Looking for advice regarding an accident

[speeding_infraction]

Throw the book at him and hold him accountable for his actions. There's no way he has the cash to fix it if he doesn't have insurance, it's probably "a guy he knows." Don't fool around with that and call up your insurance.

 

[Apparition]

Do you have uninsured driver coverage? If so, I’d let the insurance company deal with him.
Get a police report and turn the sob in.

This. I got hit by someone with no insurance once. Paid my $1,000 deductible and my insurance fixed my truck.

They tried for a couple years to get their money out of him with no success.

Sure I spent $1,000 but it was fixed in a couple weeks and I didn't have to do anything else.

Zero reason not to turn him in.

 

[suicideking]

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, you will likely be using that. I have had a few times where an uninsured driver has hit me. They always promise to pay, rarely do they actually follow through. If they could pay, they would likely already have insurance.

Their justification for not paying is usually because you kept bugging them. So they decide it's your fault... I would report it ASAP unless he can hand you cash within a couple days. None of this BS of waiting a few weeks for him to get his paycheck. That will never pan out.

Auto repairs have gotten pretty out of hand over the last few decades. A minor scratch that covered two panels is likely going to be $5K+ since insurance is pretty corrupt.

Taking him to small claims: Keep in mind that you can sue him and you might win. You will have a 'judgement' on paper which is worth nothing. I won a case a few years ago for $4500 and have exactly $0 from that judgement. Getting the judgement assumes he is a somewhat honest guy, has the money to pay, and wants to pay you. If he doesn't have the money and/or doesn't feel like paying, you will be out of luck. It's still better than nothing, but to some degree, a waste of time if you can't collect.

 

[bucky]

You are breaking Ca MV law by not reporting an accident with that much cost for repair. Have a man to man with him to either come up with the cash NOW or you’ll drop a dime on his ass. If the situation was reversed he’d be suing you for sure. You’re waisting time and money going to small claims. All you’ll get is a judgement that he will never pay. Ask me how I know. At least half the drivers in Ca have no insurance that’s why I have uninsured drive coverage.

 

[Bunbury]

Update on my poor Jeep: Going the legal route & weighing my options

Hey everyone,

I wanted to circle back and say thanks for your replies and advice. It really means a lot.

The latest update isn't great. The guy who hit me has officially ghosted me, so it looks like I’m heading to court. I know, good luck collecting. In the meantime, the Jeep is currently at a buddy’s place nearby. My driveway is way too steep for a flatbed to navigate, and while he’s being super cool about letting it sit there, I really don't want to overstay my welcome.

Usually, I’m the type of seller who prioritizes a quick, easy deal on Craigslist or Marketplace. However, given the circumstances and the fact that I’m now staring down the barrel of a lawsuit just to get made whole, I need to try to hold out for the best offer. I need to get back behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle, and I’m not in a position to let this go for a quick sale price.

There is still so much value left in this rig that I’m even considering a full part-out if the right "as-is" buyer doesn't come along. Fortunatley I have handy friends. It still has some solid value!

The 4.0L engine is sitting at exactly 100415. I’ve only put 415 miles on it since we hit the 100k mark last April.
It has the original green and tan seats in excellent condition. I saw those seats one time, and they have been covered ever since
The winch is still in great shape. Body is great, surprisingly. The damage is what is underneath. I dont think I previously uploaded a picture of the tranny. This is what it looks like now! This Idiot did a number on my Jeep.

If you were in my shoes and looking to maximize every cent of value left in a totaled TJ, where would you post it? Are there specific enthusiast boards or niche sites you’d recommend over the usual social media apps? I’m weighing the "as-is" sale against a part-out, so I’d love to hear your perspective on which route actually nets the most cash in today’s market.

Thanks again for being a great community.

 

[Westtown Willy]

are you sure you weren't in the TJ when it was hit

 

[macleanflood]

Dismantling it for parts will net the maximum value. You're going to need space to do that dismantling and space to store parts.

And the patience to deal with folks on FB Marketplace. They're late. They ask stupid questions over and over again. You're going to work hard for your money.

I bought a rusted out Sahara for $2k. I've sold $3K worth of parts off it. I still haven't sold the engine. I'm keeping the doors and 32RH transmission and cruise control parts.

Low engine mileage really means nothing. Borescope pictures of the cylinders, compression and leak down numbers, oil pressure and bearing pictures are what counts.

Despite having a 2000 motor I spent $500 on a 97 4.0. Interchange is hard on these blocks. Hoping to sell my 2000 4.0 to recoup some of my stroker costs. =)

Brake booster is worth more than you think. So was the transfer case. Doors will sell quickly between $800 and $1k and a hard top up here in the PNW will go for $1500 in the fall or winter. Seats and interior sell quick.

-Mac