damage from someone backing into me

[snipez]

I have a 2008 FORD ESCAPE

My neighbor backed into my front bumper and caused some damage. I went and got an estimate and the whole bumper will have to be replaced plus any damage that can't be seen.

My question is as follows:

My Escape was parked when this accident occurred. Since then I find the vehicle is driving differently. What I mean by that is its not as smooth. Like I feel friction. Could it be possible that the front axle could of been damaged? Or something knocked loose? I know I'm not just making this up as I know how my vehicle handles and feels. And every since this happened the whole vehicle doesn't feel right. Could it be anything else? I would like to have some information to take to the collision shop so maybe they might be able to test a few things. I just thought that seeing my car was parked, that any type of a hit might of bend something due to the force.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[fredjacksonsan]

It's certainly possible that something is rubbing or out of alignment. I used to do liability for a major auto insurance company, and we saw many seemingly minor accidents where a lot more stuff had to be replaced than originally thought.

Make sure your neighbor's insurance company pays for your repairs, and keep in touch with your own in case they don't.

[snipez]

Originally Posted by fredjacksonsan

It's certainly possible that something is rubbing or out of alignment. I used to do liability for a major auto insurance company, and we saw many seemingly minor accidents where a lot more stuff had to be replaced than originally thought.

Make sure your neighbor's insurance company pays for your repairs, and keep in touch with your own in case they don't.

Ok, I will contact my insurance company.

I'm just worried the repair shop will just fix the bumper and tell me I'm good to go, which I know won't be the case.

[fredjacksonsan]

Originally Posted by snipez

Ok, I will contact my insurance company.

I'm just worried the repair shop will just fix the bumper and tell me I'm good to go, which I know won't be the case.

If your work is attached to a claim with an insurance company, you shouldn't need to worry. And if the work is unsatisfactory in any way, take it back to the same shop. Most insurance companies have a list of shops they work with...these shops deal with the insurance company a lot, so their work is usually on the ball.

Make sure to give your insurance company the details of the accident, and the claim number from the other guy's insurance company. Since you were not at fault, your insurance company should be there for you if you need them.

[snipez]

ok

thanks for the information.

[RidingOnRailz]

Originally Posted by snipez

ok

thanks for the information.

Not to mention this is the electronic age - Digital photos are easily transferable to all parties involved(other person you had accident with, their insurer, the shop doing repairs, your insurer, lawyers, etc.)

Take before(right after the accident) and after(repairs) photos to ensure that all that needs to be repaired was repaired, and done right.

[snipez]

Originally Posted by RidingOnRailz

Not to mention this is the electronic age - Digital photos are easily transferable to all parties involved(other person you had accident with, their insurer, the shop doing repairs, your insurer, lawyers, etc.)

Take before(right after the accident) and after(repairs) photos to ensure that all that needs to be repaired was repaired, and done right.

excellent point, thank you

and to add information on the problem I'm having:

today I was in reverse and the gear seemed to slip

would this be constant with an axle problem? or even the transmission, I dunno.

As I said above the vehicle seems to be running not as smooth, and now with this gear slip,