Rear-ended, $13K in repairs!

[invertedspear]

Just put a HEAVY duty hitch on mine yesterday, as you are thinking about a little protection!

Just want to point out that this is a bad idea to depend on a hitch as part of your collision protection. Source, my aunt who used to represent drivers fighting with insurance companies. A collision with a hitch results in the following:

• Bypasses crumple zones built into the body
• Damages the vehicle in unseen ways, typically difficult to detect damage to the frame that will be missed by many body shops
• Reduces the obvious damage, which an unscrupulous insurance company will use as proof that your injuries can't be that bad since the car was barely damaged.

Take from that what you will. My opinion is that it's a bad idea to depend on your hitch to be a second bumper.

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[astrand1]

I’ve been debating keeping a large trailer hitch on at all times just for this reason. Will certainly bang my knee more than once but…

Shit I always keep a hitch on my truck. I figure it’s a little extra protection. I’ve done that for yrs so I’m always aware of it and I can say so far no shin issues.

 

[astrand1]

Thats a bummer.
But a side question, why hide your plate? not trying to be a jerk but I never understand why people do that. Its visible to everyone while driving or parked near you and unless someone is in law enforcement we can't just search plate numbers and get personal info.

I think the same as you do. I never understand plate covering. I don’t cover mine and could care less.

 

[MichaelCA]

Just want to point out that this is a bad idea to depend on a hitch as part of your collision protection. Source, my aunt who used to represent drivers fighting with insurance companies. A collision with a hitch results in the following:

• Bypasses crumple zones built into the body
• Damages the vehicle in unseen ways, typically difficult to detect damage to the frame that will be missed by many body shops
• Reduces the obvious damage, which an unscrupulous insurance company will use as proof that your injuries can't be that bad since the car was barely damaged.

Take from that what you will. My opinion is that it's a bad idea to depend on your hitch to be a second bumper.

Got the truck back! And to add to this topic, the inspector told me that the f150 lightning's hitch is actually one piece with the rear crash bar. the more you know.

Also, some of yall know that the 2024 Ford's got rid of the chrome surround on the ford emblems. I actually purchased a new one on fordparts for $5 before the accident and had them install it.

 

[Ricks Lightning]

Michael, you’re OP was on 10/21 and your vehicle was Repaired on 10/31. Are you telling us that the body shop and insurance co completed the entire repair in approx 10 days in Calif?
That impresses me more than how well the truck held up.

Rick

 

[MichaelCA]

Michael, you’re OP was on 10/21 and your vehicle was Repaired on 10/31. Are you telling us that the body shop and insurance co completed the entire repair in approx 10 days in Calif?
That impresses me more than how well the truck held up.

Rick

It was 15 days to be exact.

 

[rdr854]

It was 15 days to be exact.

Another reason to get a Ford Lightning over one of the other trucks. The OEM parts bin.

 

[TaxmanHog]

It was 15 days to be exact.

Extraordinary service by the body shop considering time lines these days.

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