DAMMIT! Just now I was on my way into work and I was stopped red light when this ambulance on an emergency call came up in my lane. I didn't really have anywhere to go since there was no place to pull over to let him through. Long story short...I got pushed into a curb. My driver's side wheel is damaged. It took all the paint off one edge and messed the metal all up. It looks like crap. I am so pissed off.

They are my aftermarket wheels also. I haven't had a chance to get my stock ones back from my friend yet. So now they are ruined. I don't know what to do. I am so upset.

 

What kind of wheels? Could you get them refinished or powder coated?

 

Find a reputable wheel repair shop in your area and have them take a look. It may be reparable. And at any rate, make an insurance claim if the cost of the wheel(s?) is appreciably more than your deductable...although you may want to think twice about that 'cause if your premiums go up as a result it may be cheaper in the long run to eat the cost of the wheel.

Are your tires ok? Can you still drive on them? If so, no need to hurry - on Christmas Eve-eve - to get a replacement. And be thankful that your airbags didn't deploy (as in that case you'd be looking at a whole lot more than the cost of a wheel).

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Bring Out the Scoops!

 

Mille Miglia HT3's. Carbon colored so the bare silver metal really looks terrible in contrast to it.
I hope I can get them refinished. I am waiting for my friend to come online so I can bother him over the instant messenger about it. He works at a shop and maybe they can help.

My tires are fine.

 

Lauren,

A wheel can be either repaired or replaced, it's not the end of the world. Did you get the number of the ambulance that struck your car? If so, check with an attorney, the ambulance company probably has a fund to cover "incidentals" like this. A strongly worded letter, mentioning possible legal action might just get you that wheel replaced for free. Be thankful that it was only metal and nothing more that was damaged.

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BLUBELLE - 2003 MCS IB /W Premium, Sport, Cold pkgs, Lapis blue interior, Magnecor wires, Alta Pulley, Moss Skid Plate, Chrome Trim Interior

 

^ ^ I am thankful for that definitely. I'm glad it was just the wheel and not the rest of the car...or another person...or me being injured But no I didn't get the name on the ambulance. I was too busy trying to have him not hit me.

 

L.Mini, if the wheel is not badly bent or kerbed beyond repair, it can be refinished by a reputable wheel shop. Make sure to get estimates in writting and also get on the phone with your insurance company if you haven't yet done so. Bummer about this happening so close to Xmas. Glad to hear that there was no further damage and that you are OK.

Take care.

 

You say you were "pushed into a curb." Does that mean you've got paint or body damage as well? Were you struck from behind? Hopefully you can get the info on the ambulance somehow; I'm sure that you will be covered somehow for the damages. There must be some sort of clause in a standard auto insurance contract about damage from emergency vehicles (?).

One thing to keep in mind is that you're almost definitely having a much better day than whoever was INSIDE that ambulance! I'm sure the ambulance wouldn't have forced its way through like that unless there was absolutely no time to lose. At least you just have scrapes on your car to deal with.

Good luck! :smile:

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I know you are upset. Track down the ambulance company,and send the letter. Remember that the ambulance driver is to be in control of their vehicle and you do not have to wreck yours trying to get out of the way. Good luck !!! What the heck call the police maybe they know who was doing the run.

On a brighter note Happy Holidays
Jim

 

No...he did not actually hit me. I did a pretty good job of making sure that didn't happen. But I was forced into the curb so that he could get by. The street we were on is two lanes and narrow with cars parked on the side. There was nowhere else for me to go unless I wanted to pull into oncoming traffic, which was not an option.

So basically I feel better thinking that...hey...at least it was just my wheel and not damage to the actual body of my car. That would have sucked 100x worse.

 

Think about it this way....today you and your MINI are heroes! Both of you did your deed in helping save another person's life :smile:

 

^ ^ Wow! I never thought of it that way. That does make me feel better! :smile:

 

Perhaps calling or e-mailing the wheel manufacturer and explaining the damage to the wheel and can they direct you to a wheel shop. However, if the wheel needs to be shipped, it just may be better to purchase a new one. Just a thought and good luck.

 

>>Perhaps calling or e-mailing the wheel manufacturer and explaining the damage to the wheel and can they direct you to a wheel shop. However, if the wheel needs to be shipped, it just may be better to purchase a new one.

 

dang, sorry to hear about this mishap.

ive used the HT3's on my other car and they are beatiful wheels.
it *MAY* be cheaper to get a new wheel and tire.
talk to your insurance company and see if they can do a one car
collision coverage without increasing your premium..but depends on
your deductible too. Mine is 100bucks, so itd be cheaper to get a
new wheel/tire set through insurance.

goodluck.

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03MCS IB/Blk: 123, Aerokit, R90 17x7, TK5 16x7, 6CDMP3, and a few more.

 

Real sorry to hear about what happened, L.Mini

 

Thank you L.Mini for doing the right thing to help the ambulance have a clear path and on behalf of the person that needed the ambulance and his or her family, your sacrifice is more than appreciated.

Some things just cannot be avoided and we hope for you to get your wheel repaired or replaced with as little fuss as is possible.

Someday when your health is in jeopardy and you or a loved one is taking that ride in an ambulance you too will wish for a speedy and safe trip to the hospital and thank those who made it possible.

If it is still all getting you down then do this. Send me your paypal account and I'll donate something towards your wheel repair or replacement- a good samaritan wheel repair fund for the Holidays.

See- we MINI folk can be creative and help each other even though we are spread all over the place.
I hope your heart is a little lighter by day's end

 

Did you get the number of the ambulance that struck your car?

You don't need the number as they keep records of who went on what call. Just call them and tell them you need the information on the vehicle and driver for your attorney and see what they say.

I would say something like "they forced me into the curb causing $250.00 (or whatever number) in damage and I need the information for my attorney" . If they are like the city I worked for they will fork over a check just to shut you up. :smile:

Earl

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SCURVES

 

How about we all agree to pitch in a buck to the "Get L.Mini a New Wheel Fund"? If you've got a Paypal account then it would be really easy for us to contribute to your car's getting well soon.

Who's with me?

 

>>Think about it this way....today you and your MINI are heroes! Both of you did your deed in helping save another person's life

Now, that is truely classic. Very nice indeed.

 

can we see pics of the damage? (and aftermarket wheels?!)

Thanks

Dont be too upset. Things like this cause a lot of stress and its understandable, but try and get past it so you dont forget to enjoy the holiday season

Cheers,

Patrick

 

Sorry to hear that Lauren, that really sucks. At least no one was hurt and no other damage was done to your Mini. I hope you get it fixed soon!

 

>>How about we all agree to pitch in a buck to the "Get L.Mini a New Wheel Fund"? If you've got a Paypal account then it would be really easy for us to contribute to your car's getting well soon.
>>
>>Who's with me?

===>Count me in. How would I open a Paypal account? Could someone please reply or PM me? Thank you very much.

 

sorry to hear about the bad luck L. if it is really bad them make a ins. clame. if not then you may just have to live with it. i have learned that you can not keep them nice forever. drive it like you stole it and keep it as nice as you can. at least your car was not built on friday the 13th and the vin ends in 666. yeah i have had bad luck, over 4 bad things have happened to me in my mini since june. but i keep keeping on.