So I was on my way to get my license renewed at the DMV (irony?) and a guy in a Jetta rips it in reverse and slams right into my front left wheel. It was a pretty solid hit and I was almost certain that there was going to be body damage but there's not even a scratch on the paint. Good to see these things are durable

However, I did notice on the drive home that my alignment is wayyy out of line and when I go straight my steering wheel is turned pretty good to the left side. Even to my eyes the wheels don't look straight...yikes.

Lastly, the collision busted one of my projector headlights loose and snapped a connector on one of the H1 bulbs (I have those replacement halo/projector lights installed). Poor MINI...hopefully I can get up there and tighten it up without having to buy a new set.

Sorry for the rant, I've just never been in any car accident of any kind before and it's a shame it happened now that I own lil' Cooper. At least I shouldn't be paying for any of the damages.

 

 

Had that happen a couple weeks ago. The same day somebody dinged my door.

Something really good is bound to happen soon.

 

At least you were there when it happened. Most @ssholes would have just driven off.

...you got their insurance info, right?

 

Neufusion, I hope you're right about something really good happening soon!

And yea I got all the info I need, definitely not paying for something that wasn't my fault. Shame it happened on the nicest day of the year so far here....perfect day for an evening cruise; I'll just have to get out the ole running shoes I suppose

 

Update: Front left strut is bent and I'm going to try to just replace just that one side (probably not the best idea). I still have my OEM headlights so if worst come to worst I can just install those again. I have a feeling I can fix the headlight myself but we'll see...hopefully just a loose bolt somewhere.

New strut = not the cheapest of collisions afterall

 

If the guy has insurance, don't try to do the work yourself and cut corners and all. If there are miles on the car, then if you install a new strut on the left, the right will will still be old and they will work differently. Insist that both sides get replaced. Stand your ground with the insurance company. And don't just say you'll put the old lights back in. The guy buggered up the ones you've got so he should pay for repairing them as well. Finally, make absolutely sure that something else isn't buggered up. Like wheel bearings. They're not designed to take a side hit like that. I'd insist that they be replace on that side. And if the hit was strong enough to bend the strut, then other things might be buggered as well. Like tie rod ends and linkages and arms and such. Make sure a pro who is a suspension/alignment/frame specilist goes over your car with a fine tooth comb. Leave nothing to chance.

 

Agreed, find a good mechanic and get a quote then contact his insurance company. If you do anything yourself you could release the insurance company from responsibility.

You didn't do this or cause it thus you are not out of pocket for anything. You can even get a rental for the day that the car is being repaired and that can be charged.

 

Heck, Go to the dealership and tell them to find everything that could remotely be blamed on the collision. And don't back down until it is all fixed. The insurance company is Liable for all damage to the vehicle unless the other driver is "under-insured."

 

I agree with Agarwaen, have everything checked by the dealership, also definitely have both struts replaced too keep the proper balance on each side, and also what about the wheels and tires, they must have taken some damage. Get everything fixed!

 

Good addition! I meant to say a good mechanic or MINI dealership.

 

Insurance companies can be lame though. I had someone merge into the side of my car and push me into a curb at 45mph. They grinded up 3 of my rims and damaged the right side door and rear quaterpanel. Mechanic saw signs of mushrooming, bad strut mounts, bad engine mount, bad control arm bushings and I can hear a wooshing noise from what i think is a wheel bearing. Insurance company said everything except the body was damage was all "normal wear and tear".