1 Month Old Prius Accident

I guess I will be unhappily joining the Prius accident club.

Last night, my 2007 Prius Package 6 Touring Edition was hit. The driver of the other car hit me on the rear driver's side.

The bumper is in pretty bad shape and will definitely need to be replaced. I have a rather small dent near the gas tank on the body of the car. Other than that, I didn't notice any other "body" damage.

However, what really has me worried is that the driver was coming down a hill and braking (I could hear his tires skidding), and he hit me primarily on my rear driver's side tire. As a result, the tire is now crooked. The top of the tire/wheel leans in toward the car by about 6 inches, maybe less.

My guess is that there is damage to the rear axle, but I'll readily admit that I know absolutely nothing about cars, much less my Prius one month after purchase.

I'll try to upload some pictures tonight, but based off the description, I was wondering if anyone with any knowledge (even if it's from having something similar happen) might be able to give me some advice on what to expect in terms of repairs/cost of repairs, as well as things to look out for.

Also, and I guess this just shows how much I loved my car, but with possible damage to the rear axle...what are the estimated chances of getting my car back and performing like "new" again?

Thanks in advance!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(RonH @ Jan 31 2007, 02:06 PM) [snapback]383520[/snapback]</div>

Thanks for the response!

Right now, I'm waiting for the estimate from the collision center. Do you happen to recall roughly how much the costs were?

I'll check out the "axleness" threads. I've read a couple of them and it sounds like the "axle" isn't an axle, per se, but I'll keep reading.

It's great to hear that your 2004 came out good as new. I'm very happy to hear that it worked out well for you because I can't shake the feeling at the moment that this might cause performance issues for the life of my brand new car. I've got some hope now!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Feb 1 2007, 10:32 PM) [snapback]384288[/snapback]</div>

Well, I just got one quote and the person who did the estimate said that she didn't think the "axle beam" had much, if any, damage.

However, the rear quarter panel would need to be replaced and she thought there was some suspension damage. Since this is a 2007 Touring Edition, this has me a bit concerned as this was a "new" suspension just for the 2007's, supposedly.

Anyway, the car is en route to the dealer, which has a body shop on site. I'll hopefully get some good news on Monday regarding the time and amount of work to be done.

I'll make sure to double check the rear wheel alignment. I really just want the car completely fixed and done right.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bill Merchant @ Feb 2 2007, 09:35 PM) [snapback]384773[/snapback]</div>

Thanks, Bill! I appreciate that, and I'm glad to be here.

I hope you're right about the car...