Silverado rear ended

[redtruck]

My 2007 Silverado Classic Crew Cab was rear ended by a speeding Ford Exploder while stopped at a red light. It bent the frame at least where the tow hitch attaches and pushed the bed into the cab. The drivers side rear door doesn't close all the way anymore. The rear window broke but since I recently had my windows tinted it stayed in one piece.

I don't know yet if it will be totaled yet. It will never be the same so I would rather have a new truck.

My back and neck are sore but I came out ok so far. It hurt most when I see my truck.

I shrunk a picture down a bit to show the damage.

[Intrepidation]

That sucks, sorry to hear.

At least you're ok though.

[Camino LS6]

Nasty!

That Exploder must have been moving at a good clip.

Sorry to see a nice Silverado hit like that.

[redtruck]

They were coming on fast as I saw in the rear view prior to impact. Now I am shopping for a 2009 in the event that it is totaled. The police and ambulance were at the scene when it happened with another accident that was completely clear of the road.

I have an HHR as a rental. It is far from what I am used to.

With Sept almost here would anyone know if bigger rebates are coming?

[Blake Noble]

I hate that something like that had to happen to your Silverado. That's a shame.

As for upcoming incentives, there might be a few rebates coming up to clear lots of any left over 2009 inventory. Since CFC didn't really move any trucks, I'd expect any incentive programs to mostly apply to them.

Edited August 26, 2009 by whiteknight

[ocnblu]

From this angle, it appears the bed stayed up against the cab instead of bouncing back and reopening the normal gap, a bad sign for the bed assembly and frame. I'll bet the bed floor is messed up. It appears the cab corner on this side was pushed forward, which is why the door won't close right.

A frame, cab corner panel and bed replacement won't necessarily make it a total loss, however. I'll be interested in hearing what the responsible driver's insurance company does. Could you let us know?

Edited August 26, 2009 by ocnblu

[Camino LS6]

It's hard to total any fullsize 900, the local Chevy store has done quite a few full frame replacements in recent years.

[67impss]

It's hard to total any fullsize 900, the local Chevy store has done quite a few full frame replacements in recent years.

Can't do that with a throw away unibody / but after watching the youtube c4c vids that is just what the Gov wants destroying perfectly good engines and such cars worth5-10k crushed for $4500 & less

Maybe those Toyo rusted frames got trashed

Edited August 27, 2009 by 67impss

[cletus8269]

It's hard to total any fullsize 900, the local Chevy store has done quite a few full frame replacements in recent years.

is the silverado on a 900? i thought the 1500 "classics" were to get rid of the parts left over in the bin. if they are on the 900 i might need to track me a classic down. problem is 2 yr old trucks cost almost what new does...

on another note my buddy was in his 2009 2500hd a while back and hit a stump on his property, the body shop that fixed it was a friend of his. the stump did right at $1100 damage. new bumper, new skidplate, new from the wheel to the control arms, and the frame was bent so bad that he could have totaled it no prob but they straightend out the frame and then plate welded a whole section to make it look better and reinforce the frame.

[CSpec]

I was actually rear ended today too. My poor Saab is pretty messed up. I'll post pics in a separate thread. C&G curse?

[Camino LS6]

is the silverado on a 900? i thought the 1500 "classics" were to get rid of the parts left over in the bin. if they are on the 900 i might need to track me a classic down. problem is 2 yr old trucks cost almost what new does...

on another note my buddy was in his 2009 2500hd a while back and hit a stump on his property, the body shop that fixed it was a friend of his. the stump did right at $1100 damage. new bumper, new skidplate, new from the wheel to the control arms, and the frame was bent so bad that he could have totaled it no prob but they straightend out the frame and then plate welded a whole section to make it look better and reinforce the frame.

I should have said 800s rather than 900s, but the same reality applies.

[redtruck]

I was actually rear ended today too. My poor Saab is pretty messed up. I'll post pics in a separate thread. C&G curse?

Sorry about the curse I didn't mean to pass on this misfortune.

[redtruck]

The local Chevy dealer estimated $7800 to repair. He said they could straighten the frame. That doesn't sound safe to me. I know if I came in off the street it would be considerably more. I think they are estimating using junk yard parts. Also the bed floor is damaged also. In the repair they said they would replace the whole bed as one piece instead of patching it.

I plan to speak with a lawyer before letting them do anything. And get other estimates.

Here is a picture of the closeup of the bed into the cab, the bed against the cab, one part of the twisted frame and a small tear in the frame near a hole.

Edited August 27, 2009 by redtruck

[redtruck]

CFC must have sold some trucks. Most of the lots only had the fully loaded models with too many options for my budget.

I think the GMT900 came out only in the new body style not the classic.

[daves87rs]

That truck looks pretty messed up...

[CSpec]

Ouch, sorry to see your truck in that state. Hopefully it will be repaired soon and back on the street. How did the Explorer fare?

