Got Rear Ended On Christmas Day...

Originally Posted by vtecchippy

Hey guys...so yeah, this happened. There was traffic that suddenly bowed up on my way to visit fam, and the poor guy behind me just didn't have the brakes. Hit by a 2002 Dakota. Neither of us was hurt, so I'll count my blessings.

I've only got one good pic at the moment. To those of you that have dealt with this before, I'd like your input as far as what happens going forward. Think I'm facing a total? Or will cost of repair be low enough that they'll patch her up?

First, it was a clear cut case and the fellow's insurance has said that they're covering me. So there is no dispute and they sound like they'll be easy to deal with, thankfully. The fella was very nice and felt horrible for what happened. I just told him accidents happen :P

A visual assessment of the damage:
Bumper cover obviously destroyed
Both tail lamps will need replacing
Hatch is bent and warped along with the dents. It isn't airtight along the seals to the roof so I'm sure it'll need to be replaced.
Passenger side rear quarter panel has a stress crease in the center in FRONT of the rear wheel. Unsure if the bumper being pushed forward cause this or if it's something underneath gone wrong.
Inside, the rear interior pieces have popped loose and been pushed forward significantly in the bumper area.

The car drives completely normally. You'd never think it had sustained this accident. So that leads me to think that the frame could've gotten out unscathed...but I'm definitely not a body tech. Mild vibration above 80mph but I'd guess that could just be the alignment being knocked out a bit.

I've got a meeting with a Progressive rep on Thursday for an initial rundown and estimate, and then there's a very reputable body shop here in Knoxville that I'll be taking it to after that for final estimate and/or repair, if it's not a totaled situation.

Anyone else dealt with this type of wreck in their Z, or performed the repairs and know what things look like cost-wise? Obviously diagnosing via internet is impossible but I need to know if I'm seriously looking at needing a replacement Z.

She's a 2011 Base model, 6spd, about 69k miles on it. Perfect condition before the incident.

Thanks in advance for any input!