Crash!

Had a bit of an accident driving to work on Friday morning!

I was driving along a dual carriageway in the left lane with right of way, when a old lady on the opposite carriageway, travelling the opposite direction, decides to turn right through a gap in the central reservation. So all of a sudden I'm faced with a vauxhall cavalier side on in front of me across the carriageway! There was a left turn off the carriageway (which was where she was trying to go), so I braked as much as I could (I had next to no time to react!) and flung my car left to try and avoid her! But unforntunately she still clobbered all down the right side of my car, hitting the front-right wheel first.

Because she hit the wheel side on, the suspension or steering is damaged. If I turn the steering wheel so that its straight and the front wheels are straight, the left wheel is straight, as it should be. But the right wheel points out slightly. So the car drives like it's on castors! She hit the wheel side on, but left of center, so that's why it points outwards slightly. I think maybe a wishbone or something is bent, although I can't see any obvious damage underneath and the suspension turret doesn't seem to have moved.

Other damage includes: front innner wheel arch cracked, front wing, door and rear wing scratched, chipped and cracked and front side indicator smashed to pieces.

The insurance company has arranged for someone to come out either tomorrow(Mon) or Tues to assess the damage or take it to a garage to be assessed. They've said if the cost of repairs is more then 60% of the value ot the car, they will write it off. I'm worried that if they say all the panels need replacing, rather than repairing, then they'll write it off, because I imagine GTA panels cost a fortune. Then there's the cost of the paintwork and the damaged suspension, the extent of which I don't know yet.

What does anyone reckon? What do you think they will value a GTA at? I don't imagine it will be much! And if they write it off do you think it would be viable to buy it back and have it repaired myself?

Here are some pics I took on my camera phone at the time:

http://tinypic.com/4iis90

http://tinypic.com/4iisk3

http://tinypic.com/4iislf

http://tinypic.com/4iismw

http://tinypic.com/4iisr4

Ouch From the look of the panels I don't think they'll write it off.Apart from the rear arch there seems little structural damage.I would think the main cost will be in the mechanicals .

[simontaylor]

Women drivers. I guess she said she didn't see you.

It does'nt look too bad. I wonder what they estimate 60% of the value as? Even if they wish to write it off, perhaps you can persuade them to give you the 60% and you can get it repaired.
I guess you are also left without a car while it is off the road, just get a cheapy off ebay while it's being fixed up.
Good luck.

It'll depend on whats damaged , some suspension parts are a fortune at the moment from Renault. Although the insurance companys seem to value the cars quite highly and I know a few people who have done well out of a minor accident or fire.

Most likely the steering arm on the upright is bent from the impact, would be surprised if any damage to the wishbone etc

I definately think the panels are repairable. I'm just wondering how the insurance company will view it. I think the front inner wheel arch will need replacing though because it's all cracked from the side impact.

My insurance policy gives me a courtesy car while mine is being repaired. Probably something like a nissan micra! Don't know how I'll cope! lol

If the accident is her fault you can demand that your car is returned to its pre accident condition.....insurance companies dont like it but if you insist and threaten they will cave in.

[stephendell]

It doesn't take much to write off a GTA.

You might get a good payout and a chance to buy back at a good price. How good will probably depend on whether you've had many claims recently.

If the accident is her fault you can demand that your car is returned to its pre accident condition.....insurance companies dont like it but if you insist and threaten they will cave in.

It's pre accident condition included lots of peeling lacquer!

You might get a good payout and a chance to buy back at a good price. How good will probably depend on whether you've had many claims recently.

I haven't had made an insurance claim in seven years so maybe that will work in my favour then.

when I bouoght my gta june 03 I had it insured at a fixed value to cover repairs if write off. best of luck.

My car was taken away to be assessed today. Just got to wait and see now I suppose!

In the meantime I have a 1 litre Daewoo Matiz courtesy car! Whoopee!

To be deprived of your GTA is one thing, to be gifted a Matiz is quite another. I dont think I could survive that at all. My sympathy !

C'mon now ,with a little bit of Max Power

IT,S A BAD BOY

[Alpineandy]

C'mon now ,with a little bit of Max Power

IT,S A SAD BOY

Na, still not my cup of tea! lol

Impressive bit of photo editing though! Is it your own work?