Re: Audi to Innie Conversion

[Mark Byrum <markbyrum@erols.com>]

Sargent Schutt wrote:
> 
> Well, my Audi has been less than delicately transformed into an 'Innie'. A
> nice woman in the car behind, of her own 'Accord' decided she'd rather use my
> brakes than hers.
> 
> So my 5 mph bumper has only about 1 mph left in it. The drivers seat is loose
> now (buh bye barcoloungers!) and the whole rear is a little tweaked.
> Thankfully the snout of the accord dove under my rear end (spared the V8
> lights). The new Stebro exhaust was still awaiting final fitments. The exhaust
> tips don't hang out too far anymore, that's for sure. Question: could other
> engine/tranny damage have occurred as a result of the forces on the exhaust? I
> want to make real sure I don't overlook anything. It is at Hoehn Audi in
> Carlsbad, CA awaiting an inspection tomorrow.
> 
> Impact speed was prolly down to 15-20 mph, I'd guess. She had 'em locked up
> about one whole second before contact. Save the dangling exhaust (picture a
> dog w/ tail btwn it's legs), it doesn't look too bad, but on closer inspection
> rear of the car is now canted acouple mm's to the right, the crossmember below
> the trunk is a little bent up, the tire carrier compartment is cracked open,
> and the bumper cover, err, it has character. Something along the lines of a
> Mad Max euro-bumper conversion. I'm afraid the frame may be slightly tweaked,
> as the trunk and rear quarter panels line up fine, but the rear quarters do
> not line up symmetrically with the rear tires (she's hanging a little to the
> right). Bent frame?
> 
> Anyone with substantial experience in these unfortunate matters, your help is
> appreciated. My back is also not feeling good at all. I've never actually felt
> my spinal column before. Feels strange, and definitely not good. I always
> thought the "my back - my neck" stuff was garbage. It's not. I've fallen of my
> mountain bike, skis, you name it, and never felt this. Plenty of bumps,
> bruises and one broken bone, but never the spinal column (no, no bullet holes,
> either, kind Unka). Strange feeling. See how it feels tomorrow.
> 
> I sincerely appreciate any tips on mechanical/technical damage to look for as
> a result of this. I want to be sure they find everything. I am not the
> litigious sort, so while I will be sure to be 'made whole', spare me the sue
> her pants off talk. There's better ways to get her pants off than that. ;-)
> 
> I may be a few days in responding. I have to fly back to MI tomorrow for my
> grandfather's funeral. Great week, eh? (and this is only the audi relavent
> stuff). When it rains it pours. And I'm in El Niņo central.
> 
> TIA for advice on damage to look for, it will be put to good use, I assure you...
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Sarge
> 
> 91 200q Down, but not out.

Sarge;
	Don't let the Accord driver's insurance company buffalo you; insist
that they use the "med-pay" portion of her insurance policy to pay your
medical bills.  And don't be a "he-man" and refuse medical treatment if
it is needed for your neck/back.  I have little use for those who claim
"neck/back" when there is nothing wrong, but about 2 years ago I
strained my back leaning into the trunk of a car to put in luggage and
lifting the spare tire at the same time to wedge a suitcase udner it. 
My back still bothers me; and I am advised that had I sought treatment
sooner rather than later my problems would more than likely have been
less.  Further, if you want the insurance company to assist you fully,
they want to see that you have been responsible in seeking appropriate
medical care.  Just don't rush out and seek chiropractic treatment (my
apologies to chiropractors) at first.  You may get the insurance company
to pay for such treatment after/if  conventional medical treatment
fails.
	As to your car, I will leave that analysis to the body/fender people on
the list.
	Very Respectfully,
	markbyrum@erols.com