Trip to DC - Cut off - Frame & Body Damage!!

[slaughterj]

Went to DC for a conference for several days, had a chance to meet Mark Cooper (hey Mark!) for dinner, which was cool. Would have liked to meet up with others, maybe have to arrange things more in advance.

What wasn't cool was getting cut off and ending up running up on a curb at ~20-30mph. The results so far - frame damage (left front tire bent back into contact with wheel well), tire and rim damaged, some damage to the chin, and the right side of the hood near the top is slightly damaged from apparent contact with the top-front of the right door (which was also damaged). Expected repair time would be over a month. The impact was so slow as to not even activate the airbags. Thanksfully I had met Mark, and gave him a call, and he directed me to a recommended local viper dealership.

What I would like to know is:
(1) info on dealing with the insurance company - I recall there was a post recently on this, but I was unable to find it, as well as apparently there are some people here that can help? (I've never had to file an insurance claim before.)
(2) info on these sorts of repairs, if even worthwhile, including whether someplace in particular should do the work (frame replacement alone was est. at ~$18k parts/labor, then there was the body work, and I can't say I'd be happy with a repaired rather than replaced hood and door)
(3) any other useful info

 

[MES]

Sorry to hear about your accident. I would see if they will total the car. Even if you get it repaired it's going to lose $5-$10K in value when you go to sell it, especially if the frame was replaced. If the hood needs to be replaced as well then definitely total it and buy a new one, if the insurance company will let you. Good luck.

 

[Vip-RT10]

That stinks! Who was the idiot that made you hit the curb? Did he take off? Get the tag #? I feel bad for you. Good luck getting your baby to working condition again.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Sorry 'bout that Slaughter. But now you won't mind setting that one up for racing and getting another one for the street.

See you at the track.

 

[Steve-Indy]

We're VERY GLAD it didn't roll over when it hit the curb!!

 

[Janni]

Crappy luck -
I emailed John separately - we are fortunate in the NC Region to have an active club member that is also the owner of a VERY GOOD body shop - he rebuilt his 96 RT track car and is very well known for doing good work in this area. I told John to contact him. He'll help with insurnace company stuff, too. I will help with anything I can.

 

[slaughterj]

Thanks for the responses, it does ****. My concern level went up a notch when my ins. co. called last night to come by and see the car, but I had already told 2 people it was undriveable and up in Northern Virginia (4 or so hours away)! No luck on another driver/vehicle, dark out and more concerned with operating the vehicle...

Hey Chuck, maybe so, got some extra $ so I can do that

Hey IXGuNXI, 3 months?! That's ridiculous, I'm already in withdrawal...

 

[Afy]

I think if the frame needs to be replaced the car should be totalled...