by Guest » Thu Mar 07, 2013 01:23 pm
I was recently rear ended in a 2012 dodge ram. It held up remarkably well, however it is now in the shop, repairs are already at 11000, and they just found that the frame has diamond bends. I dont care to get a new vehicle, however, can frame repair be guaranteed as far as structual safety? Can that same frame withstand another 60 mph rear end impact and my daughter be safe in the back seat? If now, can I get theinsurance company to replace the frame or total the truck? I am extremely uncomfortable with the notion of the base of the truck being compromised. Any advice please.
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 01:41 pm Post Subject:
My recommendation is to speak to the shop about these concerns. It does not have much to do with insurance.
Posted: Thu Mar 07, 2013 02:09 pm Post Subject:
Frame straightening equipment will realign the frame to better-than-factory specs. As for structural integrity, as tcope has said, you need to discuss that with the auto body mechanic. His business is on the line when he repairs a frame and if it were to fail structurally, he would be looking at a significant liability claim. If it's not repairable to safety standards, he'll let you know before the repairs are attempted.
As for withstanding another 60 mph rear-end collision, there are plenty of other things that could go wrong in an event like that, the frame being the least of your worries -- it's the strongest part of the vehicle. Repairs due to the most recent incident would not detract from that aspect of a collision. The frame damage you are concerned about would have more to do with metal fatigue as the result of everyday driving and normal wear-and-tear. Probably not a significant concern.
When it comes to replacing the frame in its entirety, you probably don't even want to think about that -- for all practical purposes, you're talking about rebuilding a vehicle from the ground up. There are far more minor mechanical problems that could arise in the future and make your life miserable as the result of that kind of repair. It would be simpler to start with a factory-new truck.
can I get theinsurance company to replace the frame or total the truck?
If indeed it will require a new frame to complete the repairs, the insurance company is more likely to total the vehicle rather than pay for the repairs, but if they don't want to total it, you cannot force them to do so. Instead, you would turn around and sell the vehicle after the repairs were complete and file a diminished value claim for any realized loss compared to the value of a similar vehicle without collision damage.Add your comment