[redtruck]

The whole front end of the Exploder was gone. I think the crumple zones and the engine drop that is designed for safety made sure of that. I didn't hear if the other driver was hurt or not.

[ocnblu]

Those GMT800 and older frames pull and straighten relatively easy compared to newer ones. GM has a repair procedure for those frames. The newest frame machines with laser targets can do a great job helping the technician get the frame back to factory specs. If the frame cannot be returned to factory dimensions, the shop could still replace the frame and the truck will not be totalled.

$7800 worth of damage is not enough to make it a total loss. It's all about dollars and cents. They go on a percentage, damage v. "actual cash value".

My advice would be, if you trust the local Chevy dealer bodyshop that gave you the estimate, let them fix it, then trade it in if you are squeamish about driving it.

An accident like this is a traumatic event, and your ownership experience post repair will never be the same, I'm sure, but usually it is just emotions and a heightened sense of paranoia about your vehicle that ruins things. Nothing against you, it is a normal reaction, as far as I'm concerned. I felt the same with my own '07 Sierra, and I work in the bodyshop that repaired it! The current owner of my Sierra has no knowledge it was in two accidents, and he and the truck are fine.

The next owner of your truck will get into it with a clear head and drive it many years. Let the Chevy dealer bodyshop fix it, then trade it in to them on another truck.

Edited August 27, 2009 by ocnblu

[redtruck]

That sounds like good advice and thanks for mentioning about frame repairs. I would also be concerned about someone pulling a carfax report when I trade or sell it and with the frame repair really dropping the value.

I have never dealt with the Chevy body shop but they sure charge a bunch for routine maintenance at that dealership so I can't see it being fixed that cheap.

[ocnblu]

Well, if you let the Chevy dealer's bodyshop fix it, then trade it to them on a new truck, it will be difficult for them to tell you it was not repaired correctly and restored to factory condition.

Carfax is not an exact science, either. They are only as good as the data they receive from various sources. My '07 Sierra was in 2 accidents, November, 2007 and again in May, 2008. After I traded it on my Cobalt on September 27th, 2008, the dealership kept my truck and put it on their used car line to sell. I checked their online ad to see what they were asking for it, pricewise. I noticed they had a link to Carfax for all the vehicles in the ad, including my old truck, so I clicked it. It linked directly to Carfax.com... and my VIN came up clean... 10 months after the first accident.

Don't trust Carfax when looking for a used vehicle if you have a concern.

Getting lawyers involved, in my opinion in your case, will only incur extra expense and not improve the situation. To get this chapter behind you, I would just get it repaired and trade it in if you're still concerned after getting it back.

Edited August 27, 2009 by ocnblu

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

I am sorry about your experience. I really am. I hope that you are okay and can put this incident behind you soon. Please let us know how things work out.

[redtruck]

That might be good if carfax doesn't list the information. I have never seen a carfax report. I only buy new so I don't have the risk of someone else's problems. When I did buy used I usually found the problems a few months later and got the shaft. I generally keep a new vehicle long enough that depreciation is not as bad as multiple maintenance problems.

I did speak with a lawyer today and they suggested just getting it fixed but they will deal with the injury claims, pain and suffering. My back and neck are still sore but if I was in a smaller car with the hit I took I might still be in the hospital or at least laid up in bed. My Silverado did an excellent job of protecting me.

I am taking it to a body shop locally to have another estimate. If nothing else it would give me piece of mind knowing whether I am being treated fairly.

[ocnblu]

OK, best of luck to you with your truck, and I hope you feel better soon.

[fightingbee]

You may also need the attorney to make a claim for reduced value if your state requires a damage disclosure statement when a vehicle is sold. Usually the states that do that require more than $5K in damage to be disclosed on a form at sale.

[daves87rs]

Hope you feel better soon......

[redtruck]

After complaining of the reduced value to the insurance they did say they have a process for that after the repair is completed. They won't say any specifics. I don't know if a disclosure form is required here. The damage is so far almost $8000. I am off today so I will be meeting with them to go over the estimate and see what they say about the repairs then I will be taking it for another estimate.

My back and neck hurt the most in the morning and after crawling out of the tiny HHR. The HHR seats are very uncomfortable and the roof line make me have to lean forward and down to see the traffic lights which doesn't help any at all.

[CSpec]

I hope you feel better, redtruck. I guess I was lucky that I was hit by a little Acura; if your Explorer had hit me I might still be in the hospital.

[redtruck]

I checked with the Chevy body shop and spoke with the estimator and went over the details and he described his process in the repairs. I did take it to another collision center nearby for another estimate. This guy looked it over while I was there and explained what he saw from a professional point of view. He also notice a bow from the rear to the front so he went in to get his frame specialist. The frame guy got down under the truck and said it is much worse and needs a new frame. I left my truck with them. They said they would bring it inside for a much better look and to get the estimate finalized. I feel much more secure in the fact that they will be able to repair it properly.

