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mpl · 05-05-2012, 05:56 AM

Greetings,
I own a 2010 27' Flying Cloud FB with a Ford F-250 TV. Last Saturday we were struck by an on coming car leaving Fayetteville NC. She crossed the center line and struck the TV on the driver side. Everyone in our TV are fine/airbags in our truck did not deploy There was damage to the under skirting of the Airstream on the street side, damage to the grey & black water tanks and a flex crease in the aluminum panel surrounding the front storage access panel.
The Airstream was hauled (not towed) from Fayetteville to Colfax NC for repairs (was unable to confirm delivery yesterday but will do so on Monday).
Key points: the other driver's insurance have admitted liability. The A frame of the Airstream seems fine but the impact of the other vehicle essentially jack-knifed our TV and Airstream.
Questions: is there anything I should be aware of as I go through this process? What are your experiences with the service at "Out of Doors Mart", (so far I'm happy but I'm early into this process)? Any tip or suggestions?
Follow up questions are welcomed as I'm sure there are salient points I've missed.
Thanks in advance,
The Crippled Lion.

overlander63 · 05-05-2012, 06:01 AM

Welcome to the forums. A wrecker came by yesterday and dropped off a Flying Cloud. It's now in the storage area at ODM.

mpl · 05-05-2012, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by overlander63

A wrecker came by yesterday and dropped off a Flying Cloud. It's now in the storage area at ODM.

Thanks Overlander63! When you say "a wrecker"; was is towed or hauled on a flatbed trailer (as we're my instructions to the tow company)?

Salient point I missed: the accident occurred in NC and I live in AL. I'm not in the Fayetteville area to monitor the repairs to the TV or the Airstream. Fortunately, my best friend is stationed at Ft Bragg and can keep an eye on the truck. The Airstream is on her own.

Protagonist · 05-05-2012, 06:13 AM

Forgive me for stating the obvious, but photograph everything that was damaged, before it's fixed. If the repair personnel find hidden damage that wasn't obvious at first glance, also have them photograph the discovered damage before repairing it.

Assuming that the other driver doesn't have RV insurance, photographs to back up your claim will reduce the number of "Huh? What's this mean?" moments when the insurance company gets the bill.

There is a particular technique for what's called "forensic photography." I had to learn this at work for documenting damage to our field locations (floodgates & navigation locks) by marine traffic, but it applies to any record of damage. First, every photograph needs an accurate time/date stamp on the photo. Second, take overall views first, that show the whole trailer or tow vehicle, and then work your way in closer for more detail. This allows the damage to be put into context. Third, no editing the photos in Photoshop or whatever; thay have to be all-original. Fourth, take notes to go along with the photos, so that you can describe to the viewer what exactly he's seeing. Key the notes to the photo filenames.

mpl · 05-05-2012, 06:30 AM

Thanks! I appreciate the advice. I did photograph the accident scene and specific damage to the TV and Airstream but not to the detailed level you've suggested. Also, the photos were taken with my iPhone so there's an imbedded time/date/located embedded but the quality isn't good, of course.

Lily&Me · 05-05-2012, 07:19 AM

It is my understanding that the reputation of Out of Doors Mart is very respectable and solid.

Our own overlander63 (Terry) is the chief technician there I believe. A guru of all things airstream, you are in very good hands.

Glad no one was hurt, and good luck.

Maggie

mpl · 05-05-2012, 07:31 AM

Thanks Maggie.
So far, ODM has lived up to its well earned reputation.

dznf0g · 05-05-2012, 07:35 AM

I am thinking, in addition to the obvious, I would insist upon a full frame and suspension alignment check.

BTW, glad no one was hurt! And welcome to the forums.

overlander63 · 05-05-2012, 07:18 PM

I snapped a few photos today. I had to go to the shop anyway to work on our own trailer, and took advantage of the "good" weather. I can post them here, if the trailer's owner doesn't mind. Just from a cursory look, I saw several damaged outriggers, possible floor channel, and distortion on both sides of the front access door between the A frame.

**Kevin245** · 05-05-2012, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug&maggie

It is my understanding that the reputation of Out of Doors Mart is very respectable and solid.

Our own overlander63 (Terry) is the chief technician there I believe. A guru of all things airstream, you are in very good hands.

Glad no one was hurt, and good luck.

Maggie

Based on my experience, I'd say that your in good hands as well. Glad to hear that you're safe and that no one was hurt.

