Brand new used truck, first week I own it, and now this nightmare 😞
I honestly don't even know where to start. Saved up for almost two years to buy myself a decent used pickup — paid cash, no loan, felt so proud of myself. Drove it off the lot on a Tuesday. By that Saturday I'm sitting on the side of the highway with my hazards on wondering what I did to deserve this.
Here's what happened: I was on the on-ramp merging onto the interstate when the SUV in front of me just stomped their brakes out of nowhere — no warning, no reason I could see. I hit mine too but the truck didn't stop in time and I clipped their rear bumper. Their vehicle barely had a mark. Mine? Front end is pretty crunched, hood is buckled, and the bumper is just... sad.
The responding officer cited ME for following too closely. I tried to explain what happened but he basically didn't want to hear it. I was so frustrated I could barely speak.
Here's my situation: I had just switched insurance and was in that weird gap window — I have liability only right now, not comprehensive or collision. So my own damage is on me out of pocket.
On the bright side (I guess?) the engine turns over fine, nothing is dripping underneath, and I was able to limp it home. It's drivable but definitely not safe long-term.
I have no idea what kind of repair bill I'm looking at. Has anyone dealt with front-end damage like this and gotten estimates? Did you go to a dealer or an independent body shop? And honestly — is there ANY argument to be made that the other driver caused this? Because it really feels like they did.