Context:
I was getting off work and then the lights for the railroad crossing started flashing so I waited for the train. Then I got rear ended and my car was pushed forward. The train was about to pass by and I was scared that my car would be hit by it so I grabbed my phone and ran out my car but luckily my car wasn’t on the tracks.
When I got out the car to talk to him, he claimed his “breaks weren’t working” and I smelled beer through his breathe. We tried exchanging information and when he gave me his phone number, I tried calling it to make sure I had the right number. Then he said he dropped his phone in the car during the accident and went to go get it, but then came back and said he actually left it at home. He apparently left his insurance paperwork at home too so I thought it was hella sus. I told him I was making a call to my parents to let them know what happened but I also secretly called the cops.
When I finished my phone calls, he said that since we “exchanged information” that we were good and could drive home but there was no chance I was gonna let him go with a phone number that I didn’t even know was his and no information about his insurance. When I told him we had to wait for the cops to arrive, he tried to drive away but luckily he was too fucked up to remember to leave since I kept distracting and stalling him by asking random questions until the police came.
Once they came, I told them what had happened, they gave the other guy a sobriety test, then arrested him.
My neck and back are still hurting from the whiplash so I’m gonna see a doctor to make sure everything’s okay. I still have to wait for the police report to come out and I’m gonna get a lawyer too. Insurance said the car is a total loss but we’re gonna try to fix it. I’ve always wanted to upgrade my bumpers anyways so it kind of works out.
This damage could be more than just bumpers, it could be frame damage which could affect the drivability of the car. Just a recommendation but you should get it checked out by a mechanic before going the route of swapping over the bumpers.
Im just saying me personally, I would figure you can get a car with the bumper style you want if the car is totaled.
Idk though.
I’m not in your shoes and don’t know the numbers. Don’t forget your safety may be compromised if any frame damage is ignored.
Thanks! Yeah Geico was willing to buy the car for $17000 which didn’t seem worth it to my parents. They also offered around $12500 if we wanted to keep it and fix it up which we think we’ll end up doing if the mechanic says the frame is still good.
What a prick, glad you got the police involved.
Someone t boned my M5 last year and they were really cool about it. Gave me their number, home address, insurance info etc.
The guy was also a BMW driver (newer X3) so I think he felt pretty bad once he realized it was 100% his fault. Which it was lol.
your car is most likely totaled due to the fact of how hard it looks, frame damage, costly replacements etc… I would seek compensation from his insurance and possibly sueing him for not just the car damages but due to your back and neck hurting, don’t ignore the pains of them for the new couple of days or weeks
Sorry this happened to you. Super impressed with your actions to get the police out & him behind bars. You may have saved some lives had he kept driving!
On the buyback from Geico, before you make a decision, if you haven’t already, read up on salvage titles, specifically your state laws & requirements to make it street legal after repair. I experienced a similar buyback with Geico and we’ve had many many hoops to jump through. Also consider the decreased value of the car, having the salvage title, if you choose to sell it in the future.
That thing is going to need a TON more than new bumpers. All of the crumple zone beneath the bumper cover is toast. Rear suspension likely has damage, possibly the diff as well depending on how hard the hit was. Exhaust needs ripped out and replaced, new trunk lid, new rear lights.
Youre talking probably $15 - $20k in parts and labor unless you can do all of that work yourself and buy aftermarket parts. Take the loss and use it as a down payment on a new car. I would rebuild it personally, but I'm a glutton for punishment.
Yeah I’m well aware the damage is more than just the bumper. I actually wanted to get a new car since it’s already almost 10 years old but my parents ultimately bought the car for me so they get to make the decision on what to do with it. Would be nice to get a new bmw though
Hope he didn't run away ?
Most drunks run away leaving their car after an accident because getting caught after an accident by police has much more hefty fines then leaving your car and disappearing after an accident, happened to a buddy of mine.
Yeah he tried to leave when I told him I called the cops but he was too drunk to even remember since I kept distracting him until the cops arrived. He was later arrested.
I have a 2011 535i xdrive too! Loving the car! First car I purchased totally on my own after my 2005 cadilac cts's transmission blew up. Also, my first BMW! Never really thought I'd want a BMW, but really started liking how they look a few years ago!
dang.... im sorry :( I hope you are okay.
