Just rear ended....AGAIN - '03 BMW 330i

[Rick Lee]

Three months to the day since the last inattentive idiot ran into my BMW while I was stopped at a red light. Luckily, she had USAA as I do, so that was an easy one. Today I got hit really hard while stopped on Rt. 123, waiting to cross Lee Hwy. This girl pushed me into the car in front of me. Her Camry was in bad shape. My Bimmer's rear bumper looked a little beat and the guy in front of me had his trunk lid torn off his beater Celica. Car might be worth $500 before the accident. She hit me so hard, all the change in my backpack flew out and hit the windshield, my hat flew off and my sunroof cover would no longer close. Turns out she's a German au pair and headed back home for good on Tues. Luckily, the police showed up and directed the three of us to the Rite Aid parking lot for paper work. I called USAA and they pretty much said it's State Farm's (the German girl's family's insurance co) issue unless I want to claim it on my own collision. No thanks. I shouldn't have even called USAA. I have a nagging feeling my tranny is making noise now. It's an automatic and I was in drive with my foot on the brake when she hit me. So I dropped it off at Sterling tonight for diagnostics. VASteve, did I see Doublmint parked at the BMW dealer tonight? Looked like her.

[VaSteve]

Jeez. I hope you're OK. I'm no lawyer or nothing, but go get yourself checked out. I got *tapped* in my bimmer and my back hurt like shit the next day.

No Doublemint was out front of the house all day. My wife and son saw a similar car around here today. It's supposed to be a rare color and that would make at least one other one locally. Hmmm.

[Jase007]

That sucks. :(

Fuchin' people around NOVA do not know how to drive.

I'd be really surprised if the hit did any damage to the tranny. My wife got hit in our Suburban [1st time] while in D and foot on the brake. Lady that rear-ended her was driving a land rover and wiped out the front end of the rover. Pushed the Suburban several feet. No tranny issues though ...

Glad the cops came and that the au pair was a permissive driver on the family's state farm plan.

Go to your Dr. and get your neck / back checked out [seriously] b/c these soft tissue injuries show up later as "sore" necks and then all kinds of problems.

[Rick Lee]

Well, my left wrist is killing me, but it was already injured from dropping my bike about 6 wks. ago. Then I dropped it again and reinjured it the same way one week later. It's been nagging me a lot and I was thinking about going to get it checked out. I had my hands on the wheel when I got hit today and think my wrist is back to where it was a few wks. ago. I swear, this wrist will never heal.

The poor German girl was a mess. I lightened things up by doing everything with her in German and telling her I had been to her hometown, Kassel before. She had a VA license, but also a German one. I told her I rode a bike in Germany for a year on my US license. She asked why I had a US license, as she thought I was German. So I guess my language skills haven't deteriorated too badly. Then I told her she was lucky she didn't hit my other car;).

[OldTee]

My neck hurts just thinking about it. But, my neck hurts all the time anyway. Go figure.
ARF

[Rick Lee]

The guy on the left is the one I ran into. The kid on the right is the one the au pair was driving somewhere.

[Jase007]

Dare I say it .. Euro ____ or Wagonwerks ;)

[Vicegrip]

Well, my left wrist is killing me I had my hands on the wheel when I got hit today

. Fixed that for you, Recomend you do the same.

Sorry about the wreck. I wish you good luck healing, both you and the car. USAA is top notch IMO. USAA can go to bat for you and will do so if you are not made whole by the other insurance. Not your fault not your dime.

[Lupin..the..3rd]

Go to your Dr. and get your neck / back checked out [seriously] b/c these soft tissue injuries show up later as "sore" necks and then all kinds of problems.

x2, and don't put it off. Sorry to hear the unpleasant news.

[Rick Lee]

No, I won't go to Euro Pros or WW for this. It's very minors. Just needs a new rear bumper, as far as I can tell. I was a little put off by USAA telling me I had to call State Farm and deal with all this. I figured USAA would do that, since they'd probably be taken more seriously than I would be. And how can I get checked out if I feel no pain anywhere? How can they find stuff that's gonna be sore in the future? And what kind of doctor do I even seek out? Orthopedic?

[markwemple]

Calling Dr. K! Sorry about that Rick. Glad to see it wasn't worse.

[gogo911]

Bummer, Rick. Hope all goes well for you. I was hit by a drunk driver while stopped at a red light. I smacked the back of my head so bad I saw stars. He did the head butt into the windshield creating a nice crater in the windshield. I had a concussion but didn't know it. Be careful and see a doctor ASAP.

