Total Loss - While Stationary

[michaelH]

My first accident in 33 years of driving. Only had it for 14 months and 20,000 miles and could not find another in the same colour and spec, but drove a very nice one today and hope to do the deal tomorrow. Same SE-L/MM auto spec but newer and in silver with grey leather. Tried a BMW 320i coupe as well, but wasn't all that impressed, given that it would have cost about the same.

How did it happen? Russian driver thinks she has missed her destination just after dark on an unlit, winding Welsh main road through the hills (she hasn't reached her destination at all, but no matter). Tries to do 3 point turn, but gets stuck (stalled?) sideways-on in the middle of the road. I see her as I come down the gradient and manage to stop with a few metres to spare, but at that moment she is hit by a Peugeot coming up the other way - driver of which fails to see her in time.

Peugeot spins out of control and slams into me a second or two later. We all go to hospital together, but my passenger and I are not really hurt, so full marks to Lexus for making a good strong car that protected us at it was supposed to.

Just had a letter from Russian driver's insurers solicitors saying they hold me responsible for the crash (!) which would be absurdly funny if it wasn't so annoying. Thankfully, the police know what really happened, and why (because she admitted it when interviewed), so we will have to get the accident report when it is available.

[Steve ( West Mids )]

Sorry to hear about that. Who has judged it a total loss? Looks fairly easy repair for a bodyshop from the picture.

[MeOfLeeds]

I bet that shut line between the offside doors is at minimum tolerance...

[michaelH]

I would not be surpised if it is repairable, but in terms of economic value it made more sense for the insurers to write it off, pay me for it and then recoup the salvage value, which may be considerable. One factor is that someone will eventually be paying for my hire car until my insurance cheque comes through - at least I know it won't be me.

[gordi]

Doesent look like it should be a write off to me either , and the blame from the insureers is just SOP . dont worry