I purchased a 350z late November 2002. Redline Touring pakage. This is my baby!!!!! Anyways, on 07-23-03 leaving my job to make a bank deposit. I was at a red light, and waited for it to turn green. It did, and I began to go straight ahead. A lumber truck coming toward me making a turn to his left. Was not watching. I knew he was going to hit me in my door, so jerked the wheel, but he still hit me. Driver side quarter back panel, bumper, and rear wheel . IT MAKES ME SICK!!! This happened wed. I have not heard a word from this building supply company or the driver. I have tried to get in touch with them, they dont return my calls.
I know my car can be fixed, but the fact of the matter is-I now have a wrecked car. To get this car I had to pay over invoice,and I know the value just went down b/c of the wreck. Just wondering would you keep it or trade it in on a new one? Has anyone had to deal with this to see how much the value would diminish.
Any input would be greatful,
THANKS
MICHELLE

 

I think if you sell it or trade it in, you will wind up paying more money in the long run. The cost of a new one will be high, and you won't get enough for the old one to break even.

 

If there is no structural damage (and even sometimes if there is) a really good body shop can make it as good as new, if not better. You'd be amazed at what a quality body shop can do.

 

Very sorry to read about your Zzzzz, Michelle. It sounds like the damage may only be body panels & bumper which is easily replaceable. So as bad as it looks it may not be that big of a deal.
As mentioned above, good body shops can replace & repair the damage so you will never know.

I think the first order of biz is to contact your insurance company; they should take care of the truck company & get you on the road to a good body shop.

Was a police report filed? If so, your insurance company will want to see it.

Good luck.

 

I am going to second the question regarding police report.

The thing I am wondering is did the truck driver come from your left and make the left turn going the same direction you did, or did he start facing you and going left into your side.

If the truck driver came initially from your left, then he both ran a red light, and he made an unprotected left turn into you.

Did the police come on-site to write a report?
Did the truck driver get a ticket?

You should not be dealing directly with the driver of that vehicle or the company he works for. That is what the police and the supposed insurance of that company are for. If he claimed that he would take of the costs of repair if you didn't report the accident, then you have to take action and ensure that a police report is filed.

 

the story is confusing, how bad is the damage? is the car drivable? if he were coming into you(tbone) then Id think your back axle would be messed up(not drivable). otherwise he just sorta rubbed you.

itd be to your benifit if cops didnt come, as if they did, it will show up on car fax, a little rub, you replace the quarter panel, bumper, and rim, no one will ever know anything happened. ever.

 

Thanks,
To clear up my first post, YES the police did come. The driver of the lumber truck was charged with failing to yield to oncoming traffic.
Second, my car can be drove, but my rear wheel has a crack in it,so know it took the blunt of the impact. The bupmer is half ripped off hanging to the ground. Also, when we opened the trunk and lifted the trunk mat, there is some black looking styro foam that goes around your spare tire. This is busted too, so this really makes me wonder about the suspension in the rear.
Today, is another business day, maybe I will hear something from his Insurance Company.
Michelle

 

You should sue for the loss of value of a wrecked car. This amount will most likely be small enough for small claims court. That should certainly help the sting.

 

Michelle,

Be sure you contact your insurance company. They should handle this for you.

If for some reason your insurance company is not involved you should spend a few bucks on an attorney. It is not wise to negociate with the company or there insurance carrier on your own.

 

Yup, for something like this I would just hand the insurance agent a copy of all the documentation, then say "call me when something happens."

I had to go through something similar once with my Maxima, and it took months for the insurance company to sort it out, but didn't really require anything on my part after the initial contact.