[tdatk]

Bummer, Rick. Hope all goes well for you. I was hit by a drunk driver while stopped at a red light. I smacked the back of my head so bad I saw stars. He did the head butt into the windshield creating a nice crater in the windshield. I had a concussion but didn't know it. Be careful and see a doctor ASAP.

X's 2
I got tagged in the back around 13 years ago and let it slide, never again. My lower back is a mess now. I probly tweek it 2 times a year now usually doing little or for no particular reason. Last week I just finished a "lap" at autocross and bent over to check air in the tires and it went out. Just saying some of this shift shows up later on.

[Rick Lee]

I understand a lot of it shows up later. But how do they screen for it if I go tomorrow or Monday?

[VaSteve]

X's 2
I got tagged in the back around 13 years ago and let it slide, never again. My lower back is a mess now. I probly tweek it 2 times a year now usually doing little or for no particular reason. Last week I just finished a "lap" at autocross and bent over to check air in the tires and it went out. Just saying some of this shift shows up later on.


You looked like you were in real pain too. :(

[turbo23dog]

Rick,

I think its SOP that USAA wants you to work with the other Ins. Co. They will go to bat for you if that does not work out.

[markwemple]

I can tell you from personal experience, it can take months for some injuries to show up and, for some of my better football, etc. injuries, you'll know them better in your 30s and older. I don't think a low speed shunt like this will be like that but.....

[tdatk]

I understand a lot of it shows up later. But how do they screen for it if I go tomorrow or Monday?
Rick,
For me it started as a tingleing going down my right side from my lower back to my right foot around a week after the accident. I went to a chiropractor and that was a waste of time. It cleared after a month or so later BUT it always felt like I had something going on. Over time your body tends to adjust to the injured part causing an irregular gate and that tends to cause "other" pain issues down the road. I can't tell you how to get this checked out, but be aware of any numbness or tingling sensations you could have and let your doctor know whats going on. HTH

[tdatk]

You looked like you were in real pain too. :(

No joke, It feels like somebody kicked me in the Knuts when that happens , and it lasts for days,sometimes weeks.:(
Rehab for me is try to ignore the pain and work on strengthening my abs. I haven't heard of anyone "getting over" back injuries or any successful surgery. Unfortunately I believe if you are unlucky enough to get the injury there is no rehab other than trying to stay as fit as possible.

[87turbolook911]

Sorry to read about the accident.

Be sure you have someone that knows BMW's go through the car carefully...if they don't catch everything now, and something breaks later, it's gonna be your dime....

[Rick Lee]

Sorry to read about the accident.

Be sure you have someone that knows BMW's go through the car carefully...if they don't catch everything now, and something breaks later, it's gonna be your dime....

Yeah, that's why I dropped it off tonight at the dealer and wrote very detailed instruction on what they need to look at, but also to let me know if they find anything else.

[Jase007]

RL:

Where to go ... start with a general practitioner. If you don't have one that you go to for physicals and such try this practice: in Falls Church / Merrifield - General Internal Medicine Group, http://www.gimg.com/ I've been going there for a few years and my wife just started. Check that they take your insurance 1st. They've been good with specialty requests / testing / forms I need to maintain HSR / SVRA racing licences.

Bonus, they are right around the corner from IMA and ASG ... :)

I went after both of my recent accidents, the next day, and they do a pretty comprehensive once over. Be sure to tell them why you are there and they have an accident form and range of motion / specific tests they'll run you through.

Good Luck.

[Dr K]

Calling Dr. K!

Wrong kind of "hit in the rear" for me. Sorry about your accident, Rick. I don't disagree with Jase, but would consider an orthopedist or physiatrist to evaluate for musculoskeletal injuries that may still be hidden. Don't go to a chiroprater - if you do turn out to have injuries and end up in court, you don't want to risk lower credibility.

Did you get info on the Au P? She looks cute :D

[good hands]

I was a little put off by USAA telling me I had to call State Farm and deal with all this. I figured USAA would do that, since they'd probably be taken more seriously than I would be.

Since you were rear ended and it was clearly the chicks fault State Farm should have no problem at all paying this clam, especially with a police report stating that. USAA wants you to call because State farm will want a statement from you as to what happened and details of the accident which USAA can't give them. It is a misconception that insurance companies represent you at the time of a claim. They are in the business of paying claims not going after the other company to pay medical bills, damages , lost wages etc. That would be your attorneys job should you go that route. That being said you can ask USAA to pay the claim and subrogate against State Farm and it wouldn't affect your insurance rates if they label the accident as not at fault.

