Sigh... Add me to the list... Rear-Ended :(

So I'm getting home late tonight and as I'm turning into my underground parking, a guy whips around the corner without stopping and nails me in the back.

Naturally I'm annoyed, even after 3 years, my car was in immaculate condition - not even a scratch on the door (sigh).

Luckily it doesn't look too bad - the back hatch will have to be replaced, and something done to the inside frame where the hatch contacts (it's distorted enough that it doesn't close properly). Bumper will need to be replaced, and the stuff underneath.

Importantly, I'm not hurt - and oddly enough, I'm not as furious as I thought I'd be when "it finally happened to me". All said though, having one minor accident (not my fault too) in 18 years of driving isn't too bad I suppose...

I was shaking as I got out of the car (adrenaline I suppose), but I had my head together enough to remember that I had a disposable film camera that I keep in the glove compartment "just in case". Very, very valuable. I'm glad I got that tip from another driver. Got pictures of my car, of the other vehicle, of the guy's driver's license, the location, etc.

Now onto the rebuilding process...

 

Well, took it in to the Toyota body shop today, they're going to generate an estimate and get back to me. Unfortunately they're heavily booked (there are only 2 Toyota body shops in my area), so it'll be 3 weeks before I can bring it in, and about 3 or 4 days to repair...

Oh how I wish I could go after the other driver for my "emotional hardship"...

 

Another update - preliminary repair estimate is approx $2,200 Cdn (about $1000 in parts for the rear hatchback and bumper, as well as around $1000 in labour and paint).

Insurance company determined I'm not liable for any of the deductible or damages, so things should progress smoothly once I get it into the bodyshop in 2 weeks.

Dave

 

Car in the shop now, estimated 4 days to repair. We shall see.

In the meantime I'm driving a (non-hybrid) Camry that my insurance is picking up the tab for. It's not bad, but it's certainly no Prius.

I still find myself "twitchy" at stoplights and in heavy traffic when the engine doesn't shut-off. Acceleration isn't as smooth, and there's no auto climate-control.

Cup holders are nicer though

 

Got the call today - parts back ordered

Looks like middle of next week, rather than tomorrow... Ick.

I miss my Prius... The loaner Camry is nice and all, but my friend commented that it was a car for "old folks"...

Dave

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(desertbriez @ Jun 14 2007, 07:20 PM) [snapback]462057[/snapback]</div>

I don't know if they're any more likely to be rear-ended than other types of cars, but rear-end accidents are by far what I hear about the most. I attribute it to other drivers not paying attention, using cell phones, etc.

On a better note, I got my Prius back from the shop on Wednesday, and it looks good! I havn't gone over it with a fine-tooth comb yet (my plan for tomorrow), but initial inspections look very good (and the body shop said if there were any issues to bring it right back and they'd take care of them).

All in all, not happy that my car got hit, but aside from the delay in getting the car in to the shop because they were booked-solid, everything else from insurance, to the bodyshop, to the rental vehicle was handled quickly and professionally.

Final cost was $3,800 Cdn ($1,700 in parts, the rest in labour and taxes - ~23 hrs labour required).

FYI as far as some of the major parts go:

• Rear hatchback was approx $700 (without glass and windshield wiper, which was transferred from the old hatch as it wasn't damaged.)
• Rear bumper covering was $250
• Rear ABS sensor (cracked, needed to be replaced on one side only) was $260

Once I get everything checked-out, I think I'm going to write a few nice letters to thank the people/companies who worked with me.

Dave