Somebody Hit My Car :(

[SeanPlunk]

I went out to the parking lot and somebody hit my car today. It didn't take too long to figure out the car that hit me was still parked next to me. It was an old lady in a 2002 Lexus LS430 :bang: . The damage isn't too bad, but I may be out of commission for the track. The car was so pristene - I'm so bummed out. Oh well, it's only a car right?

[Vettezuki]

I went out to the parking lot and somebody hit my car today. It didn't take too long to figure out the car that hit me was still parked next to me. It was an old lady in a 2002 Lexus LS430 :bang: . The damage isn't too bad, but I may be out of commission for the track. The car was so pristene - I'm so bummed out. Oh well, it's only a car right?

That royally sucks. What do you mean hit? Door ding? Scrape along a whole quarter panel?

BTW, Brea Autobody does good work. Paul used to work there long ago. The did some repairs on the Mazda when Reiko got rear ended. It was like new when they were done.

[SeanPlunk]

That royally sucks. What do you mean hit? Door ding? Scrape along a whole quarter panel?

BTW, Brea Autobody does good work. Paul used to work there long ago. The did some repairs on the Mazda when Reiko got rear ended. It was like new when they were done.

When the lady was coming into the space she rubbed up pretty good against my driver's side quarter panel and the bumper. They will both need to be repainted. The thing that sucks is that the lady didn't notice. When she came out and I showed her everything, she initially said she did it. Then by the end she was changing her story. This sucks because if she doesn't take responsibility, we have to pay the deductable. I know her name and where she lives though :bigthumbsup: I'm hoping she doesn't pull that crap, it would sooo lame. I took the Camaro to Brea at one point, but they did a mediocre job. A year later it started coming off. When I took it back to them to honor the warranty, they wouldn't do it. They said it must have gotten "bumped" again or something. Completely lame. As of now I'm thinking I'm taking it to Fairway Ford. They repainted the back bumper of my first Mustang back in 2000 and did an excellent job. We'll see. Such a bummer.

[Vettezuki]

When the lady was coming into the space she rubbed up pretty good against my driver's side quarter panel and the bumper. They will both need to be repainted. The thing that sucks is that the lady didn't notice. When she came out and I showed her everything, she initially said she did it. Then by the end she was changing her story. This sucks because if she doesn't take responsibility, we have to pay the deductable. I know her name and where she lives though :bigthumbsup: I'm hoping she doesn't pull that crap, it would sooo lame. I took the Camaro to Brea at one point, but they did a mediocre job. A year later it started coming off. When I took it back to them to honor the warranty, they wouldn't do it. They said it must have gotten "bumped" again or something. Completely lame. As of now I'm thinking I'm taking it to Fairway Ford. They repainted the back bumper of my first Mustang back in 2000 and did an excellent job. We'll see. Such a bummer.

Aren't there like accident forensics or something? If she hit you, HER PAINT IS ON YOUR BODY, the end. . . .

Sorry to hear about your experience at Brea. F them then.

[CorruptCulture]

Aren't there like accident forensics or something? If she hit you, HER PAINT IS ON YOUR BODY, the end. . . .

Sorry to hear about your experience at Brea. F them then.

Yeah, WTF. And her paint should be on yours. Did you take pictures at the time?

[SeanPlunk]

I took about 20 very high resolution pictures. You can very clearly see my paint on the front of her car, and her paint on mine. The problem is since nobody witnessed it happening, her insurance company could really make it a huge pain in the ass. Especially if she denies doing it :mad:

[CorruptCulture]

I took about 20 very high resolution pictures. You can very clearly see my paint on the front of her car, and her paint on mine. The problem is since nobody witnessed it happening, her insurance company could really make it a huge pain in the ass. Especially if she denies doing it :mad:

People are cowards. It's amazing what some people will do just to think they're saving face... or even more so, saving money. People need to own up.

[Vettezuki]

I took about 20 very high resolution pictures. You can very clearly see my paint on the front of her car, and her paint on mine. The problem is since nobody witnessed it happening, her insurance company could really make it a huge pain in the ass. Especially if she denies doing it :mad:

You already reported in detail to your carrier . . . right? Does the CU have outdoor security cameras? Maybe it was caught on film. And if grandma is driving a Lexus, she probably ain't living on food stamps.

