Dealer dropped my truck off the lift!!!

13bullets said:
If there's no frame damage, a "repaired" truck, in a case like this, is as good as never damaged. I would push for an extended/lifetime warranty though. This will cost the dealer very little, is something they'll likely give you, and could save you tons in the long run if you hang on to the truck.
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This is seriously the only way to go. I would talk more along the line of demanding a good warranty (on paper ). This may also help insure you get OE parts. As far as it falling off the lift due to faulty equip., OK, but not to the fault of the equip., thats not an accident, thats someone not watchin what the hell they're doin.
 
RatLabGuy said:
Def get an estimate from a few other places based on OE parts - insurance companies have rules about this, cars only a few years old (either 2 or 3) qualify for OE I believe, yours may or may not be within that window.
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this isn't true....I dd an 07 fit...and it was wrecked in Late 08....and i tried to get OE parts put back on it, and was told no. So i tried to fight it, and the best i could do is USED OE parts that I got to inspect before being installed. In NC there's a stipulation that NO oe parts HAVE to be used....and it's all up to the insurance adjuster/company to make the call....which in 90% of cases is a NO since OE parts are so much more. I've discussed this with a few insurance companies and they all have told me the same thing...
 
GSRswapandslow said:
if it was a almost brand new truck...that was a same year model as the current year...with like...2500 miles on it....yeah, i'd say a new truck.....but yours is used. Just go get 3 separate estimates and present them to them and let them pay to have it fixed. Same thing if someone hit you...not a huge deal, and no reason at all to be a jerk about anything
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I agree with this guy but to ask for a new truck is a bit much but you have every right to want it restored to the same condition itwas left there in and i would get other estimates and have thr frame checked
 
While I was working as a service tech at a motorcycle dealership, I saw a bike/lift flip because someone left a stool under the corner and set the lift down on it. The bike hit a metal work table and did quite a bit of damage. The bike was repaired with OE parts at the same dealership and the tech got his arse chewed (but not fired).

Accidents happen. I say give them a chance to make it right. If they don't, then you know what your options are.
 
rolling_down_the_hill said:
it does happen and more often than you think. just respond in a way that wont make you regret you actions down the road. remember karma.
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Imagine if you owned the dealership and the new guy made a mistake. Maybe you fire him or not. Either way no need to get crazy. Mistakes happen. Just let them fix it and if it's done right it will be as good as new. An extra layer of paint just means longer before it rusts out.
 
1) Your resale value just went down drastically

2) There is an expectation that I may be involved in an accident on the road, not when I take my vehicle to the dealer for service.

3) I don't think you deserve a new truck but I would want some compensation to offset the reduced resale value of your truck.
 
I think after it is fixed, trade the truck at the same dealer as who damaged it. Let them take the long term loss of a damaged truck. As far as a new truck, don't hold your breath. Same year, close mileage and equipment and trade. You will pay sales tax and so on. Sorry to say this, but just my opinion.
 
I don't see how some of you figure the resale value of the vehicle has dropped so drastically when the damage is a fender, side step and a rear bumper. The only question ever asked is if the vehicle has ever been damaged beyond 25% of it's worth. The answer to this is still a resounding no. I think some of you are getting carried away with this.

Realistically, it's a Dodge, in a couple more years it isn't going to be worth squat either way.
 
Maybe the truck was trying to DODGE something:lol: Sorry I had to. I don't see this having an adverse affect long term, unless the repairs are shoddy. In which case I'd continue bitching until it was right. Yeah, this is a PITA, but I don't think you deserve much more than free repair, maybe get comp'd something for your inconvenience.
 
GSRswapandslow said:
if it was a almost brand new truck...that was a same year model as the current year...with like...2500 miles on it....yeah, i'd say a new truck.....but yours is used. Just go get 3 separate estimates and present them to them and let them pay to have it fixed. Same thing if someone hit you...not a huge deal, and no reason at all to be a jerk about anything
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^this. too many people are always looking to get something for nothing
 
If you go there acting like a asshat and threatening them you will definately come out on the short end of the stick somewhere along the line (put your self in their place and having to deal with a polite standup guy or a punk that appears to want everything for nothing). I would start by going in there and personally asking then how they propose to handle the situation. Explain the situation from your perspective and your perceived loss in value. You might be suprised. If you disagree, then get with your insurance company on what they suggest. All else fails, see a lawyer.
 
I agree Do not loose your head. Let them tell you what they are going to do to fix it.
Then explain to them this WILL drop resale of truck. See what there offer is you might walk out smelling like a rose and still have your pride..



You will NOT get a new truck I ran dealers shop Before that will never happen..'
Always Speak to the dealership Manager not Shop not Sales No one but the main guy...
 
For what it's worth, I won't involve your insurance company. Some insurance companies are known to raise rates just because they had to get involved. I don't agree that it's right, but it happens.

I know for a fact that NC law requires the at fault party (dealership) or their representative (their insurance company) to remedy the situation within 30 days. If this isn't done, you can basically win a default judgment against them. I've had to deal with a person that hit me and their insurance company refusing to deal directly with me. They wanted me to involve my insurance company, usually because they can negotiate easier with another insurance company. I did a little reading and found that they had 30 days, 28 days rolled around and they backed down and dealt directly with me.

If you aren't happy with their offer, make a reasonable counteroffer. If they deny it, let them deal with the consciences, which for me would be taking them to court, filing a complaint with BBB, and a complaint with NC's insurance oversight department (don't know the name of it).

This is all dependent on you making reasonable requests.

Let me ask everyone this. Let's say this wasn't an '07 Dodge pickup. Let's say it was a '69 Mustang fastback. Pure collectors car, and a dealer dropped it off a lift. What then? Would some paint and bondo be acceptable? If not, then why is it acceptable for any other vehicle?
 
