Forgot to mention (re: accident)....

[Dylan Jenkins <dylan@vt.edu>]

Guess the accident rattled my brain.

If you didn't catch the original message, here's an excerpt:
""I was on my way home from work and rounding the last corner before our
house on a narrow country road when an 81 Ch*vy Citation loses it coming the
opposite direction. He entered a 100 degree curve doing 45-50mph, and
unfamiliar with the road. Apparently, he realized his folly and immediately
tromped on his brakes, putting his car in a skid and making a b-line for the
front my car. I hit the gas, got off to the side, but he still smacked my
driver's side rear quarter and rear door......Now I've got some choices to
make. I don't think the frame is bent. A new quarter panel will have to be
welded in, and I will need a replacement door, rim, bumper, paint, etc.. I
plan to keep the car, try to buy good used parts, and put the money into a
good paint job for the whole car. Fortunately, this was only my second
accident, and it was not my fault. How should I go about dealing with his
insurance agency to get the most I can possibly get? 
Anyone have experience/advise they'd like to share as far as dealing with
insurance companies, getting multiple estimates, etc.?""

I forgot to mention that my car is an '85 4kqs, silver in fair/good
condition and I was restoring it. Body was good, v. little rust, minor dings
and scratches, but had been in accidents previous to my purchase and had
been repainted in these areas. Records go back as far as I've owned the car.
Recent work includes Boge turbo gas shocks, Krane cam, K&N filter, tune-up
kit (plugs/wires/cap+button), braided brake lines, Blaupunkt
stereo/speakers, bushings, tarns/engine mounts, brakes, blah*3 - I have
records for all this.

Also didn't mention that the guy admitted fault to the police, and that he
was charged with driving on the wrong side of the road. The officer asked me
to testify in court as a witness for the state.

Thanks for the suggestions/information so far, please give me you advice if
you've been through this. Thanks.
Dylan.
Virginia Tech - Department of Forestry  
216B Cheatham Hall (0324)    
Blacksburg, Virginia 24061   
(o)540/231.6391	     
(f)540/231.3330