[SeanPlunk]

You already reported in detail to your carrier . . . right? Does the CU have outdoor security cameras? Maybe it was caught on film. And if grandma is driving a Lexus, she probably ain't living on food stamps.

No security cameras outside where the car was parked. She has money, she just doesn't care. I'm fighting with my insurance company because I don't want them to use any kind of bondo or polymer stuff - I want a new panel.

[Vettezuki]

No security cameras outside where the car was parked. She has money, she just doesn't care. I'm fighting with my insurance company because I don't want them to use any kind of bondo or polymer stuff - I want a new panel.

Maybe you can get them to cut you a check to cover whatever their "policy" stipulates, and use it towards a full and proper repair. Depending on what kind of damage it is, a new panel may not be necessary. Unless the metal has been badly stretched, it can be reshaped. Though this requires a real artisan body-man; Joe-dip-shi* ain't going to cut it. And if grandman doesn't want to play ball, and she's a member at the CU, maybe one of her deposits could be misplaced, or account randomly frozen; you know, something totally inappropriate like that.

[SeanPlunk]

Maybe you can get them to cut you a check to cover whatever their "policy" stipulates, and use it towards a full and proper repair. Depending on what kind of damage it is, a new panel may not be necessary. Unless the metal has been badly stretched, it can be reshaped. Though this requires a real artisan body-man; Joe-dip-shi* ain't going to cut it. And if grandman doesn't want to play ball, and she's a member at the CU, maybe one of her deposits could be misplaced, or account randomly frozen; you know, something totally inappropriate like that.

I spoke to her insurance company today and they she is denying liability :mad: :bang: :barf: Now we go into a lengthy investigation :bigthumbsup: She is not a Member of the CU, but I have her home address. Depending on how this thing shapes out, some creativity may be in order.

[Vettezuki]

I spoke to her insurance company today and they she is denying liability :mad: :bang: :barf: Now we go into a lengthy investigation :bigthumbsup: She is not a Member of the CU, but I have her home address. Depending on how this thing shapes out, some creativity may be in order.


DO NOT CLEAN YOUR CAR. If the investigators are worth a crap, they can objectively prove her car came in contact with yours at the very least. It may be slightly more difficult to prove it was she who hit you and not the other way around.

Might where you were parked be under surveillance from any surrounding businesses? If so act fast, those tapes are usually recycled in a very short period of time.

I absolutely do not understand people like this. If I hit somebody, I'd leave my contact information and just tell it like it is. It's not the end of the world, accidents happen. Take some fu*king responsibility you piece of sh*t. :mad:

[enkeivette]

Sean, CA law states that you can take it to the body shop of your choice. You don't have to furnish 3 estimates, none of that crap, you can take it where you want to. Don't let them tell you otherwise.

So if you take it to a shop that wants to reuse your f*cked up panels, take it somewhere else. I was at a body shop last week (my neon got hit) and I took it to a place that Corvette Mikes uses. The guy told me that he would be buying a new door, he said that if the insurance company tried to send him a used door, he could just reject it for whatever reason. I can send you the shop contact info if you're interested. Very expensive work done there, if you want a new panel for the Cobra, take it there.

I got the estimate there because I knew that they charge alot and I was trying to get the insurance company to total my neon (they wanted 20K to paint the Vette). Their estimate was 30% over the Dodge body shop estimate, and I'm sure that you know the dealer is typically the most expensive.

[Vettezuki]

. . . I got the estimate there because I knew that they charge alot and I was trying to get the insurance company to total my neon (they wanted 20K to paint the Vette). . .

Sorry dude, OT.

I don't know if you know J&D Corvette. They're fairly well known for good quality paint and body. (When you buy fiberglass panels from Ecklers, etc., they're made at J&D. They can also make them in carbon fiber for only 2x the cost.) A full paint job, new seals, color sanded and all will run you in the $5k range. I've seen a C4 come out of there with a metallic job and it was basically perfect.

[SeanPlunk]

Sean, CA law states that you can take it to the body shop of your choice. You don't have to furnish 3 estimates, none of that crap, you can take it where you want to. Don't let them tell you otherwise.

So if you take it to a shop that wants to reuse your f*cked up panels, take it somewhere else. I was at a body shop last week (my neon got hit) and I took it to a place that Corvette Mikes uses. The guy told me that he would be buying a new door, he said that if the insurance company tried to send him a used door, he could just reject it for whatever reason. I can send you the shop contact info if you're interested. Very expensive work done there, if you want a new panel for the Cobra, take it there.

