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Accident...looking for options

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by finally_got_one, Nov 2, 2006.

  1. finally_got_one

    finally_got_one New Member

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    On 10/1/06 my wife was driving me home from work when we were rear-ended at a stoplight. :angry: The other car was a van; fortunately, my wife had her foot on the brake so that we didnt go into the car in front of us. The only damage that I can see to the car is to the rear bumper. The air bags didnt go off.

    We were able to drive home with no problem, but I am still upset as we have had that car for only 6 months. Then again, accidents happen.

    Question: I have the CA HOV lane stickers on that bumper. Has anybody else had to replace theirs?

    Question: We were hit at an angle. Has anybody had any difficulties with the steering after being hit? Way back in the day, it was a bent frame that caused the tires to track unevenly.

    Question: We were hit in the drivers rear side. The hatch still works as do the stoplights. Any thing else I need to worry about? :( :(

    (side note: my wife gets better mileage than I ever did...at the time, the MFD was showing 53.8. The previous tank
     
    #1 finally_got_one, Nov 2, 2006
  2. jdenenberg

    jdenenberg EE Professor

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(finally_got_one @ Nov 2 2006, 10:27 AM) [snapback]342523[/snapback]</div>
    First, It's great that no one was hurt. Any good auto body shop will give you a free estimate of the necessary repairs (including any required frame straightening). Get at least three independent estimates (one from your friendly neighborhood Toyota dealer) and you will have a good idea of what you need to do.

    JeffD
     
    #2 jdenenberg, Nov 2, 2006
  3. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(finally_got_one @ Nov 2 2006, 09:27 AM) [snapback]342523[/snapback]</div>
    HOV: I replaced mine for my front bumper. I just sent the replacement form along with the fee and they sent me ALL 4 again (I just needed one) + a new certificate. The replacement stickers were NOT the same serial number as my originals so I have mixed serial number stickers. Carry both certificates just in case.

    Angle: How FAST was the van traveling at the time of impact? Did the driver say that he attempted to brake or simple ran into your car? From my 3 not-at-fault accidents (2 rear-end, 1 front) I never had any steering or alignment problems. I would highly recommend having a Toyota dealership conduct the repairs to insure that everything will be fixed the PROPER way. There are some shady body shops out there...

    Last question: Yes, many things you should be worried about. First, I would remove the trunk carpet and floor and see if anything is BENT inside. Second, I'd get under the rear of the car and see if there isn't a "ripple effect" on any other parts. I'm telling you this because when i was rear ended it looked as if only the bumper was damaged. Big mistake; the trunk floor was crushed (+$800), rear reinforcement bar severely bent (+$xxx), and other misc. work. Repair estimates went from $450 to nearly $2500 + medical bills + pain and suffering = Over $6000!!!!

    And most importantly go thru insurance and go to a chiropractor immediately.
     
    #3 silentak1, Nov 2, 2006
  4. finally_got_one

    finally_got_one New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(silentak1 @ Nov 2 2006, 09:17 AM) [snapback]342601[/snapback]</div>
     
    #4 finally_got_one, Nov 2, 2006
  5. Pinto Girl

    Pinto Girl New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(silentak1 @ Nov 2 2006, 12:17 PM) [snapback]342601[/snapback]</div>
    That's great advice! I agree; you never know how severe the force of the impact really was, or how it was distributed.
     
    #5 Pinto Girl, Nov 2, 2006
  6. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    Whatever the insurance estimators tell you, do not settle for aftermarket parts EVEN if they insist that they are JUST as good . Your car came with original parts and so should your replacements!!!!! After market parts, if even available for the prius, tend to have a lot of alignment gaps and are of inferior quality.

    Remember that an insurance company cannot tell you where to take your car so when they recommend you a shop, take it to a dealer. You're not paying for it anyway.

    I can't picture the angle well enough so post a picture later.
     
    #6 silentak1, Nov 3, 2006
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