That's right, I was backed into by a Suburban @ 6pm tonight as I was sitting in the parking garage eating my lunch (staring at my car of course). A co-worker of mine and I watched the whole thing happen. The damage? The school bus managed to give my driver's side fender the widebody treatment as it smushed my bumper and headlight while skewering my bumper with the reciever hitch. I had to pry my driver's side headlight up to drive home to get it unstuck from the bent fender and bumper. No hood damage.

Fortunately, some lawyer did the damage so I am certain that I can get a payout. He started disputing the damage while I was talking with him, so I filed a police report and reported it to my insurance company with all of the information he gave me on his business card. If he had been a nice guy, I would have been alright, but he was a total dick and denied the damage saying he couldnt see any thing. He never got out of his car/truck and wouldnt have if I hadnt run up and said something to him. I physically watched my car get slammed hard by his SuburBus. He basically shot me his card, told me to call him and said he was in a hurry and took off. So, since he was a dick, I have been advised to basically stick it to him.

So, this post goes out to Z-Fever and XAT: I need a Silvia front end....a good one, and a price on one. STAT. I am going to 2 of the most expensive bodyshops tomorrow and the day after to get estimates (Ronnie Setzers and Salimis). I need options, availibility and prices. This guy was being a pompus ass to me and I really need some help sticking it to the man. The witnesses I had shared the same opinion.

Pics to follow in the daytime if I have the time to do so. I am uber pissed. Thanks for any help/leads.

 

Get him.

 

kick his ass seabass

 

Imprtant lawyers hate to be hit in the wallet. That is where I will get him. Hopefully, I will have a nice Silvia when I am done with this ordeal.

 

That sucks man.

 

damn - waiting for pics

 

A similar thing happened to me before aswell. Going to body shops to get estimates its kind of a waste of time. Id go to the shop to look at their facilities so you know you are getting quality work. The other guys insurance will be paying for it so take it to whatever shop you want. When you meet with the claims adjuster make sure you tell him that you do not want used or aftermarket replacement parts put on your vehicle. There is a dramatic difference in price between OEM and use/aftermarket parts. I owned a civic that was hit. The adjuster wanted to use used and aftermarket parts. With those parts the claim came to $3300 in damages. I told the adjuster I will not accept anything else besides NEW FACTORY PARTS. The adjuster redid the claim and this time the cost to repair came to $4800. The value of the car was $5600 so they declared it a total loss. If the cost to repair the damage is @80% or more of the value of the car then they will total it. So he cut me a check for $5600. The good news was I paid 3600 for the car 2 weeks earlier. =)

 

Only good things will follow. Sorry to hear about your headache bro.

 

I know it will all be good. I just heard tonight a very good friend of mine's mom passed away, so it kinda makes this simple sheetmetal and plastic thing seem kind of trivial. This happened since I posted this thread. So I know this little setback will come out alright and is about as insignificant as a summer shower.

 

There is no physical difference between a used part and a NOS part. Both are OEM. Aftermarket is another story.

You are going to be hard pressed to find ANY insurance company willing to put NOS parts on a car older than 5 years (unless it is an uber expensive car).

Craig, like he said don't bother driving around for estimates as it is a waste of time. Wait until the claim starts processing and they tell you to either sit tight for an estimate or go out and find your own. Make sure you go to a body shop approved by your insurance company (your claims adjuster should provide you with a list). Salemis is an approved shop for a few insurance companies, so you may be in luck. As long as you own the car, that body work performed at an approved body shop is covered for life. If you are dissatisfied with it in any way or if the paint starts flaking of a couple years down the road, the insurance company will pay to fix it again.