I got the estimate there because I knew that they charge alot and I was trying to get the insurance company to total my neon (they wanted 20K to paint the Vette). Their estimate was 30% over the Dodge body shop estimate, and I'm sure that you know the dealer is typically the most expensive.

Adam, please send me the contact info on this shop. I haven't made a decision on what I want to do - but this sounds like it might be a good option.

[enkeivette]

Anaheim Hills Auto Collision Center

3672 E. Miraloma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
714 577 9100

Just make sure to let the guy know that you want new panels. :judge: They also claim to have a lifetime guarantee.

[SeanPlunk]

It looks like I'm going to take her to court. I have a friend that's a PI and he's going to help me do the whole thing. Should be interesting.

[CorruptCulture]

It looks like I'm going to take her to court. I have a friend that's a PI and he's going to help me do the whole thing. Should be interesting.

So WTF is her official statement? She hit another white car and another car hit you? Is that how she is explaining the white paint on her car and hers on yours?

:confused:

[SeanPlunk]

So WTF is her official statement? She hit another white car and another car hit you? Is that how she is explaining the white paint on her car and hers on yours?

:confused:

She is now saying it was pre-existing damage, although she doesn't know from what. The whole thing is sooooo crazy :barf::o

[Vettezuki]

She is now saying it was pre-existing damage, although she doesn't know from what. The whole thing is sooooo crazy :barf::o

Take grandma to the mat and teach her a lesson she obviously never learned before, like honesty and integrity.

I'd go so far as to pay for a paint sample analysis out of pocket. I'm pretty sure that's open and closed right there. Of course you'll be suing not only for damage but for all the ancillary costs you worked up in the process, like paint sample analysis, lost work and anything else. What could have been settled for $1k +-, may now end up costing her thousands, apparently the only thing her shrunken brain understands. :nutkick:

[Chate]

Holy crap
People are such assholes!!!
And i agree, taking "grandma to the mat" is a nice way of putting it, her lack of judgment in parking the car can be forgiven, she's old and shit happens, but lack of character like that in denying something so blatantly obvious (and good job for taking lots of pictures) is so irresponsible and it warrants appropriate punishment.
I'm sure your insurance company will do whatever they can to hold her financially responsible so that they don't have to pay for it, and in court, I'd think her age, apparent reduced cognitive ability :laugh: as well as the size of the car she was driving will play a part in confirming her being at fault.
I think we should write up little affidavits saying "I ________ take full responsibility for ______________ on this date ___________" and keep a couple printouts in our cars so we can have people who pull this kinda shit accounted for, while they still feel guilty about being stupid and before they talk to family members who weren't there and try to convince them otherwise...(is that legal?) Total bummer man, i hope this crap gets settled short of going to court to avoid the time/energy thats gonna be required.

[enkeivette]

I'm with Ben, do anything you can to prove that it was her, beyond any reasonable doubt. Unfortuantely the burden of proof is totally on you.

[SeanPlunk]

I'm with Ben, do anything you can to prove that it was her, beyond any reasonable doubt. Unfortuantely the burden of proof is totally on you.

It won't be a problem. I still haven't heard from her insurance company yet - so no progress. I asked around on various forums though about body shop recommendations and decided to go with one of the shops from the Ferrari board. One of the guys on the board locally has an Enzo, F430, etc, and he only take his Ferrari's to one place: Autobahn Auto Body Inc. located at 1107 Baker St in Costa Mesa CA. If it's good enough for a guy with an Enzo, it's good enough for me.

[enkeivette]

It won't be a problem. I still haven't heard from her insurance company yet - so no progress. I asked around on various forums though about body shop recommendations and decided to go with one of the shops from the Ferrari board. One of the guys on the board locally has an Enzo, F430, etc, and he only take his Ferrari's to one place: Autobahn Auto Body Inc. located at 1107 Baker St in Costa Mesa CA. If it's good enough for a guy with an Enzo, it's good enough for me.

Cool, wish I had heard about them before hand.

[keithc]

Sorry to hear that man. Let me know if some creativity is in order...

[SeanPlunk]

The Cobra is done and I'm picking it up from the shop today. Depending on how all the legal stuff shakes out, I should have pulleys on by the next time we go racing. Of course all that really means is I'll be putting up 2.5sec 60ft's...

