New Ram Rear Ended -- Advice Needed

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New 2001. 5 4x4 QC LB everything but leather. 3500 miles. We came to a sudden stop in traffic, guy in a minivan behind me didn't. I was very impressed with the 4 wheel disc and anti-lock.

He needs a whole new front clip/fan and radiator. I need a new bumper and some body work on the rear quarter. He pushed the corner of the bumper into the drivers quarter panel. He missed the ball mount and the trailer hitch.

That will teach me to wash and wax the truck.

It has been a while since someone hit me while I was driving a vehicle that I would actually have fixed with the payoff money.
What is the best way to handle this to make sure my truck is fixed back to factory (or better than) condition and that no damage but what is visible has occured. I hate dealing with insurance weasels.

Thanks,
Dave D

 

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Get several estimates, when I had the problem it was minor and almost couldnt see the damage and the estimates varied from $1500. 00 to $1150. 00. A BIG beware, on repairs make sure and specifiy OEM parts only or you will get cheap made in China crap. I had that happen B4 and had said OEM parts only and when I looked under the fender the made in Taiwan sticker was still on it and I made them redo it, new fender and repaint so watch them closely. Also look at some of the finished jobs sitting there, paint finish, overspray, parallel seams on joining parts, Good Luck

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96 SLT Laramie CC 5spd, 3. 54, no muff, no cat, 5"turn down tip
80gal fuel capacity. BD Brake, EGT,Boost + fuel pressure gauges. Member NRA/USPSA

 

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Since he hit you, the choice should be yours as to where to take the truck. Check around for a quality shop, and be sure to have them check the frame for alignment/straightness. OEM for sure, watch 'em like a hawk!

I had that happen to me once, too. Driving a half ton, got hit by a half ton. He was hit by a cement mixer truck. I almost made it clear, but was stopped to turn left and was not in gear at the time. I felt sorry for the guy behind me - his WAS a nice truck.

I told my insurer about it, and they paid me a check under no-fault for fixing the truck and then subrogated back to the other guy's insurer for that money. I paid my medical expenses directly, then settled with the other guy's company later after a followup. The rules vary from state to state. Save all your recepts, etc. You should be OK in the end.

 

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Don't know if this applies to the Dodge but on my dad's Toyota that got rear ended (I was driving) the frame flexed enough to allow the bed to hit the cab right below the back window and leave two little dings. Check the truck very carefully.

Brian

 

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Stockmans got it right Dave. Since you were not at fault find the best quality repair shop in your area and get your estimate there and in writing. Submit that to the claims adjuster for the at fault driver and then don't budge. They will more than likely tell you that you need three estimates but thats bogus cause the other guy was at fault. Regards Pete

 

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Dave,

I work for a large insurance company, teaching appraisers how vehicles are repaired, and how to write appraisals. Assuming the guy who hit you has insurance with a larger company, they won't try to "screw" you. Just like any other company they are concerned with protecting their bottom line. Just pick a shop that does quality work, and the insurance company will work with them, whatever your truck needs. Since your truck is so new, aftermarket parts won't be an issue. Although, this could be the opportunity to switch to a trick custom rear bumper if you've been wanting to. Don't know how hard the hit was, but, the shop will no doubt check for any evidence of frame damage. If possible, I would recommend getting any welded on parts, such as the bedside, repaired instead of replaced. Good luck.


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Randy Jones, San Antonio, TX, 98 1/2 QC, 4X4, American Racing BAJA's, 285/75/16, Amsoil throughout

 

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Find a shop that specailzes in MB BMW Jag high end cars. Get references and take it to them and tell them to get an agreed price from the ins co. You should not have to fool with getting estimates just take it drop it off and pick it up. A good shop will do all the work and a great job that will not be able to be detected by a professional appraiser.

 

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I don't know if this really pertains to your situation, but I have the shop only do what I am not able to do. In otherwords, I reinstall ALL trim and bolt-on pieces. This way they can't hide any imperfections under the trim since they know that they won't be installing it. I just went through this with my car. It was also a very high-end shop with over a 1-month waiting list.

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, 5. 9L HO Cummins Diesel (ETH), 6-Speed HD Manual (DEE), SLT+, 3. 54 Anti-Spin Axle, Camper Special Group, Trailer Tow Group, Leather, Sliding Rear Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine oil temp. ), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, Tork Lift camper tie-downs, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper.

 

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Dang, Dave! That'll teach you to wait for the disk brakes, too! LOL Hope you're OK...
I agree with Harvie here, if'n your DC dealership isnt the greatest bodyshop, do the MB, BMW, Jag-type repair shop. I also agree that the quarter should be repaired and not replaced, the tailgate, however, may be a throw-away. And yes, please look closely at the back of the cab, the spare tire mounts, the exhaust hangers, etc. I would also insist on them either putting the truck on a frame machine or alignment rack and have them string and measure it. It is possible that the rear axle could be knocked off alignment.