An elderly man turned right into me yesterday, hitting the driver side of my 944 and propelling me into head on collision with a utility pole about 10 feet away. He was driving as though I didn't exist at all, just taking his time and driving straight at me.

I had just filled up gas and was driving the one mile distance to my house when it happened, so I didn't bother to put my seat belt on. You can see what happened. I got a free ride to the hostpial out of it. The relatively minor bruises that I got out of it are a miracle, especially considering the damage I did to the windshied.

I just rebuilt the engine 5 weeks ago!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That cost me more than the value of the car.

5 years of love, wax, and sweat. All gone because somebody was blind. I wasn't even speeding.

 

Pic #1

 

Pic #2

 

Sorry for your bad break!

You are going to have to fight like hell but make sure you get full value for the car - what it would cost to replace in like condition including the new engine. not some useless blue book amount they try and throw at you.

 

This is the side I was hit on.

 

The force of the impact put a 15 foot split in the utility pole and bent it by about 10 degrees. I went back to there today to get pictures. I found parts of my car over 20 feet away. The guy who hit me driver side was turning left from opposite traffic into the drive way in the picture as though I wasn't even there! It was such blatant reckless driving that I think he should be subject to criminal punishment.

 

Are you able to buy the car back and part out the big stuff here on rennlist?

 

That really sucks, glad you're ok though.

 

944_S... I don't know yet. This accident only happened 24 hours ago and I have to wait till Monday to make some progress with the insurance company. Do you have any suggestions on how I can approach it?

 

here is the deal with the insurance. if they total the car they essentially buy it from you. some insurance companies let you buy back the car for a nominal fee. since you just rebuilt the motor, and can probably get a few grand for it, i would try to buy the car back and then sell the whole thing to someone who needs a motor instead of going through the hassle of parting it out.

now for the good news besides your not being hurt. if it was the 996 you would be stuck with a relatively new car with massive bodywork.

 

are you sure your neck does not hurt?

 

I'd be careful getting in a legal pissing match over it - they might be able to claim some sort of negligence on your part for obviously not wearing the seatbelt. Stupid, and I know it wouldn't have changed the outcome (for the car) but a settlement would get knocked down considerably by the other party's attorney since he'd use that against you. Take what you can get and go get a 951 - you'll feel better.

 

And next time wear your damn belt! We want to be able to keep seeing you around here!

 

Ask Porsche North America for an estimated value. I hear they put high price on their products, dead or alive! Seriously a Rennlister in Canada recently had a totalled 944S and was very pleased that the insurance agency used Porsche's valuation.

 

That really sucks, sorry to hear. I'm glad you're ok at least, but ouch, your head has to hurt after that. Sheesh!