[Vettezuki]

The Cobra is done and I'm picking it up from the shop today. Depending on how all the legal stuff shakes out, I should have pulleys on by the next time we go racing. Of course all that really means is I'll be putting up 2.5sec 60ft's...

If I don't have DRs by then (likely), we should go head to head. We'll be some of the slowest fast cars out there.:bananallama:

[SeanPlunk]

If I don't have DRs by then (likely), we should go head to head. We'll be some of the slowest fast cars out there.:bananallama:

I know, California Speedway is like ICE.

[SeanPlunk]

Well, things went from bad to worse. I looked at the quarter panel - they did a good job. Then I got in my car and it had an SES light on. So they had me take it to another place to see what it was and clear it. So far it hasn't come back on... Then I get home and notice that they painted the roof panel side behind the window and above the quarter panel probably to blend. It's a complete mess. It actually has some kind of rock in the paint and it looks like hair or fibers. It's dimpled everywhere. Then I go to look at the other side to see if it's messed up too. It's not, but I have two new scratches in the same area on the other side that weren't there before:bang::bang:. It looks like they may have looked at the other side for placement or something and scratched it. I can't believe this. My car is never going to be like it was ever again. I also have no idea how I'm going to go back to the shop again with work. I can't keep taking time off. This is INSANE.

[Vettezuki]

Well, things went from bad to worse. I looked at the quarter panel - they did a good job. Then I got in my car and it had an SES light on. So they had me take it to another place to see what it was and clear it. So far it hasn't come back on... Then I get home and notice that they painted the roof panel side behind the window and above the quarter panel probably to blend. It's a complete mess. It actually has some kind of rock in the paint and it looks like hair or fibers. It's dimpled everywhere. Then I go to look at the other side to see if it's messed up too. It's not, but I have two new scratches in the same area on the other side that weren't there before:bang::bang:. It looks like they may have looked at the other side for placement or something and scratched it. I can't believe this. My car is never going to be like it was ever again. I also have no idea how I'm going to go back to the shop again with work. I can't keep taking time off. This is INSANE.

I'm assuming you went to the guy you were instructed to see and dropped the right reference, correct? I have more flexible day time hours, so if you need some help, I can run it around for you.

It's sad to say, but I genuinely think the average skill level for the trades (across the board) have gone down within just the last 20 years or so.

[SeanPlunk]

I'm assuming you went to the guy you were instructed to see and dropped the right reference, correct? I have more flexible day time hours, so if you need some help, I can run it around for you.

It's sad to say, but I genuinely think the average skill level for the trades (across the board) have gone down within just the last 20 years or so.

It was the right place, they just did a terrible job on the top part.

[enkeivette]

It was the right place, they just did a terrible job on the top part.

Demand to speak with the manager, and bitch until it's done right. I can also bring the car in for you. Don't settle.

And about the code, always, always look at the mileage when you drop your car off for service. You need to make sure that the workers aren't taking it out for a joy ride.

[Vettezuki]

. . .

And about the code, always, always look at the mileage when you drop your car off for service. You need to make sure that the workers aren't taking it out for a joy ride.

I thought the same thing. Also, some people go so far as to install a "Valet" program for computer controlled vehicles.

[SeanPlunk]

I thought the same thing. Also, some people go so far as to install a "Valet" program for computer controlled vehicles.

They didn't. It had .1 mile more than when I dropped it off. I think they may have upset a sensor when they had the bumper or the panel off.

[CorruptCulture]

I can't drive stick, but I'll take your car in if you need it. :huh: I don't think it's that hard. :nutkick:

[SeanPlunk]

