Jul 17, 2018.

  1. DudemeetsDad

    DudemeetsDad New Member

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    Was on the freeway at a dead stop and a group of teenagers rear ended me at full speed. Police report says it moved my car two car lengths.

    Luckily I'm okay but the back of the plug in is completely damaged.

    In the event that my insurance company says it can be repaired how concerned should I be about the battery and any potential loss of performance?
     
  2. gallde

    gallde Active Member

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    If the battery case is dented or twisted by frame damage, it should be replaced as part of the settlement. If it was untouched, it should be tested by a dealer with the ability to verify charge-discharge capacity.
     
  3. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    Even w/o a picture, I'm very confident your 7 year old car is totaled.

    Sad to say but glad you're OK. (y)
     
  4. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    if they want to repair it, find a toyota dealer with a body shop.
     
  6. DudemeetsDad

    DudemeetsDad New Member

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    Here's a picture of the car. I spoke with a friend who would at a body shop out of state and he said it should not be repaired because it won't be as safe if it gets in another accident.
     

    Attached Files:

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  7. KevinPluggedIn

    KevinPluggedIn Junior Member

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    I took a look at the photo, and my initial reaction is that this should be replaced, ie, totalled, vs. repaired. I work in Auto Insurance claims, so please let me know if you would like me to take a look at any repair v. replace documents or valuations they present to you.

    Another possibility in some situations is that the Insurer may request a "Tear down" where a shop will open up the rear end and determine what damage is hidden prior to making the repair v. replace decision. This may feel like a delay to you, as the claimant, however, it is common industry practice.

    I hope it all works out. Let me know if I can be of assistance.

    Take Care...Kevin
     
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  8. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    ouchie!:(
     
  9. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    If by battery you mean the traction battery, I can't tell how it is from the exterior picture, but I would be very wary of trying to repair it - high voltage DC equipment is a whole field of its own and there will be nobody around who has done this before. The battery might be OK though, it is in a well protected position. I believe that if it were me, I would not accept the car as being repaired if it lost performance.

    It could probably be repaired enough to use as a farm car*, but I would be concerned about trying to make it street legal. The rear energy absorbing zones have crumpled, I don't think it is possible to uncrumple them. I also would be concerned that the frame of the car may be bent, and getting it back to spec may not be possible

    *A car that is used to move stuff around on the farm, but it will never drive over 30 MPH - the fields are too bumpy - and it cannot be used on a public road (It has no insurance, plates, or registration.) Chickens roost in them, they get pretty gnarly, you don't care, they just move stuff around 'till nobody can fix it any more.
     
  10. Dxta

    Dxta Senior Member

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    Dead cat already.
    1. Rear bumpers gone
    2. Suspension systems: shocks, stabilizer sway bar, etc.
    3. The HV battery might not be at risk. But opening the hood up, would determining that
    4. Get another car, and move on.
     
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  11. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    If it were to be repaired, it wouldn't be necessary to uncrumple the crumples, but to buy the involved sheet metal pieces (they have part numbers, and the Collision Repair manual has the details) and weld those together as directed. The car has no separate frame, just channels formed into the aforementioned sheet metal, so a proper reconstruction would result in uncrumpled crumples and unbent frame channels.

    It would also be a lot of work. I.e., an owner who was an enthusiast and already had the needed skills and equipment could probably complete the job as a labor of love, but for anyone who would have to pay somebody else's hourly rate for doing the same work, I'm guessing it wouldn't be feasible within the cost limits covered by insurance ... hence the judgment of 'totaled'.

    -Chap
     
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  12. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    any news?
     
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  13. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Seeking resolution tonight:whistle:?
     
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  14. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i still have a cracked bumper.:oops:
     
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  15. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Duct tape still holding up:whistle:?
     
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  16. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    of course, i got the permanent style.;)
     
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  17. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    You ever get a hold of the Tampa Bay Rays for the correct colored tape?
     
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  18. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    the blue and grey look very sheik.
     
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  19. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    As long as Mrs. Bisco thinks the same, you’re money ahead:).

    Always good to think of your handy work in high class terminology (y).
     
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  20. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    are you kidding? her front bumper is hanging on by a thread.:p
     
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