Hit and run my 1972 Blazer

[mrtoni]

Happy birthday to me (really.). Awakened at 3:30am by local police saying my blazer that was parked in front of my house was hit. Driver fled the scene and police pretty much said that's it. I work as a firefighter in this town and judging the damage to the rear of the blazer, I didn't think they'd get too far.

Found the car in a culdesac about one mile away. It's a Chevy Cruze and it is totaled. All air bags went. Front end and passenger side damage. Cops returned, broke the window, it was locked with alarm set, and gave me the insurance info which the say is current. Lucky for me I found it as I have liability and uninsured motorist only.

So custom bumper and tow package is gone. Probably saved the body from more damage tho. Rear quarter is dented. The top looks wavy most concerning is the leaf springs laying in the street.
Just getting light now so will check frame and axel. Tires and rims shot.

They are with Allstate who,says they won't pay liability unless confirmed that their guy was driving which I've never heard of. Police were going to check his two addresses and said they won't believe him if he now says stolen. I'm sure he has some seatbelt marks at least.

[mrtoni]

Not a rollover. Hate that it posted upside down

[mrtoni]

His car

[jjzepplin]

Man that sucks! Sorry this happened. When you get it fixed- hide it! I keep one in the garage and the other in the back yard.

[DeadheadNM]

That's awful. What a pita. Good luck with the repairs. I dont imagine thieves would care to lock up and set the alarm before fleeing the scene.

[lks dcvn]

That's not good at all. They really nailed it to move it that far off the street. That custom bumper likely saved some damage to the truck as well - good thing you had it. Right side up pix...

Didn't notice the leaf springs in the street until you pointed them out.

Agree - thankfully you found the car that hit you and you have the right insurance.

[DeadheadNM]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

That's awful. What a pita. Good luck with the repairs. I dont imagine thieves would care to lock up and set the alarm before fleeing the scene.

Wanted to add: Happy Birthday!

[Ol Blue K20]

Originally Posted by DeadheadNM

Wanted to add: Happy Birthday!

X2.... happy birthday! !!!!!

[Ol Blue K20]

So sad, I hope it you get some justice out their insurance. I think they should cover the damages. The driver shouldn't effect their liability for damages caused by their insured vehicle.

[zammer]

unreal! cant believe people hit and run like that . so dirty
Hope everything works out fast for you to get repaired and back on the road.

[Tom Vogel]

Originally Posted by zammer

unreal! cant believe people hit and run like that . so dirty

Drunk.

[scf100]

Originally Posted by tom vogel

drunk.

got to be one hell of a hangover.......

[HO455]

That is terrible. You can take some consolation in the fact that since the air bags went off most likely he has a broken nose or better. Those bags are not gentle soft pillows. Good luck in your battle with the insurance company, it won't be easy as they will stonewall you as long as they can in hopes that you will just go away.

[Maximus]

Thats horrible! Same thing happened to me 10 years ago, my 1965 mustang was sideswiped by an immigrant who JUST turned 21, but his license was revoked for prior DUI charges (while a MINOR!) he had no insurance, I found his car and took photos. case went to DA office and he never went to court, I never saw anything from it. REALLY?? wtf the California legal system is JACKED UP. i was maybe 20 at the time? no uninsured motorist. luckily for me it was only about $4000 to repair my mustang (still have it, but now its full of bondo )

So I feel ya man, hopefully their insurance steps up. Remember, just be happy noone in your family was hurt buy this a** hole drunk driver, and hope it works out for you in the end. Cars can be repaired or replaced. hopefully this one can be kicked back into shape.

[truckster]

He had to be pretty drunk to do that. If Allstate won't pay, get a lawyer. They'll get the money out of them.

[mrtoni]

All in all things could've been worse. I just don't want it to be totaled out. Tried to get it towed by his insurance but claim is pending. They kept me on hold and said we just left him a message and it went straight to voicemail. I said hopefully he's is jail for dui. They didn't know it was hit and run although I told them five hours earlier. Strapped up my driveshaft, put on spare and put in 4hi and got it off sidewalk now. Axel is about four in forward on driverside because lift block shot out and it shifted. Tire rubbed on wheelwell so drove on my jack a few feet. Kids bummed but will be fixed

[SPIFFAV8]

Originally Posted by mrtoni

All in all things could've been worse. I just don't want it to be totaled out. Tried to get it towed by his insurance but claim is pending. They kept me on hold and said we just left him a message and it went straight to voicemail. I said hopefully he's is jail for dui. They didn't know it was hit and run although I told them five hours earlier. Strapped up my driveshaft, put on spare and put in 4hi and got it off sidewalk now. Axel is about four in forward on driverside because lift block shot out and it shifted. Tire rubbed on wheelwell so drove on my jack a few feet. Kids bummed but will be fixed

A good friend of mine was rear-ended in his 1968 Camaro. The car was flawless and for many years was in just about every Chevy magazine as it was owned by a magazine editor named Steve Rupp. The car was called "Bad Penny". The damage was so bad that the rear bumper was pretty much in the rear seat. The driver of the truck that hit him had been taking a drink from his coffee cup and hadn't noticed that traffic had come to a stop....on the freeway. He admitted his error and was sighted by the police. Statefarm did everything they could to deny the claim and then made outrageous low ball offers to pay for the car. It took the threat of publishing an article on car insurance and sharing his personal experience in Super Chevy to get Statefarm to play nice. They paid up, but it was a dick dance to make it happen.

I would contact your insurance and let them battle it out with that guys insurance and I'd consult an attorney....which I would make them pay for in the end. The insurance doesn't follow the driver, it follows the car. If I loan my car to my sister and she causes an accident, my insurance would have to pay for it all.

If the insurance company does total it, they won't give you what it's worth. I'd go after the owner and driver of that car in court and make them pay up.

Hope it all comes out right in the end and isn't to painful. It's bad enough having your baby all busted up like that.

[mrtoni]

Thank you.

[lks dcvn]

Hell yeah - Happy Birthday man!