The nanny looks hot....If it were me I would just tell the Nanny to forget about it if we could " work something out " ;) :twisted:

[GM2006]

Sorry to hear about your collision. Fortunately you were driving your 4-wheel Bimmer.

[Rick Lee]

Ok, I'm heading to NJ in the 993 today, but will try to get to a doc. on Monday. I feel fine though. This would have been a lot worse on the bike.

[Rick V]

They are in the business of paying claims not going after the other company to pay medical bills, damages , lost wages etc.
Lets correct this, They are in the business of making money, the insurance companies are not your friend, they are a nessasary evil.

Glad to hear you are ok Rick, I hate having my stuff ruined by other people, thats my job.

PS. X2 on the Nanny

[good hands]

Lets correct this, They are in the business of making money, the insurance companies are not your friend, they are a nessasary evil.



As are lawyers, doctors, builders, car mechanics and anyone else trying to make a profit in this glorious free democracy of ours. :)

[markwemple]

Lets correct this, They are in the business of making money, the insurance companies are not your friend, they are a nessasary evil.

Glad to hear you are ok Rick, I hate having my stuff ruined by other people, thats my job.

PS. X2 on the Nanny


Atleast you got the evil part right. The BS in Ohio has got my ire up again. "Its not flood damage, Its mudslide damage". There is a real reason that they are the wealthiest companies in the US. They've got the idea of profit margin made.

Hopefully there is no BS in this one as it is clear. Just hope there are no unknown medical issues (same for all other Dorkis that have been hit). Make sure that there is some provision in the settlement for such.

[86911TLCAB]

at least she had insurance and you are seemingly hurt...and the doctor is not likely going to find anything if you tell him you had an accident, but you have no pain...did you have any bruising where your seat belt lays on your shoulder...just an indication of how hard you may have been hit...glad you didnt fare any worse...tito

[86911TLCAB]

oops...seemingly unhurt...tito

[Rick V]

As are lawyers, doctors, builders, car mechanics and anyone else trying to make a profit in this glorious free democracy of ours. :)

At the risk of starting a pissing contest ( I hate internet fights) the people you have listed are all people you don't have to go see, you can choose another corse of action.
Insurance is something you have to have leagally.........They have us by the short hairs. I shouldn't have my insurance go up because of other people who live in dangerous places. (flood plains, earthquake ect.) This is all just my opinion.

[Rick Lee]

Two days later and I still feel fine. When am I supposed to start hurting? No call yet from the BMW dealer or State Farm. I start making calls tomorrow.

[Rick V]

Two days later and I still like crap. When am I supposed to start feeling better? No call yet from the BMW dealer or State Farm. I start calling lawyers tomorrow.

There Ya go Rick, I fixed it for you.
Glad you are ok

[good hands]

Two days later and I still feel fine. When am I supposed to start hurting? No call yet from the BMW dealer or State Farm. I start making calls tomorrow.

Did you call State farm after it happened ?

[Rick Lee]

Yes, I called State Farm immediately after everyone left the scene and emphasized that the at-fault driver was leaving the country for good on Tues., so they'd better get on it if they wanted her story.

[Dr K]

Tonight's your last chance...:twisted:

[cmartin]

Glad to hear you are ok. I believe you have 2 yrs (at least I did) to settle this with the ins company; dont rush anything. When I was rear ended I had some pain/soreness right away, but it was nothing like what it was in a week or so. Good old L5S1 is no longer a problem thanks to a laser and a sharp knife.

The car I was in was an auto and the trans was toast afterward. In my case the frame was tweaked a little and my guess is it put the drive shaft out of alignment just enough.

Either way, get the wrist and back/neck checked out. Document this and take your time with the settlement.

[Rick Lee]

BMW of Sterling left me a vm at 7:20 this morning letting me know they'd give it a very thorough going over, but would bill $125 for it. Does State Farm get stuck with this?

[Rick Lee]

Ok, USAA just called and said they checked with State Farm and State Farm accepted complete responsibility. So that sounds like good news. Now let's see what the repair estimates look like. Still waiting on BMW of Sterling.