AirSeattle · 05-05-2012, 10:31 PM

If the TV or the airstream is subject to being "marked" as previously damaged goods by the likes of companies like CarFax, then you are possibly eligible for the deficient balance of what you TV/AS is worth if sold, but for a lesser balance because of the scar against said TV/AS.

c_lewis77 · 05-05-2012, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirSeattle

If the TV or the airstream is subject to being "marked" as previously damaged goods by the likes of companies like CarFax, then you are possibly eligible for the deficient balance of what you TV/AS is worth if sold, but for a lesser balance because of the scar against said TV/AS.

I believe the insurance term for that is "diminished value"

danlehosky · 05-06-2012, 01:31 AM

Heartbreaking, I am also glad no one was hurt. When we got our New TV someone cut me off and destroyed the whole front clip. It had 1200 miles on it. The liable parties insurance company was the same as mine which made me wonder how they would assess liability. Their first offer was 75% his fault and 25% mine. I had my BIL write them a formal legal letter and then the underwriter reassigned the claim so I had no liability. Wierd deal I can't figure this one out. Anyway when they went write a damage estimate I insisted on all new parts (2011 Tahoe). I told the guy no bondo and I said when he was done if I could see it (paint, bad fit etc.) he would have to do it again. I think he was gonna try to use the same front bumper that had a small scrape in it. I could see that his committment to quality was not even inthe ballpark with mine.. I left, I don't like arguing with people when I am giving them money. This was the insurers preferred provider. Which you don't have to use.

Another shop did the job (not the onr the insurers had suggested). No hassles and I can't even see it.

Ask his insurer to see a copy of his policy to make sure his limits will cover your damages.

I'm a Mechanical Engineer and have dealt with bonding and insurance companys in building construction my whole life

Don't let these guys push you around. Start keeping a journal of all relavant facts. It looks like you landed in a good spot for your repairs. Don't be afraid to be aggressive (to a point) they have legal standards and responsibilities that are usually standardized by the state insurance commissioner. Don't be afraid to call their office and see how this insurer rates with them. Anyway, Document, Document, Document. Photo, Photo, Photo.

Dan

Protagonist · 05-06-2012, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danlehosky

Their first offer was 75% his fault and 25% mine. I had my BIL write them a formal legal letter and then the underwriter reassigned the claim so I had no liability. Wierd deal I can't figure this one out.

Not so difficult to figure out. Mutual fault means both insured parties' rates go up for the next billing cycle, and the insurance company recoups its payout faster. However, going to court costs them more money, so if you object strongly enough, they'll settle for just boosting the other guy's rates to avoid paying out even more.

Sad but true, insurance companies are in business to make money, too; no one goes into business to lose money. Except the Government.

mpl · 05-06-2012, 06:21 AM

Thanks for all the advice/experience. I sincerely appreciate it.
The TV is not being serviced at the preferred service center/body shop but at a body shop that came highly recommended by not only the local Ford dealer's service manager (a friend of my best friend) but also the tow company. again, my biggest frustration is not being there to monitor how things are going but the body has contacted me to confirm delivery of the TV and to let me know when the final estimate will be done.
The afternoon of the accident, the drivers insurance company contacted me to admit liability and asked if I wanted to deal directly with them. I said "no"...I pay my insurance company to do that.
Is there any experience with the factors that constitute "totaling" a vehicle, specifically the TV?

dznf0g · 05-06-2012, 06:34 AM

I was told once, by an Insurance company, if the estimate is 70% of the current value of the vehicle, they will total it.

mpl · 05-06-2012, 09:58 AM

That's my understanding too.

**Stefrobrts** · 05-06-2012, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpl

The afternoon of the accident, the drivers insurance company contacted me to admit liability and asked if I wanted to deal directly with them. I said "no"...I pay my insurance company to do that.

I had an accident a couple years ago (idiot backed into me in a parking lot) and my insurance refused to help me, told me to go handle it with the other insurance company myself. Made me wonder what I was paying them for...

danlehosky · 05-06-2012, 10:47 AM

Maggie, You're right. When the claim was in the 75/25 status I got a bill that reflected a premium increase. I refused to pay. You're also right that companies need to make money to stay in business. I also believe as a consumer you need to be informed so you can be able to fairly use the service you pay for. Lots of people are overwhelmed by the paperwork and think they have to take what is offered to them. The insurers will try to adjudicate a claim in their best interests which may not always be in yours. When we insured the FC I spent two hours with the agent and the underwriter and pretty much got a custom policy that I was comfortable with. Not so cheap. But if I ever need it I know exactly what I have. I see lots of people on this Forum get some pretty nasty surprises when they have to file a claim and find out about "replacement value". Know what you have, look at your deductables, know about depreciation look at towing, how far, repair facilities etc. Like you say,"The more you know, the less you need". maybe. And now this being my 62nd birthday and a nice day. Elvis has left the building.

Dan