Hit by another car

[arencambre]

Was hit by another driver last night. (Other driver is jailed on a felony DUI charge and another major charge.)

Before I get into details, two questions I am seeking answers to:

• I am guessing repairs will be straightforward, just a replacement wheel and modest bodywork. Any disagreement?
• Is it likely enough will be pulled off that I should have a trailer hitch thrown at the same time?

While the force of the impact was clearly significant, it didn't cause me to lose control, although that may be largely due to the excellent grip of this car.

My local Kia stealership has no body shop. I am leaning towards an independent body shop that's near me.

It was mostly a sideswipe to the left side, starting at the back of the rear passenger door and ending around the bumper cover:


Body is pushed in a bit, bumper cover is pushed out a bit:


I am shocked the tire is holding air. I imagine very little further in would have resulted in the tire losing pressure. I have a rental already, and this car is parked until I can get it to a body shop.


Oh, hai, missing spoke!


Left rear door opens and closes fine. No evidence of anything tweaked.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Nasty. That tire holding air is unbelievable! I'm going to guess that the cost is far higher than outward appearances indicate. When it reaches the bumper too that means that interior alignment is probably affected. Hopefully you aren't down for months. And may your Stinger make a 100% recovery.

 

[arencambre]

Nasty. That tire holding air is unbelievable! I'm going to guess that the cost is far higher than outward appearances indicate. When it reaches the bumper too that means that interior alignment is probably affected. Hopefully you aren't down for months. And may your Stinger make a 100% recovery.

I have limited experience with bodywork, and I share the concern about hidden damage. I am crossing my fingers, hoping for the best, but I await a professional assessment with trepidation!

 

[D.J.]

• will be pulled off that I should have a trailer hitch thrown at the same time?

Trailer hitch install, if they are already pulling the rear bumper cover off, perfect time to have them install the hitch. (Only it they are willing to give you a discount for the labour overlap)

Actually, who are we talking about? The dealership? Or the bodyshop?

Bodyshops are notorious for "not even owning a torque wrench".

Not all bodyshops are the same. If you have a good bodyshops that installs hitches , that would work fine obviously.

 

[arencambre]

bumper cover off, perfect time to have them install the hitch. (Only it they are willing to give you a discount for the labour overlap)

Actually, who are we talking about? The dealership? Or the bodyshop?

Bodyshops are notorious for "not even owning a torque wrench".

The nearest stealership with a body shop is almost an hour away. I have some independent body shops near me that I truly believe are decent. One was recommended by a competent mechanic I trust. My local Kia dealership recommended another independent body shop that they send their jobs to.

 

[D.J.]

The nearest stealership with a body shop is almost an hour away. I have some independent body shops near me that I truly believe are decent. One was recommended by a competent mechanic I trust. My local Kia dealership recommended another independent body shop that they send their jobs to.

I don't recommend the kia dealership for either activity, body work or hitch install.

Just saying, not all body shops can or should do miscellaneous aftermarket accessory jobs, like hitch installations.

If they are willing to give you a break on the pricing, I would certainly entertain it. But not if they are charging full price

That's my perspective.
I installed my hitch myself (with a friend), it wasn't too difficult.

 

[arencambre]

I installed my hitch myself (with a friend), it wasn't too difficult.

I am comfortable doing it, just time-starved.

 

[AtomicGTL]

Hard to fully gauge by the photos. But my guess is paintless dent repair should work on the body. I don't see any paint missing, so I suspect it can be buffed. As far as the tire/wheel, definitely an alignment and a new rim ofcourse.

On second thought, I would probably get that whole rear quarter panel repainted imo.

 

[arencambre]

I don't see any paint missing

There are scratches and gouges. Admittedly hard to see because of lighting and paint color.

 

[AtomicGTL]

There are scratches and gouges. Admittedly hard to see because of lighting and paint color.

Hopefully the painting can be avoided and a professional can do his thing on the paint.