[spillz]

Hello everyone, what a crappy day. I only have 376 miles on my jeep and i got hit in the rear---no damage..but my front bumper hit a brand new Ford Explorer's trailer hitch. It pushed my bumper from the center in. I hit the explorer going less than 10 miles an hour, should i be concerned about any frame damage? I know a silly question..but i dont know much about jeeps. Also, where can I buy a replacement jeep front bumper. The guy who hit me..no insurance......thanks guys..

[Rocky529]

Technically, this should be reported to your insurance company. Your frame should not have any damage, but I can not tell by not being there. You should have the Jeep looked over by a professional to be on the safe side. If you don't want to report this to insurance, and if the other driver is at fault, he should pay for whatever damage that was caused to you.

Personally, I would upgrade the bumper. If you want to keep it stock, you can find one almost anywhere for cheap money. E-bay and forums like this... I have my old one sitting in the shed if you would like it for the cost of shipping.

[NikVallens]

Sorry to hear. I can definitely relate. Got hit by a drunk driver and jeep was totaled in less than three days after getting it.
Hope everything works out

[grogie]

Sorry man. I agree, you should report it (I hope you already did). Years ago, I had a friend of a friend nick my car door. He told me he'd take care of it, but of course never did. Next time that happens, I'm filing a police report ASAP to document it.

[JeepRocks86]

that sux. Most people on here probably have their old factory bumpers. I sold my front a while back. good luck.

Does TX not require insurance?

[NOVATJ]

I got a stock bumper on ebay for $50 shipped. It also came with the flush end caps instead of the milk jugs. I've also seen them on Craigslist. A lot of people upgrade bumpers and will get rid of a stock bumper cheap.

There is a cross member right behind the bumper in between the bolts. You should check that for damage. At such a low speed, I wouldn't be too worried about frame damage.

[NavinRJohnson]

Originally Posted by JeepRocks86

Does TX not require insurance?

They do require liability, but if someone gets "caught", it is just a $250 or so (don't remember exactly) ticket. Cheaper than insurance for those that can't afford it and are wiling to roll the dice. The same people that don't have insurance are the same people that generally don't make the best decisions in life -- such as driving without insurance.

[Scotch740]

go to the stealership have them check it out, and give you a quote. Assuming no frame damage it will still be very high. Go to the guy and tell him that you can replace your bumper for X dollars less than the quote and it will save him money. Collect $X.XX from him and put it towards an after marked bumper of your liking. Hes happy cause hes paying less than he could and should for not having insurance and your happy cause you have $ for that bumper you want

[VZEHLER]

Yea you definately should have called the police and filed a report. That way your insurance would have covered it under uninsured motorists. I would bet that its not worth filing a claim for anyway. You could probably find a new bumper cheaper than what your deductable would be...

[bairy]

#1 ALWAYS get a police report.

#2 I would go after the person for any and all damages, including your time to do any work or get estimates. (seriiously!)

BTW. The person you hit could file a claim against you!

Don't let deadbeats get away with crap like that. You don't even need a lawyer.
-----

Stock bumpers are almost free if you find some local jeepers... But I would put the money towards a nice aftermarket unit. After all, you will be asking for Dealers MSRP on the bumper and bolts. I would estimate 2-3 hours at $50 an hour for yourself.

[NikVallens]

Originally Posted by bairy

#1 ALWAYS get a police report.

#2 I would go after the person for any and all damages, including your time to do any work or get estimates. (seriiously!)

BTW. The person you hit could file a claim against you!

Don't let deadbeats get away with crap like that. You don't even need a lawyer.
-----

Stock bumpers are almost free if you find some local jeepers... But I would put the money towards a nice aftermarket unit. After all, you will be asking for Dealers MSRP on the bumper and bolts. I would estimate 2-3 hours at $50 an hour for yourself.

x2

Dont know if laws vary state to state but in California you can also get money for the depreciated value of your car after its been in an accident

[EHUPP01]

Originally Posted by snellav

x2

Dont know if laws vary state to state but in California you can also get money for the depreciated value of your car after its been in an accident

TX has that as well.

[folkxrock]

I would get your Jeep checked out. If it is less than $500 damage, fix it yourself and stay below the radar of your insurance company. You might try to get the guy who re-ended you to pay just to see if he is willing.
Not sure about your state, but I know in Illinois & Indiana, if you get hit in the rear and then hit the car in front of you, you are responsible for damage to the car in front of you. The guy in the rear would have to pay for damage to your rear, but not your front bumper. Now you could still take the matter to court and prove the guy that hit you was at fault for causing the accident, but it would still be a roll of the dice on who would pay for your bumper.
Bottom line - always get a report if you not at fault for an accident.
I was hit in a brand new sportrac and the guy said he had insurance - told me and the cop - he did $800 worth of damage to my bumper and dropped off the face of the earth. However, since I had a filed a report and was not at fault, my insurance paid for everything, including my deductible. They tried to get out of the deductible, but about a year later they sent me a letter saying Mr. Deadbeat would not respond to their attempt at contact, along with a check for my deductible.

[jeeparoo]

im not sure about texas but in ohio even if a motorist is uninsured they are still liable for the damage to ALL vehicles.. meaning that even damage to the pickup truck you hit because he hit you first and then you hit the truck as a result of him htting you....

your uninsured motorist can go after him, yes you pay your deductible, however most ins companies will give you your deductible back on an uninsured motorist claim with the FIRST funds they receive from the guy who was at fault. and they can get their money buy garnishing wages, unemployment checks, and the such. If my Jeep were hit That new id definately be going after him...!

-Christopher

[irishscotlad]

Just a thought. If there is a truck assessory store near by often they have "take Off's" OEM parts that came off of someones ride that purchased an after market bumper. Check around. They will most often sell the "take off's" dirt cheap.