No one is suggesting they "paint and bondo" his truck. It's a fender, side step and a rear bumper for pete's sake.
 
Ok. Let me rephrase for those that want my question to be exact. If this were a collector car, what fix would members of the forums find acceptable? And I don't mean the repairs, I'm talking about should the dealership have to pay to have an third party check that the frame is straight, axles aren't toast or going to explode in 20 miles, etc.

The problem I see is if the truck actually fell any number of feet, there could be problems experienced well down the road, that a truck of the same build, that hadn't fallen off a lift, might experience.
 
See post 16.

Of course I'm not suggesting someone accept a truck with frame damage. That would be ludicrous.
 
loki_racer said:
Ok. Let me rephrase for those that want my question to be exact. If this were a collector car, what fix would members of the forums find acceptable? And I don't mean the repairs, I'm talking about should the dealership have to pay to have an third party check that the frame is straight, axles aren't toast or going to explode in 20 miles, etc.

The problem I see is if the truck actually fell any number of feet, there could be problems experienced well down the road, that a truck of the same build, that hadn't fallen off a lift, might experience.
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if it were a collector car it'd most likely just be totaled. they don't have a very high value in the bank/insurance's eyes. And unless you have collector car insurance, you're screwed anyways. So you can't really argue that. Now, saw it was a brand new lambo that fell.....then it'd be treated just like the dodge.

3 estimates
You choose the person that fixes
you continue with life

that's how this works....
 
GotLime? said:
1) Your resale value just went down drastically2) There is an expectation that I may be involved in an accident on the road, not when I take my vehicle to the dealer for service.
3) I don't think you deserve a new truck but I would want some compensation to offset the reduced resale value of your truck.
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Not always true. Accidents don't even have to be reported or show up unless they were 25% or more of vehicle value at the time it happened. If they were 25% or more of the value they will show up on the vehicle title. I just sold one and they had me sign the accident disclosure. I told them of a bumper replacement due to an accident and they said don't list it unless it was over the 25% law because that was all that was supposed to be listed on a title.
Just have them replace the parts and have the frame put on a frame rack and make sure it is back exactly right.
 
I am always amazed at how some people scream bloody murder when something bad happens to them when someone makes a mistake, but when they do it they want nothing more than an "oh well, everyone makes mistakes" given to them.

The fact is a person was operating the lift(he's never perfect) The guys that built your truck may have had a bad day (that's why it's in the shop now), he is not perfect either. You do not posses all skills to be able to fix everything on your truck ( you are not perfect). People make mistakes, move on and feel lucky when things go your way.

I promise you the only reason the other guy got a new truck is that he it was easier to give him a new truck than have to listen to anything he had to say or stupid threats him & his crooked lawyer came up with!
 
I'm not saying it will have a salvage title. I'm saying IF it is reported on Carfax, Autocheck, etc or if someone can pick out the repairs then the damge will result in a lower resale value.

What would you do if you saw a repair on a Carfax report? Ypu'd either move to the next vehicle or lowball the seller.
 
This was not the winning power ball ticket. You should be made whole which means the truck should be put back into the same condition it was in before the accident. They should provide you with a truck while yours is being repaired. I am not saying that you are but you shouldt expect to get a $50,000 truck because $3000 in damages were done to yours. If it was my truck my first reaction would be " Ok you screwed up. How do you plan to make it right? "
 
As an insurance adjuster, there is some good information in here and some just not true at all.

1. State law say's that if it is not a current year model (now 2011) any repair facility is not required to use "new" parts. You should make sure that they are using "used" OE parts. Why because these parts were made by Dodge & they are made for that vehicle & they will not be some aftermarket junk. My employeer has been ranked #1 by body shop's, for years, because we will not use "aftermarket" parts. The fit & qaulity are just not there.

2. If the vehicle is newer then 5 years old, you can make a claim for "deminshed value". Because the vehicle has been damaged at no fault of your own. There is no law that governs how this amount is arrived at. It is usually a % of the repairs. On, lets say a $3000 loss, I promise you that it is nothing to be excited about.

3. It would & you would be required to report the damages over 25% of the value of the vehicle. But if the dealership steps up & takes care of the damages them self, it is more than likely that they will not write an est (which genrates the report) they will just fix it at their cost.

4. I would not involve my own insurance carrier, until it was a last resort. Because you will have to pay your deductible & wait for your insurance carrier to get their money from the dealership before they will refund you your deductible.

Hope this clears some of this up & helps you out.
 
jmthomason

Send Message User Lists Last Activity: Today 12:49 PM
 
Didn't realize how much activity this would generate. Thanks for the posts and the suggestions. I got to see the post today at lunch but I own a Heating and Air company and needless to say, business is crazy.
Anyway, I made to the dealer today and the guys ,specifically the co-owner, was trying to meet my needs. He said I looked familiar and I told him we had met shortly after I bought the truck when his oil change tech dented my hood on the lift when the truck only had 5000 miles on it. I told him we are headed to Mountain City on Monday with family from Texas and I explained I need a 4 door truck that could haul my rig up the mountain. After some Hem Haw, I had the keys to a 2011 Demo, Cummings, auto, 4wd, Crew Cab.
I shot some pics of the damage and told him I couldn't handle the discussion of the repair or settlement until next week. Anyway, the damage was a little more than I was told, the side step got caught up in the lift and damaged the rocker and the driver door the passenger step got hung up too and bent the step up and minor bending of the rocker. The rear bumper that they said they did, I told them I did the damage with a trailer. I'll keep you posted about the progress.
Jon
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