2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Would you worry about hidden damage from this rear-ender?

[VicR]

A lady in a Jag talking on her cell phone rear-ended a 4-Runner, who in turn rear ended me. Her insurance adjuster said not to worry about any hidden or frame damage on this, and are refusing to pay for a frame check. I took the bumper off today and the right brackets are bent a little bit, but I'm inclined to agree with her that it probably didn't impact the frame.



Basically I would have to pay for the frame check and if they find something her insurance would pick it up and if not, I'd be on the hook for the $100 frame check. I had a lifetime alignment at Firestone so I had that done and all 4 wheels are within spec. If the frame were tweaked, wouldn't it show up on the 4-wheel?



Any thoughts/ advice appreciated.



-Vic

 

[VicR]

As you can see, the impact was to the right of the bumper. Only body damage is a kiss between the bumper and the bed and a small dent in the tailgate. The 4-Runner was much worse!



-Vic

 

[DBrickel]

ine took a whack similar to that from a bobcat a few years back and had no frame or other damage. thats not to say you don't but your'e most likely okay. doesn't look to bad

 

[JRagland]

I wouldn't worry about that amount of damage doing anything beyond the bumber. The bumbers on these trucks are so weak compared to the frame that it doesn't take much to do that kind of damage to the bumper.

You should tell her Ins Company that the only replacement being made anymore is a Ranchand! :-laf

 

[SMolteberg]

Mine got rear-ended by a truck that was doing about 40mph when it hit me. Damage was worth about $16 000 here in Norway, but the frame was still straight. The hitch took most of the beating, but it was hardly bent. I also bent the steeringwheel and the steering column, everything was shifted backwards all the way to the grill. Man I wished now that the insurance had totaled it.

-stig

 

[WestTN]

I don't know who her insurance adjuster is, but I've had accidents before and the body shops did the checking for damage. They don't have the right to disallow a check for damage.

 

[CyberRanger]

Time to call Layne Wright @ Denver Offroad in Fruita, Colorado (970-858-4010) & order a "real" rear bumper! He makes a matching rear bumper for his fronts.

 

[EBottema]

Tell them if they refuse to pay for a frame check, you will be contacting a lawyer and suing for damages. This will make them pay for it. It was not your fault it was in an accident, time for them to pay to have it checked...



erik