POST-accident - need advice - 2007 GT

[HEVEYMETIL]

(Not sure where was right to post this, so feel free to move it.)

On my way to work this morning, a sixteen-year-old driver pulled across both lanes of traffic, as she was attempting to pull into her driveway on the opposite side of the road. She sorely miscalculated and I ended up hitting her, my front driver corner to her front passenger corner. We hit at around 15-20 mph. NO airbags were deployed and my car continued running, and I was able to drive away, back home. As you can see, my front fascia is ruined, as is my hood, lights, etc.

My question:

1. For anyone who has been in this situation - are there areas of damage that I can't readily see? (radiator support, bumpers under the fascia, etc)

2. Is it safe to drive the car, even though the airbag did not display. In other words, can the sensor have been hit just right to have the airbag go off randomly?

3. Any other advice, as I had hoped to tackle the repairs by myself.

Thanks!

 

[LeadfootCJ7]

It is likely there is some damage underneath the cosmetics. I would assume you might find damage to the core support, ac condenser, and other misc pieces.

It should be safe to drive. I could see the police writing you a ticket driving with it lack that once it is dark because your headlight technically won't function.

I would consider taking it to a body shop if it is her fault. The insurance will cut you a check, but it will be for significantly less than what it really costs to repair. You can come out $$$ ahead doing it yourself and scrounging for part or cutting corners. The insurance does that for a reason. Keep in mind the time you will spend for the potentially small profit. Could that same time be spent working OT or doing a side job making more $$$?

 

[REDCRAPGP]

If she has insurance then she should be paying to have it repaired. It's doesn't look like much damage besides a good, bumper, light etc but it best to let insurance handle it and take it to a body shop. Of course you can take the check and fix it yourself but that requires you sourcing parts...which I rather let them handle that.

 

[HEVEYMETIL]

Thanks, guys.

And yes, she does have insurance, thank God - and it's the same company as mine. So far the process has been smooth. They took my oral deposition today and then they were going to call her.

I've thought about doing it myself, but like you both mentioned, it's a lot of work and time. Also, I want to make sure I don't miss anything.

I looked under the bumper fascia today and noticed the steel support had crumpled (as it's supposed to do) but I do see some tears/bends in the support to which that is attached...which sucks.

Has anyone ever heard of a random airbag deployment - or is that just something I'm worrying myself over?