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View Full Version : Wounded an Exploder today


hecull
03-05-2006, 12:52 AM
So I've just washed my truck. It hasn't been washed since my last wheeling trip in the fall.
I had just bought some good beer at the Total Wine at Hilltop today. I start backing up and make my turn, and notice someone else backing up behind me, turning in my direction. I stop, he keeps going, and going. I honk a polite beep-beep, he keeps going. I sit on the horn, he keeps going. He makes contact, and STILL KEEPS GOING! Finally he stops.
The impact actually moved my truck about six inches sideways, and he ran my rear bumper from his tail lights about to the rear door. His sheet metal is pushed in at least 4" most of the way, plus his plastic bumper is damaged to the point of replacement. A good 2-3K in body work.

Two weeks ago, I installed a second hand All Pro tube bumper, which got a very small mark on it, and didn't even really scratch the powdercoat.

I get out of my truck and say, "Didn't you hear me honking?" He gets out of the Explorer and says "You didn't sound your horn or I would have heard it. I turned around before I backed up. You must have been backing up really quickly!"

Okay, let me explain something for those not local. This shopping area is used by those with money, and this was obviously someone with cash. I'm fearing he's going to sue me or we're going to end up in court even though it was his fault. Me being Joe Somebody, and him being a Doctor or Lawyer means I get screwed in the end.
Then a woman comes up to us and recounts the incident exactly as I said it happened. He shakes my hand and we both drive off. I got her info just in case something goes wrong in the future.

The morals of the story are this:
1. All Pro makes a great rear bumper. I now know you can tear up an Explorer with one without any damage. Had I still had my stock bumper on, this one would have caused at least $600 worth of damage.
2. Find witnesses, and get their contact information.
3. Never wash your car/truck. In fifteen years of driving, I've never struck another vehicle, but I've been hit three times. I swear to you, EVERY time, I had washed my car/truck THAT day.

Okay, I'm now enjoying the beer that got me into this mess in the first place. Beer Lovers; FYI, I got Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, and Wild Goose IPA.

Sorry, had to rant...
Kyle

Mike
03-05-2006, 02:59 AM
Dogfish head is great. I've been in their Restaurant several times

BeaterToyota
03-05-2006, 03:56 AM
Yep, it's a good thing you didn't have the stock bumper. Those things are junk; probably the most under-built things Toyota has ever made.
That dude's insurance should take care of this without any problems.


A silmilar thing happened to me at the mall about 3 Chistmas's ago. I was pulling into an empty space when some old dude in a brand spankin' new Hyundai started backing out. I was about 2/3 into my space, and honked, but he kept backing up.

I was driving the beater that day, and it was covered in mud. Plus I wasn't really dressed too well (go figure), so I must've looked like I was some dirt poor white trash. Anyway, the dude felt bad about taking my insurance info cause the damage to his junk was minor, and I didn't have any damage at all. I gave him my info, and called my insurance to report it when I got home. They agreed that it was his fault and I never heard another thing about it.

plusdome
03-05-2006, 04:40 AM
Okay, I'm now enjoying the beer that got me into this mess in the first place. Beer Lovers; FYI, I got Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, and Wild Goose IPA.

Got me a Samuel Smith Oatmeal stout, some Lost Coast Downtown Browns, and a couple choice Rogue brews lying around just asking for a bottle opener :smt030 . Dogfish makes some great brews I lived in Dewey Beach DE in the summer of 2000 and never sat foot in their restuarant even though it was only about 5 minutes away. Back then it was nothing but beast light for me. Any way hope it all works out and hope to see you at the "Dirty Thirty"

hecull
03-05-2006, 02:53 PM
Dogfish head is great. I've been in their Restaurant several times
I've got to go there next time I get around your area. I love all their beers.
Kyle

hecull
03-05-2006, 02:58 PM
Yep, it's a good thing you didn't have the stock bumper. Those things are junk; probably the most under-built things Toyota has ever made.
Are you forgetting about the T-case skids? After my last bad high-center, I'm glad I've got this now :

http://stubbswelding.com/tcaseskid1.jpg


I gave him my info, and called my insurance to report it when I got home. They agreed that it was his fault and I never heard another thing about it.

I'm hoping for the same result!
Kyle