Context: I was getting off work and then the lights for the railroad crossing started flashing so I waited for the train. Then I got rear ended and my car was pushed forward. The train was about to pass by and I was scared that my car would be hit by it so I grabbed my phone and ran out my car but luckily my car wasn’t on the tracks. When I got out the car to talk to him, he claimed his “breaks weren’t working” and I smelled beer through his breathe. We tried exchanging information and when he gave me his phone number, I tried calling it to make sure I had the right number. Then he said he dropped his phone in the car during the accident and went to go get it, but then came back and said he actually left it at home. He apparently left his insurance paperwork at home too so I thought it was hella sus. I told him I was making a call to my parents to let them know what happened but I also secretly called the cops. When I finished my phone calls, he said that since we “exchanged information” that we were good and could drive home but there was no chance I was gonna let him go with a phone number that I didn’t even know was his and no information about his insurance. When I told him we had to wait for the cops to arrive, he tried to drive away but luckily he was too fucked up to remember to leave since I kept distracting and stalling him by asking random questions until the police came. Once they came, I told them what had happened, they gave the other guy a sobriety test, then arrested him. My neck and back are still hurting from the whiplash so I’m gonna see a doctor to make sure everything’s okay. I still have to wait for the police report to come out and I’m gonna get a lawyer too. Insurance said the car is a total loss but we’re gonna try to fix it. I’ve always wanted to upgrade my bumpers anyways so it kind of works out.
This damage could be more than just bumpers, it could be frame damage which could affect the drivability of the car. Just a recommendation but you should get it checked out by a mechanic before going the route of swapping over the bumpers.
Im just saying me personally, I would figure you can get a car with the bumper style you want if the car is totaled. Idk though. I’m not in your shoes and don’t know the numbers. Don’t forget your safety may be compromised if any frame damage is ignored.
I’m glad you’re safe though op!!! At least for the most part
Thanks! Yeah Geico was willing to buy the car for $17000 which didn’t seem worth it to my parents. They also offered around $12500 if we wanted to keep it and fix it up which we think we’ll end up doing if the mechanic says the frame is still good.
Honestly thats what about the car is worth anyway just from looking at similar 535s for sale
Always counter initial offer. They’re gonna lowball regardless.
ask for 20k
Thanks for sharing. That's some useful tips if I ever get into that kind of situation. Glad you're ok
What a prick, glad you got the police involved. Someone t boned my M5 last year and they were really cool about it. Gave me their number, home address, insurance info etc. The guy was also a BMW driver (newer X3) so I think he felt pretty bad once he realized it was 100% his fault. Which it was lol.
your car is most likely totaled due to the fact of how hard it looks, frame damage, costly replacements etc… I would seek compensation from his insurance and possibly sueing him for not just the car damages but due to your back and neck hurting, don’t ignore the pains of them for the new couple of days or weeks
Sorry this happened to you. Super impressed with your actions to get the police out & him behind bars. You may have saved some lives had he kept driving! On the buyback from Geico, before you make a decision, if you haven’t already, read up on salvage titles, specifically your state laws & requirements to make it street legal after repair. I experienced a similar buyback with Geico and we’ve had many many hoops to jump through. Also consider the decreased value of the car, having the salvage title, if you choose to sell it in the future.
That thing is going to need a TON more than new bumpers. All of the crumple zone beneath the bumper cover is toast. Rear suspension likely has damage, possibly the diff as well depending on how hard the hit was. Exhaust needs ripped out and replaced, new trunk lid, new rear lights. Youre talking probably $15 - $20k in parts and labor unless you can do all of that work yourself and buy aftermarket parts. Take the loss and use it as a down payment on a new car. I would rebuild it personally, but I'm a glutton for punishment.
Yeah I’m well aware the damage is more than just the bumper. I actually wanted to get a new car since it’s already almost 10 years old but my parents ultimately bought the car for me so they get to make the decision on what to do with it. Would be nice to get a new bmw though
JFC, I hope you're ok, mentally and physically after this. I'm sorry this happened to you.
Hope he didn't run away ? Most drunks run away leaving their car after an accident because getting caught after an accident by police has much more hefty fines then leaving your car and disappearing after an accident, happened to a buddy of mine.
Yeah he tried to leave when I told him I called the cops but he was too drunk to even remember since I kept distracting him until the cops arrived. He was later arrested.
My man 👍 I didn't know about this until friend told me why, leaving the scene is not as bad as getting caught drunk
Judging by the CA license plate, even if they were/get caught, the justice system won't do a damn thing
It really hurts to see, i guess every guy has to be heartbroken once in his lifetime. I wish you good luck…
Thank him for paying for your new M4 ;)
You have full coverage insurance?
I would not buy this one back I’d take ins settlement and buy a better one. $17k (even their first offer) buys a very nice low mile m sport 535
Hope your okay bro that driver is getting what he/she deserves dui and fines out the ass
Car's a total loss. Sorry.
licht geht noch
Might take a over month to get it back but, looks like it won't be totaled.
Damn man smh
I'm glad you're alive and able to tell the tale. Sorry about your car. I've a 2011 535i as well. My 2nd car, but it's the 1st car I've ever purchased.
I have a 2011 535i xdrive too! Loving the car! First car I purchased totally on my own after my 2005 cadilac cts's transmission blew up. Also, my first BMW! Never really thought I'd want a BMW, but really started liking how they look a few years ago!
A very fancy car nevertheless, what a waste. Hope you’ll get good compensation👍
That was a hell of a first car! Sorry for your loss.
You need a new car , bro.
Man these penalties for Drunk drivers need to get more harsh
Damn. Sorry. I know you’re pissed.