1995 base 940 (with turbo) fix or not to fix (body repair)

[tolian2]

I got into the accident in my 1995 base 940 with optional turbo. I was making a right turn going north when it was raining and suddenly my rear started to move in the west direction when I almost got it straight. I tried to turn my wheel to make it straight again but at no avail. Finally I made 180 turn and smashed into Camry Solara with a lady in it. Everyone got out fine, I got cited for reckless driving. When I stopped the car was facing north.

My rear quarter panel got pushed in. The rear door on the passenger side got pushed in with broken door handle (door opens from inside and windows roll up and down fine.

My rim was bent when I got out of the car and the tire deflated. I changed to spare and was able to drive home.

Looks like the rest of the car is fine (did not check with mechanic yet).
The insurance wants to total loss it for 3600 . I took a loan to pay for the car and as of today own 2800.

If they take the car I pay the loan (sigh) and keep 800 (about what I already did in car payments)

If I keep the car I get 2300 and a car with body to repair.

I really like the car and would like to repair it myself. I was wondering to what extent I can do this. I am not a body shop apparently but can I make it look good at least with slide hammer/filler/putty and so on.

if the rear suspension is fine then I just need to pull the metall and do the filling and so on, right?

I was meaning to give this car to my wife learn to drive and drive on, but she wants to give it to the insurance, saying that it looks ugly now.

I just want to know if it is all worth the effort (keeping the car and paying off the remaining 500 on the loan; then driving it for N-years (N>=4) and selling it(?)) or just let it go....

Thanks, guys

[volvoaddict007]

Sounds purely accidental and not reckless driving. I would say that this is your larger issue. I'm reading this post late so you have probably made a decision w/ the ins. co. If you kept the car let me know.

Depending on which state you're in, reckless driving is usually a serious charge. If the officer didn't witness the accident your chances of dismissal may be quite good, otherwise your ins. rates could go up considerably more than they already will.

In some states this one accident could technically cost you your license. ( in California you are allowed 3 points in 1 year...at fault accident=1 or 2 points + wreckless driving=2 points ) This of course is all nonsense because it may have been totally unavoidable with no malice or negligance on your part whatsoever.

Being on the receiving end of about 140 traffic citations in my 30 years of driving experience I've had to learn the legal system.

Nolo Press puts out do it youself legal manuals including "Fight Your Ticket "
( in California ) and I beleive they print them for other states as well.

Whatever you do DON'T JUST PLEAD GUILTY to this ticket!!!

Some states offer traffic school. Others have surefire "Hire a Lawyer and get relief systems". A majority ( not all ) of these courts are presided by frustrated judges, commisioners or "pro tems" sitting on the bottom rungs of thier professions and ruling as they see fit, unconstitutionally or otherwise where you are guilty until proven innocent ( and still found guilty ). It's pretty disgusting once you get in to it. Just pretend that you respect them by calling them "Your Honor" and wear a suit or sports coat and tie.

I have been over my points a number of times and lost my license once (14 tickets in 3 months, 12 of those for 1 incident ). If a person loses thier license they usually are permitted to and from work etc. The legal "industry" is based on $ and I'd just like to help you save some and love to see people beat the system without lawyers.

I'll give you more advise if you want it but I am NOT an attorney.

Good Luck !

va007