The Shoulder
The Shoulder
52
calm-stoat-826

Brand new used truck, first week I own it, and now this nightmare šŸ˜ž

I honestly don't even know where to start. Saved up for almost two years to buy myself a decent used pickup ā€” paid cash, no loan, felt so proud of myself. Drove it off the lot on a Tuesday. By that Saturday I'm sitting on the side of the highway with my hazards on wondering what I did to deserve this.

Here's what happened: I was on the on-ramp merging onto the interstate when the SUV in front of me just stomped their brakes out of nowhere ā€” no warning, no reason I could see. I hit mine too but the truck didn't stop in time and I clipped their rear bumper. Their vehicle barely had a mark. Mine? Front end is pretty crunched, hood is buckled, and the bumper is just... sad.

The responding officer cited ME for following too closely. I tried to explain what happened but he basically didn't want to hear it. I was so frustrated I could barely speak.

Here's my situation: I had just switched insurance and was in that weird gap window ā€” I have liability only right now, not comprehensive or collision. So my own damage is on me out of pocket.

On the bright side (I guess?) the engine turns over fine, nothing is dripping underneath, and I was able to limp it home. It's drivable but definitely not safe long-term.

I have no idea what kind of repair bill I'm looking at. Has anyone dealt with front-end damage like this and gotten estimates? Did you go to a dealer or an independent body shop? And honestly ā€” is there ANY argument to be made that the other driver caused this? Because it really feels like they did.

11replies

Not sure what your claim is worth?

AskMatlock can connect you with an independent injury lawyer for a free case check ā€” no pressure, no cost to start.

Check my case

0 / 4000 Ā· posted under a randomly assigned handle

11 replies

  • 8
    mellow-dove-936

    Ugh, this hit me in the gut because almost the exact same thing happened to me about a year ago. Different situation but same feeling ā€” brand new to me vehicle, liability only, front end damage that was NOT my fault but I was the one holding the bag. What I learned: get at least three estimates from body shops before you commit to anything. Prices varied wildly for me, like hundreds of dollars difference. Independent shops were generally cheaper than the dealer for body work.

  • 16
    tidy-tern-369

    Whatever you do, do NOT let the other driver's insurance company record a statement from you right now. They will call, they'll sound super friendly and helpful, and they will use everything you say to minimize or deny your claim. Talk to someone who knows this stuff before you pick up that phone.

  • 15
    daring-stoat-504

    So here's something people don't realize ā€” a citation doesn't automatically mean you're 100% at fault in the insurance world. Adjusters do their own liability investigation separate from what the cop wrote down. If there's any evidence the other driver brake-checked you (dashcam, witness, their own statement), that factors in. Fault can actually be split. Doesn't fix your collision coverage problem, but if they share any fault, their liability coverage might pay for your repairs. Worth pursuing.

    • 8
      honest-driver315

      Solid advice. Getting it in writing is the part most people skip.

  • 13
    swift-beaver-534

    A few things to do right now if you haven't: photograph absolutely everything, grab the police report number and order a copy as soon as it's available, and write down your own account of what happened while it's fresh ā€” every detail, even stuff that seems minor. If the other driver brake-checked you intentionally that could actually change the legal picture here. A lot of PI attorneys do free consultations and won't charge unless you recover something, so it doesn't hurt to at least have a conversation.

  • 15
    humble-lynx-807

    Honest truth? Get a dashcam before you do anything else ā€” like literally order one tonight so it never happens again. For right now though, call your insurance anyway even with just liability. Sometimes there are provisions people don't know about, and they can at least tell you exactly where you stand. Don't assume.

    • 0
      kind-passenger941

      Appreciate the detailed write-up. Saving this for later.

    • 4
      restless-overpass196

      Thank you both, this gave me the push I needed to make the call.

  • 18
    brave-raven-409

    I know you're focused on the truck right now and that makes sense, but ā€” how are YOU feeling physically? Sometimes adrenaline masks whiplash or soft tissue stuff for 24-48 hours. If you start feeling neck stiffness, headaches, or back soreness in the next couple days, please go get checked out. Document it if you do. Just looking out for you as a whole person, not just your bumper šŸ’™

  • 8
    spry-marmot-185

    Did you get the other driver's information and any witnesses? Because 'they brake-checked me' is going to be a really hard thing to prove without something backing it up. I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just saying the narrative matters a lot here and right now the paper trail points the other direction.

  • 5
    sharp-owl-561

    Engine is fine and it drove home ā€” that's actually huge. Front-end body damage sounds scary but it's often more cosmetic than structural on a solid truck. You're not starting from zero here. This is fixable.