Tazwell3

So last night my 2008 c-300, with only 7,000 miles, was rear ended on the freeway.

I was driving on the freeway last night and a lane had been closed for construcion. One of the cars infront of me got confused and came to almost a complete stop in the middle of the freeway. I see it and start slowing down with no problem then about two seconds later I get rear ended (hard!) by an SUV.

The guy hit me so hard that the airbags, above the back seat, went off and my seat belt broke, it won't recoil its self back in any more. My whole trunk is bent inward, taillights, bumper, and exhaust, damaged! It was still drivable though.

The guy who hit me had insurance and the cops gave him the ticket.

OK, so does anyone know if my car is totaled? I remember reading that if the airbags go off they total it. I love my car but it won't be the same. I would rather get a new one.

The other driver has progressive insurance. I talked to them today and they want to see my car to determine an estimate. If they want to fix it should I leave it with them or take it to the dealer?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I just got it a year ago and I’m thinking I'm going to take a big loss here.

patrickkc

That seems like alot of damage.. even if you do get it fixed, like you said it would be differnt. But having the whole trunk bent outta place... I'd want to write it off too..

amdeutsch

Nobody can tell you 100% from a post without pics.

Sportstick

Totalling is a combination of an economic calculation and an engineering recommendation. If the floorpan is deformed, that may create a manufacturer's recommendation not to repair. Other than that, its a matter of cost of repair versus value of the vehicle. Photos won't get you an reliable answer here...you need to get the adjuster to do an estimate. Glad you're OK. Good luck.

mikelin7

were you hurt? have a check yup.. you probably wont feel it now but youre neck and spine might hurt in the future,,

RLE

You don't leave it with anyone. Taking it to a dealer is waste of time unless they have their own in house body shop. Notify your own insurance carrier as your contract requires but do not make a claim. The other guy is paying and his company is the one you will be dealing with. Tell them your car is now off the road and you will require them to provide a rental car until it is either written off or repaired. If it is repaired you are entitled to diminished value in addition to the repair costs because any damage history will reduce the value of the car later on when it's time to trade or sell it. You may use any body shop you choose and not one that the insurance company presses you to use. Be very sure that any shop used understands exactly what kind of repair you require which will of course be an undetectable one.

Since this sounds like a pretty big hit, you may expect some back or neck pain so you should see your doctor for his opinion and to start a paper trail.
Do not sign any releases from anybody until the entire situation is concluded including your injuries, if any.

This is just the start.

Tazwell3

Thanks guys. I'm fine my lower back felt a little tight today. I think it's nothing. It was a hard impact but the other guys SUV looked way worse than my car. The Benz handled the impact great, I was very impressed. I just miss my car.

I really appreciate the responses. It's good to know what to expect.

ulovemybenzo

flicks?

tanktube67

It sounds like you are physically OK; your seat belt broke that’s real bad, get yourself an attorney.

Star & Laurel

Seat belt did not "Break" The seat belt pretensioner activated which no only tightens the belts upon impact to keep you in the seat, but ultimately lock the belt in it's current position.

No one can tell you if your car is totaled other than the insurance company. They only thing I would recommend if they are going to repair the car is to only go with a very good very highly recommended body shop, or with one that is MB Certified to repair Mercedes. At least then you know that they understand they are working with various differnt steel components. i.e. high strength steel does not like to be drilled and I believe you have to be careful with welding to keep it's strength.

RLE

Good points and also keep in mind that the car uses nano-particle clear coat which is not the same paint as the other German cars use.

RLE

http://www.wreckedexotics.com/newpho...otics2009aug31

Peabody

I used to have a Mazda RX-7 back in the 90s, and the insurance company totaled it when a van ran me off the road and I slid across the wet grass into a double poled speed limit sign. The extent of damage wasn't huge, but I remember them saying they decided to total it and cut me a fat check because of the percentage of body panels damaged. The bumper, hood, both fenders, windshield and roof were damaged. It seems like over 50% damage by section, not degree, is a "total". If you're trying to get it totaled, make sure to point out as much damage in as many places as possible.

EDIT: Also many states state that you can require the insurance company to replace your car with a car of equal or greater value. So if you don't mind a color change, you might be able to press them to find a 2008 C300 with equal options and similar mileage that is free and clear of an accident. The best advice of all is to ask your lawyer, not an internet forum. If you don't have a lawyer watch daytime television for about 12 minutes until you find an advertisement that starts "Been in an accident?..." or open your yellow pages to "attorney" and look at the first 20 pages of full page ads.

C300S 6MT

You're lower back is a little tight as you said, I highly recommend that you see a physical therapist.

If "they" don't total the car, you may want to get it fix, take the loss and just get another one. Totalled or not, if you were hit that hard, you may have frame damage and your car will never drive the same again.

My two cents...

AMGTTV8

LMAO!!!

That is hilarious - so true

Best response I've seen in a long time...