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Truck was hit for the second time in a month on Saturday. This time I was in it. I was slowing down as the guy in front of me pulled into a parking lot. Looked up in my mirror to see that the car behind me wasn't slowing down. THUNK! We pulled into the parking lot and I jumped out and read her the riot act. Young girl, early 20's. Clearly texting when it happened.
Fortunately the truck sustained little to no damage. The plastic around the bumper might be a bit bent, but that's it. My hitch protected the bumper and punched a nice hole in her bumper and destroyed her radiator. Big enough hole that all of the coolant gushed out fairly quickly. I almost burst out laughing when I saw that. Collected her insurance information(which i'm about 50% certain is invalid) and went on my way.
I really have to give this truck credit. I didn't even FEEL the collision. Maybe it's because I saw it coming and braced. 2 days later and I'm still feeling great.
Yep......Texting While Driving has become one of the scourges of the modern road. See it all around me, day and night, in my area. This girl will learn the hard way when she has to answer to her insurance company....maybe with a rate-hike.
I'd say that it was more than the hitch that gave your truck the advantage in that impact. Her vehicle is essentially a lightweight unibody, with an even lighter-weight bumper up front. You have a solid, frame-rail structure underneath, attached to a solid, heavy steel rear bumper.......designed and built to take heavy loads.
Decided to have the truck looked at just to make sure the frame wasn't compromised. Everything is good. Got an estimate for a new bumper. $630 installed.
Glad everybody is okay. Looks like that hitch did a number on her car and saved your bumper.
Wonder if the Dodge Avenger is totaled??? Except for the Charger/300/Magnum, those 2000's era Dailmer/Chrysler cars are about worthless now days.
Well, you can't avoid depreciation. Most cars from that era, regardless of manufacturer, aren't going to be exactly worth their weight in gold these days.
Met up with the girl today and got my money for the bumper.
She had fixed her car up and was driving it. She replaced the radiator, bumper and hood, which are currently black.
Sounds like she's an honest person...something that can often be in short supply nowadays. To show your thanks, why not send her a Holiday card for the season....and invite her to join CL?
12-04-17, 10:05 AM
F-150: 1 - Dodge Avenger: 0
