Someone hit me

[warriorpluto]

Someone hit me from behind yesterday. They dented my bumper and scratched it really bad at the bottom but the trailer hitch mount absorbed most of it. What should I look for as far as damaged that might have been caused under the bumper? Should I take the spare tire down and look? This is the first time this happened to me. I'm seeing my lawyer in the afternoon.

 

[Matt]

What should I look for as far as damaged that might have been caused under the bumper? Should I take the spare tire down and look? This is the first time this happened to me.

Yes, take the tire down, climb underneath and have a good look. You might also want to take the bumper cover off and look at it that way too.

 

[The_Roadie]

If you're seeing a professional for legal advice, the same thing goes for post-damage vehicle inspection. Drive into a reputable (check www.yelp.com) body shop, and they almost always give free repair estimates after inspecting the damage. It's their job. Even if you fix it yourself or don't fix it, you need a professional body shop estimate to negotiate with the insurance of the person who hit you.

And of course notify your own insurance company ASAP. They will give you free advice.

Typically no lawyer is needed for this process unless the other person or their insurance company won't pay your estimate.

 

[navigator]

Roadie gives good advice. I would likely take it to my nearest GM dealer or possibly the nearest 2-3 to get a good idea. Here in NC usually the insurance company sends out an "adjuster" to see how much the damage is etc. If you have an estimate from a couple of places you can then compare to what the insurance company is offering and decide if it is fair or if you need to push harder. I would expect a GM dealer likely would have a higher estimate than a lot of small (but reputable) body shops so keep that in mind.

 

[Phantom]

I know when one of my dads friends hit my accord in the rear bumper, it chipped the taillight and scratched the bumper. I took it to the dealership and got a quote for a little over $500 to fix, I sent the quote to his insurance company and they sent me a check in the amount for the quote and said if it was more then the dealership would have to send the bill to them so they could pay the rest. I just put touch up paint on the bumper and got clear taillights and pocketed about $300.

 

[warriorpluto]

Oh ok thanks I'll take it to a body shop now and let them inspect

 

[McGMT]

As per your subject request... You have been hit...