In article <15496-3F4C110A-140@storefull-2334.public.lawson.webtv.net>,
ravelation@webtv.net (ravelation) wrote:

> Well, it would appear that Frankenstein will get a face lift,
> compliments of an Excursion with a big hitch on it.
>
> I get the call, "You need to come to the school. A guy just hit me and
> it'll need a bumper, headlight, and hood." The story is, someone threw a
> tennis ball at the lifted Excursion, and the driver threw the car into
> reverse, skidded the tires and rammed the hitch into the bumper. I guess
> the itty bitty Civic must've been in that huge blind spot I keep hearing
> about.
>
> My neighbor had a good point, there could be some serious frame bending
> because of the size of the Excursion and the fact he was smokin' the
> tires as he hit the car. Another thing, if the car was in drive and
> being pushed back, should we have the tranny checked?
>
> Parts needing replacement:
>
> Impact bumper
> bumper stiffeners
> Bumper cover
> Passenger light (the one I *just* had mounted last week!! Argh!!)
> Hood
> Fender wells, both sides. (Thankfully they didn't get to the new fender
> I *just* had installed. <whew>)
> grill and badge ($20. just yesterday... down the drain)The grill mounted
> was a '98. Will be replaced with '99.
>
> The silver lining is we will get the right year parts on the car free of
> charge as the Excursion owner has accepted full liability. The mother is
> an adjuster (homes) for All State. She wants to keep it off the records
> and pay for the damages in cash. I'm not real savvy about this stuff, so
> anyone with advice on how to protect my rights if I should decide to
> keep the insurance companies out of it would be appreciated.
>
> The first estimate I've received is for $3400. I plan to present her
> with one more from a AAA approved local body shop. She would like us to
> travel to Northridge (those of you in L.A., we live in Santa Clarita) to
> a place called Yoshi's. Can anyone tell me if this is a good repair
> shop? And, if I *do* respect her wishes by going there, should I be
> compensated for the trouble it will be?
>
> Thanks in advance for any feedback.
>

I'd file with the police. That was no accident. It was somebody acting
stupid enough to get somebody killed.

Where the repair money comes from is entirely up to the other person.
It can be insurance or her own money. Have it repaired at the place
that you think will do a proper job.

Keep records, witness contacts, photographs, and logs of everything that
happens. She might try to stall on payment until it becomes very
difficult for you to collect from her insurance. You'd be surprised at
how many people change their stories after they've have some time to
think.