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Subject:Re: Bam! My Vanagon got hit...hard
Date:Thu, 13 Apr 2023 12:08:47 +0000

Are you sure you are not hurt??  Even a little bit.  Sometimes things show up later.  And it would increase your chances of an equitable outcome.  
Just saying.

Dave B.the Boston one

-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Wed, Apr 12, 2023 8:59 pm
Subject: [VANAGON] Bam! My Vanagon got hit...hard

Saturday I was patiently waiting in left hand turn lane at light; I moved across the limit line, well into intersection.  Light changed from green to yellow, opposing traffic in slow lane stopped.  I continued on my left hand turn.  Out of nowhere, a black Tesla in fast lane raced to try to make the light....came out of nowhere (those Teslas are fast accelerating).  BAM!  Hit passenger door.  My Vanagon spun around, and also got Passenger side rear quarter hit.  So, crumpled up Passenger door and stuff underneath, windshield broken too.  Tesla driver said to me, "I'm so sorry, it's all my fault, we were in a hurry, any neck or back pain?"  Cops came.  No police report, they just instructed us to exchange information.  Mine is a Tintop, super excellent condition, Subie 2.2 conversion, new tranny too.  I haven't taken to shop for estimate, but my guess is $9K+.  My insurance requested photos; exterior, interior, I also sent then $15K invoice for the total Subie conversion.  Not sure if stuff can be "pulled out".  I do know of a guy with a backyard of junk Vanagons....including door.  Maybe sawsall stuff from a junk Vanagon and weld into place.  And that's only the front end!  Rear damage included barely allowing Hatch to open.  It's a mess.  Wish I could post photos.  Advice?