o after posting here and a few other forums I decided to go with Autobahn. I dropped my car off on a Wednesday two weeks ago and I got it back the first time that Friday. They fixed the driver's quarter panel and bumper. I checked the repair and it looked good. Then I got in the car and it had an SES light on. The mileage was only .1 higher, so I knew it was probably just a sensor. The shop apologized, sent me to another shop around the corner and they cleared the code for me. It never came back on. When I got home though I noticed that they had painted the c-pillar to blend the paint. It looked horrible. It had pitting, was bubbly, and actually had some piece of black rock in the paint along with dust and other junk. I looked at the other C-Pillar on the passenger side for a comparison and noticed that it also had two fresh scratches. I was obviously not a happy camper. My wife called the shop and they apologized and told her to bring the car in. She took it back on Wednesday(1 week from original dropoff). They said they would repaint both C-pillars and while it was there I also had them paint the hood (it had a crack in the fiberglass from someone pushing on the hood too hard that was spreading). They had done a good job on the panel, so I figured the pillar was maybe just bad paint or something. The paid for the rental car and were totally cool about everything. I would give there customer service an A for sure. They were very reasonable and cool about everything. Anyway, I went and picked the car up again yesterday during my lunch. I looked at everything the best I could and it looked fine. Upon further inspection today though, I've noticed a few things. The hood has a bubble in it. Nothing terrible, but it shouldn't have anything in it in my opinion given the fresh repaint(does anyone know if anything can be done about this on a fiberglass hood, can it be sanded out or anything?). Secondly, the drivers c-pillar doesn't match at all colorwise and looks like it's not perfectly lined up. Not even really close as far as color. It's way too bright and totally different. Third, the passengers side C-pillar does match, but I can still see traces of the scratch. They said they repainted it though and I believe them, but it's weird I can still see it. Overall I feel like they were totally reasonable about having the car in twice(EXCELLENT customer service), but the work overall is pretty mediocre(putting it nicely). I don't want to go back again though because I feel like I would just be bugging them and being picky at this point, especially given how reasonable they were about repainting everthing and paying for the rental. I'm thinking I'll live with it for now and in a few years maybe just paint the whole thing. What a horrible experience overall.

[Vettezuki]

. . . What a horrible experience overall.

I've said it once, I'll say it again. Real skill and craftsmanship for many trades seems to be a thing of the past. As a society we just don't esteem people who devote years of their time apprenticing, perfecting manual skills, before they even begin their career. All we care about collectively is that it's fast and cheap. This kind of thing is all too often the result.

Also, you know the Ferrari guys would be bouncing off the walls if they had the same experience. I'm slightly inclined to believe they're just putting the C crew on your car. I can hear it now, "Fing Ford, are you serious? Get it out of here."

[SeanPlunk]

Well the Cobra goes back AGAIN tomorrow. As fun as it is being the only two-tone 04 around, I'm hoping this time things get resolved.

[SeanPlunk]

Well, I'm dropping her off again at 8 tomorrow morning. The manager is involved now, so I'm cautiously optimistic they get it right this time. They're going to fix everything listed above. I'll let everyone know.

[CorruptCulture]

Update........?

[SexyLxy]

Holy crap
People are such assholes!!!
And i agree, taking "grandma to the mat" is a nice way of putting it, her lack of judgment in parking the car can be forgiven, she's old and shit happens, but lack of character like that in denying something so blatantly obvious (and good job for taking lots of pictures) is so irresponsible and it warrants appropriate punishment.
I'm sure your insurance company will do whatever they can to hold her financially responsible so that they don't have to pay for it, and in court, I'd think her age, apparent reduced cognitive ability :laugh: as well as the size of the car she was driving will play a part in confirming her being at fault.
I think we should write up little affidavits saying "I ________ take full responsibility for ______________ on this date ___________" and keep a couple printouts in our cars so we can have people who pull this kinda shit accounted for, while they still feel guilty about being stupid and before they talk to family members who weren't there and try to convince them otherwise...(is that legal?) Total bummer man, i hope this crap gets settled short of going to court to avoid the time/energy thats gonna be required.

In court that might hold up the but to be perfectly honest an insurance company wouldn't give a rats if they had a signed paper or not. It wouldn't even come into play until things got super deperate which could be months and months out.

[SeanPlunk]

The paint is pretty good at this point. It's not a perfect match, but I doubt anyone would notice besides me. As for the hood, they didn't do anything. They were supposed to take care of it and didn't. However, it's so small you can barely see it even if you're looking for it, and it's better than the fiberglass crack that was there before. Overall I'm pleased. The only other bad part is now my clutch is engaging funny. They didn't drive it anywere (mileage was the same as when I dropped it off) but something changed. I'm having Mike come over tonight to help me adjust the clutch quadrant. We'll see. Overall though I would give the shop a C- at best.

[Vettezuki]

. . .Overall though I would give the shop a C- at best.

On a bell curve for the "mentally challenged" . . .

[SexyLxy]

Ok, the private investigator finally served the bitch after 4 tries of going down to San Diego. I couldn't be a happier lady right now. For a minute there I thought it wasn't going to happen b/c she was never home.

Yippy!!!!!!!! :getdown: