**Got into an accident, need advice!!!***

[Willy Wonka]

I have a 2002 trailblazer ext, i got into an accident yesterday and completely destroyed the front right part of the car, it is not totaled but defiantly severely damaged. My question is, where should i go with it ? I will be paying straight up cash for it, and im estimating 3-5 grand worth of damage. Should i go to the chevy dealership up here? How much more expensive would that be over going to some local body shop? I want reliable good work done, so im willing to pay a little extra but i dont want to be totally taken advantage of.

any comments would be appreciated.
-thanks

[maxwedge]

No easy answer here, if the dealer has an in house body shop, then use it if not they sublet the jobs, find out to who, or look for recommendations for a local shop.

[jdmccright]

In severe accidents, I'd be concerned about frame damage and how it will be repaired, since the truck's future handling will depend on the condition of the underbody. Get at least two quotes. I infer that your insurance doesn't have a preferred shop, but you might ask them who they use or have dealt with with good results in the past. If a place doesn't have the facilities to repair frame damage then move on. And insist on OEM parts...insurance agents usually do...again safety is paramount.