Wreck - What to check for?

[alatlc]

My wife was driving in heavy traffic on I-20 yesterday and was rear-ended by a tractor trailer. She's fine, and the LC held up surprisingly well, with visible damage only to the rear bumper and liftgate area (looks like the truck overrode the hitch). Didn't even break the rear glass or tail lights. The LC is one tough truck.

Before I start my fight with the trucker's insuarance company, the question is this: What should I have checked out? It is a 1999 LC with about 63,000 miles. Even though there is not much visible damage, I'm worried that the kncoke that teh 80k pound truck gave the LC could have affected something I can't see. I know I want to have the frame alignment checked, along with the suspension, drivelines, diffs, etc. Any other advice on components or systems to have checked out? Thanks in advance.

 

[Pitbull]

I would take it too the best hitech body shop in the area, the one that does all of the Lexus/Mercedes. I would also have your wife go to the doctor and have her back and neck checked out real real good. These types of hits show up later and can be painful and long lasting. The Truckers insurance company will want her to sign a injury release and they will pay her at least $500 even if she says she is OK (that's so she won't come back on them later). I might even talk to a Lawyer but don't sign anything, just get their iniatial opinion.

 

[Kaderabek]

Frame, front end alignment, tires out of round, wiring, window seals. Have someone go over the truck very carefully.

I'm glad your wife is ok, and sorry that this happened. It's why my family doesn't travel in small cars though.

TJK

 

[PHAEDRUS]

ala,
If the truckers insurance is anyone you have never heard of go through your own insurance carrier. it is easier in the long run and then you can use one of your insurance companies body shops and utilize the lifetime repair warrantees many of them offer.
Todd is correct though find the nicest shop on the insurance comapny listings or call the mercedes dealer and ask them who they use. You did not say where you are (guessing alabama ?) but high end dealers usually have a specific shop they will only use. the biggest thing is to make sure they
1. check the frame with a laser alignment head, ask to see the printout showing all points within facotry spec,
2. make sure they will offer a lifetime warranty in WRITING!!!!
3. Take care of your better half and make sure she is ok, do not settle a bodily injury claim with anyone until you are sure she is fine and fully recovered.
FWIW I manage a Body shop and my better half is a insurance claims manager so I might know what I am talking about here.
Dave