[Non-Cobra] Accident today...

[Randy Rosenberg]

I'm sad to say that I may have lost my Bullitt today.

Traveling South 880 this morning at around 7:20am, I was rear-ended by an mid-sized Black Import SUV, which in turn forced me into the car in front of me, which in turn forced that car into the 4th car.

My back and neck are sore - I'm seeing the doctor later today.

My Bullitt is smashed up in the front and back - the back much worse than the front. The airbags did non deploy. She's at the local Ford Dealership's Body Shop for an estimate, but from my layman's point of view, it doesn't look good...

CSAA is treating me well with a free rental. They have already told me that the accident is not my fault, and that my rates will not go up. I hope they're right.

I'm definitely not looking forward to all of the crap I'm gonna hafta go thru over the next few weeks. But this, too, will pass.

More later...

Thanks for letting me share...

Regards,
Randy R...

[RedBarchetta]

Hope you're feeling better soon!

I'm no expert on bodywork estimates, but if I was a betting man I'd say they are going to fix what is there. The energy absorbing bumper and the rear quarters took the brunt of the impact, as I don't detect any warping on the roof panel, rear pillar area or the driver's door. The trunk lid (fiberglass!..didn't know this) and the bumper cover took a beating. Moving to the front, again, the energy absorbing bumper really took the hit. Your hood looks quite clean without any warping and it still appears all aligned. Same for the front fenders.

Based on two pics, it's tough to see what frame damage lurks underneath all the superficial stuff. But I doubt the insurance co. wants to buy you another $25K+ 'Stang when $12K in parts and labor might get it right. Either way, BE AN A** TO YOUR INSURANCE CARRIER AND DON'T SETTLE FOR ONE PENNY LESS THAN YOUR EXPECTATIONS TELL YOU. They will also be quick to "settle" with you. Do your homework and consult with a good bodyman before you have them hand you a check.

-Deano

[Randy Rosenberg]

Thanks Deano,

I'm popping Advil and icing my back, neck and shoulders. The doctor says that nothing's broken. I'll see my "back cracker" on Monday... So, for now, I'm preparing myself for a stiff few days.

I was able to see that front frame is bent where the bumper mount and radiator support meet. And both doors now hit the rear quarter panels when they are closed. You can see how the passenger door doesn't align anymore from the top photo. So, I assume there's a bit more damage than what these photos show. I figure that the vehicle that struck me was going about 35 to 40MPH faster than I.

So far CSAA is being reasonable - they even told me if it's "totaled" they will pay for an additional week's car rental while I look for a new one. But, you are right about being tough and not settling for anything less than what I think is fair and equitable. Heck, my Bullitt was in perfect condition when I left the house this morning.

Thanks again,
Randy R...

[blykins]

Glad you're not hurt too badly....It could have been worse. Make sure you get reimbursed for your doctor appointments.....And get several opinions on how bad your neck and back are....and how bad they could get. You will want compensation for that now....

[Dusty Rhodes]

if your back and neck hurts, let them know, dont tell them it hurts a little just tell them that it hurts, I have been through that and believe me the back is nothing to play with. back to the ins. your ins. might be liable for the car that you hiteven thou you were hit in the rear you still hit the one in front of you. that is the way it work with me once, good luck and hope the back get well

[GeorgiaSnake]

Randy,
Be careful about signing a medical release. My wife got smacked (in the rear ) and was pushed under a school bus. She was sore for a week or so but eight years later she had to have major neck surgery. C- 4,5 C-5,6 and C- 6,7 fused. It cost me a bloody fortune (I could have bought a Kirkham) because of an insurance snafu.

Randy

[sp1410]

Randy,

Sorry about your accident, glad your injuries are not worse.

Remember to pursue diminished value with the insurance company if it is repaired. The car will be worth less than prior to the accident and they need to make you whole.

[Excaliber]

Bummer! Hope things work out well for you in the end.

[gary289fia]

Sorry to hear about the accident. But HEY! here's an idea....Save the motor and trans and some other stuff Buy a SPF and make a............ but you did that once already.
Sorry.
Gary

[Hoggy]

Sorry to hear about your accident. It's always a scramble to get the car fixed or replaced. I'm with the others on the medical part. Problems could get better, then worsen over time. I have chronic pain in my left shoulder. I never connected it until several years later, but the pain started shortly after being rear ended (in my car ) and steadily got worse until it's a daily thing. Young and dumb, I'd told the insurance company "Nah, I'm fine." Of course, I also got bucked off a horse flat onto my back at around the same time and could barely walk for three weeks, so who's to say for sure?

[badrich]

Very sorry to hear about your Bullitt, Randy. Just in case, I have a great Chiropractor and Masseusse over my side of the pond. If you come to breakfast in Mt. View tomorrow morning, I'll buy the coffee. Rich

[HI Cobra]

Randy,

Sorry to hear about your close encounter of an
unfavorable kind. Having been through this many
years ago and suffering latent spinal problems (almost
paralyzed from the chest down from calcium deposits
in the affected area 3 years ago), don't rush to settle
anything until you are reasonably sure you are ok.
I was very lucky that I had the good Lord healing me,
an excellent neuro-surgeon, and for financial considerations-
an excellent Kaiser plan. I had just brought my Cobra
home when I went in for the first of three surgeries.
It was a great beginning to walk again and better yet -
have the coordination to drive the 5 speed. Didn't need
no stinkin automatic!

Be cautious with the insurance agents and best of luck.

Flip

[gene giambona]

Randy,

Thank goodness you came out of the accident in decent shape. The car can be repaired, but like the others said......be very cautious with your health and take whatever steps are necessary for a proper recovery.

I'm glad to see that in spite of all the unfortunate circumstances that has happened to you this past year, being able to maintain a positive attitude speaks tremendously of your strong will and character.

I'm sure things will look brighter for you soon.

Take care!

Gene

[edtomeo]

Randy-

So sorry to hear about and see the results of your highway sandwich. I'm sure you'll work it out. See you in Monterey.

[Great Asp]

Randy,

Sorry to hear about the wreck, and your injuries.

Hope everything works out okay for you!

Eric

[griffinzein]

considerin that a mustang is a subframed car, and you basically gor mashed between to cars you ride is more than likely a lost couse, i went through the same thing not too longe ago although it wasnt a bullit.

[Randy Rosenberg]

Thanks Guys. My neck and back are getting really stiff and sore, so I will see my "back cracker" on Monday.

Today I sold my Trailer (took a deposit)!!! Yahoo!!!

Thanks again,
Randy R...

[SFfiredog]

Damn Randy,
To quote Saturday Night Live, 2004 has NOT been "berry berry goo to ju"
If they total your ride (which they should), buy a beater to get around in untill next year and get an '05 Mustang.
Sorry to hear about your bad luck and hold out for a good settlement on your medical.
Look at the bright side. You now have a donor car for a Factory Five Cobra

--Mike

[67Cobra]

Hope you're OK. Don't worry about the car, Zaino will fix that.

[klayfish]

Randy,
Sorry to hear about the accident. First and foremost, make sure you take care of yourself. Never mind the car, never mind the insurance. Just do what you have to do to make sure you recover properly.

That said, if you need any help and professional opinions, as you know I work in the auto insurance industry. I'd be happy to help sort through the facts, myths and other stuff if you need to.

Without better pictures, and knowing if the airbags deployed, the car is probably close to border line total, but depends on any floor damage, left side quarter, etc...

Steve