[vascott99]

Rick....Sorry to hear about this....Glad everybody was OK

[BlackTalon]

Good luck with this, Rick. Sorry about your misfortune. Sounds like it's moving in the right direction, though.

[hoophead]

BMW of Sterling ...would bill $125 for it.
Ah, yes. These are the same folks that charged me $100 to diagnose my airbag computer as fried, with a $1600 replacement cost, when I asked them to reset the warning light. A piece of wire later, I was able to read off the code. $120 later and I had the correct tool and was able to reset it myself.

Oh, and they charged me $250 for an alignment :XX

Sorry for being OT - I had to rant...

[Rick Lee]

I can read and clear codes myself. I am worried about tranny issues, especially since I'm still on a CPO warranty. So I don't want to have something pop up, related to the hit, a while later and then not be covered by the warranty OR the insur. claim.

[Lucky]

BMW of Sterling left me a vm at 7:20 this morning letting me know they'd give it a very thorough going over, but would bill $125 for it. Does State Farm get stuck with this?

Absolutely. Keep all your receipts.

Also, keep track of missed work, skipped social events such as concert tickets you bought but couldn't use (due to that nagging pain in your back), or whatever you were heading out to do when you got hit, etc.

State Farm will reimburse you for "pain and suffering" as a result of the accident. Some of this is negotiable, so don't accept their first offer if you don't like it. I'm not encouraging you to game the system by any stretch... it's just that you are going through some pain/suffering as a result of this accident. You are having to make phone calls to insurance companies, shuffle cars to/from shops, and in general deal with the stress of sorting the mess all out. You deserve some $ for your time and the added hassle.

My wife and kids were rear ended a couple of years ago on their way to a track meet. The insurance companies asked where they were going and what they were going to do when they got there and later each kid got a $500 check for the pain/suffering of missing their track meet as a result of the bonehead that rear ended them. We didn't ask for any dollars for missing the meet, but I guess that is standard practice in cases like this.

Get what you deserve -- no more, no less.

[Rick Lee]

How do I place a value on the aggravation?

Anyway, dealer just called and said my exhaust system was bent up pretty bad. Seems the impact hit the muffler and pushed everything forward. They're gonna have their recommended body shop take a look too and have it on the lift when the State Farm adjuster gets there. I think this will work out fine. Lucky for me I have plenty of other modes of trans. Kinda bummed about the ding on Carfax I'll have though.

[Dr K]

How do I place a value on the aggravation?

Anyway, dealer just called and said my exhaust system was bent up pretty bad. Seems the impact hit the muffler and pushed everything forward. They're gonna have their recommended body shop take a look too and have it on the lift when the State Farm adjuster gets there. I think this will work out fine. Lucky for me I have plenty of other modes of trans. Kinda bummed about the ding on Carfax I'll have though.When I was 16 I was driving a Fiat 124 Sedan (probably 1800 lbs.). I rear-ended a big American car (luckily driving by the guy with the thickest neck at school - no problem, and even luckier that my passenger was a friend of his) and his exhaust system pushed on his engine and did a fair amount of damage. His car looked almost unscathed but was >1000 to repair (back in 1970!).

Peter

[cmartin]

I went through this and it was a pain. I waited until the end, didnt accept the first or second offer and ended up talking a an attorney friend to get a good idea. Another passenger in the same accident took the first offer (5k) and was happy.

[87turbolook911]

Seems the impact hit the muffler and pushed everything forward.

Time to upgrade to a Dinan exhaust :)


http://www.dinancars.com/Admin/images/Products/Generic%20exhaust%20can.jpg

[Rick Lee]

Spoke with SF today and they wanted me to come to one of their "drive-in" locations and pick up my check. I told them the car was at BMW of Sterling and the lady said, "Well our drive-in location is only .3 miles from your house." I said "Well, BMW of Sterling is about 25 miles up the road and I don't want to drive the car another foot until your adjuster has looked it over on the lift with the dealer guys." She said that would make the check take up to 10 days for me to get. I said I wasn't in a hurry at all and for them to take their time. So now their adjuster is headed out to Sterling tomorrow to look things over. How in the world would they be able to cut me a check on the spot without a body shop and mechanic looking over the car on a lift?

[Dr K]

How in the world would they be able to cut me a check on the spot without a body shop and mechanic looking over the car on a lift?Depends on the size of the check...

Peter

[good hands]

It would be a preliminary check. BMW then would request supplements if they found more damage. As they tear the car apart more supplements would be requested.