This company is big in this area and has grown to having 3 locations. Before leaving the Chevy body shop and telling him I needed to get at least another opinion for piece of mind he mentioned this company. He said before this company branched out on their own they ran the Chevy body shop. He also named some other dealers with body shops including the competing Ford dealer next door. I couldn't bring myself to considering a Ford body shop with a Chevy especially since it was wrecked by a Ford.

[redtruck]

Also I traded in the HHR rental car in on a 2010 Chevy Impala. This is a nice car and only had 89 miles on it when I got it.

[daves87rs]

Nice that they gave you a better car....

[ocnblu]

Sounds good, redtruck. There is a LOT of disassembly and reassembly that goes into a frame job, but it's all just nuts and bolts. Your truck should be fine, and now you have a comfortable car to ride in until yours is finished. Let us know how it progresses.

[A Horse With No Name]

Good Luck!

Chris

[Dsuupr]

I'm sorry to hear of the loss and do hope you start feeling better soon.

How fast was the Explorer going when it hit you?

[redtruck]

I will update on the status of my truck as I get information. I am feeling more comfortable about having it repaired.

I am not sure how fast the 2003 Ford Explorer was going. The speed limit there is 40 MPH and I was stopped when hit. I got the police report yesterday and it seems she was on her cell phone.

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

I am sorry to hear what happened, but I am happy it is starting to work out for you. I how does the 2010 Impala feel?

I am glad you found a body shop that you feel comfortable with.

I see more laws passed by states against texting while talking and talking on the cell phone.

[daves87rs]

I am sorry to hear what happened, but I am happy it is starting to work out for you. I how does the 2010 Impala feel?

I am glad you found a body shop that you feel comfortable with.

I see more laws passed by states against texting while talking and talking on the cell phone.

Agreed....

[redtruck]

I am sorry to hear what happened, but I am happy it is starting to work out for you. I how does the 2010 Impala feel?

The 2010 Impala is a decent ride. I personally wouldn't buy one but that is because I don't like the feel of sitting in cars. I prefer the way the seats are in a pickup. I also like the ride in my Silverado a bit better but that could be more because it is mine along with the seat position. Naturally this Impala is a fleet car so it has the most basic radio and no Onstar which would be standard on one sold to the public. There are no cup holders in the rear and only 2 in the center console. I was a bit surprised by that as my son was back there with no cup holder.

[ocnblu]

Does it have a fold-down center armrest back there with cupholders?

[redtruck]

Does it have a fold-down center armrest back there with cupholders?

I thought it would but no.

[fightingbee]

Really? Even my '95 Achieva has this foldout thing with two kinda crappy cupholders in back.

[redtruck]

My guess is this is only on the fleet models and not on the normal models. This is something that could be inconvenient if renting a car to travel with and having kids in the back seat.

[NINETY EIGHT REGENCY]

Interesting it does not have all the features you would think it should have had...

[fightingbee]

Nah, the kids will just dump it on the floor anyway. The program cars here in FL are good example of that. Some of the dirtiest year-old cars I've seen, usually a Carfax will show they were a rental in Orlando.

[redtruck]

Sounds good, redtruck. There is a LOT of disassembly and reassembly that goes into a frame job, but it's all just nuts and bolts. Your truck should be fine, and now you have a comfortable car to ride in until yours is finished. Let us know how it progresses.

An update.

Now that they have been adding up the numbers and what all goes into the repair I was told that it could be totaled. They will be speaking with and sending the pictures of the hidden damage that wasn't seen by the Chevy body shop only looking at the exterior bent metal to the insurance company. I don't know how long this process will be or what the final determination will be. Now I am on hold waiting on the insurance and the body shop to come to a decision. I might need to be out looking for a replacement or it could still get repaired.

[ocnblu]

Did they tell you what the dollar amount is up to so far?

[A Horse With No Name]

I would push them to total it. When my mothers car was wrecked she lobbied the insurance company to total it and they did.

Once something is hurt to a certain point, your better off just replacing it. Your beautiful truck served you well, now it can be parts to keep another Chev. or GMC on the road.

Good luck and keep us posted dude!

Chris

[redtruck]

Did they tell you what the dollar amount is up to so far?

They said it is up to $14K and climbing.

[redtruck]

No word on it today. I will be pushing for it to be totaled. If I don't hear anything by lunch time tomorrow I will be calling them.

I figure I would then get a clunker for a few months then get a new Silverado. I want the next one to be a 4x4. It has to be red or I won't consider it.

[redtruck]

They finally decided to total my Silverado. I don't have the cash in hand yet and they are leaving me in the rental until next Friday. I did ask that if the check isn't here yet if I would be able to keep the rental a few extra days since I will need that money to get another car and they said they should be able to do that but to wait and see if the check arrives before they extend the rental.

I did stop back at the body shop and they told me the frame was beyond repair on a jig and that drove the cost up. There are a lot of good parts on that truck.

[A Horse With No Name]

Best of all possible outcomes IMHO.

Are you OKAY or are you still stiff?

Chris