[Nat DeBery]

Pretty shaken up, won’t go into too many details but you can probably guess what happened. I am somebody that always assumes the worst, so given mine is as rare as it is (MG slick 6mt), what are some suggestions/recommendations/advice to show State Farm to get them to fix this thing? As in, keep the value above the potential damage? Was a no fault accident with freak weather involved. Still runs no oil slick either. Will have it assessed next week.

I’m a younger guy going through a tough time lately, struggling with work and having to live at home in remote ME. Was en route to have my snows put on. Not to give y’all a sob story but I’ll be frank, the reason I continue to draw breath on this earth is because of this car. I just don’t know what to do, I want to have it repaired I don’t care if it’s not perfect, because the odds of finding a slicktop 6MT are slim to none. The time I’ve put into this car in regards to mods and care is astronomical to me anyway, so while I could always tear the frame rails out of a sunroof car (I’m 6’4+) and floor mount it I’d rather not, then I also have to restart the mod process. Im sure this is what rock bottom feels like in life with absolutely nothing going for me career wise life wise etc etc and my one escape from the prison of my mind was violently ripped from me. But any advice or help to get the best out of this situation would be appreciated more than any of you could ever imagine.

Hope you all are well,
-Nat

 

[ESindon]

I know you don't wanna hear this,,,, BUT,,, its a total loss bro!!! Grab what you can from it before it goes to CoPart!! Especially those windshield cowl grills,, if they are still good,, and start looking for the new to you replacement!!! You will have to fight the Ins Co,, tooth and nail to get the full value for the car,,, BUT,, do not give in,, and hire a lawyer!!! You cannot,, unless you are an attorney yourself,,, get the case settled for the best outcome without one!!

Good Luck!!

ES

 

[willy92]

Looks pretty bad to me, too....
Sorry!

 

[15SuperSport]

Dang man. I feel terrible for you. This has always been my worst nightmare as well. As @ESindon stated, it is almost assuredly a total loss. If you do a Copart Chevy SS search you will see much less damage on many a totaled car. You could certainly consider an insurance buy back and then hold on to it while you search out another, allowing you to keep the modifications close and sell off the rest for parts, or you could simply return the vehicle to stock as much as possible with the side markers, window trim, bowtie in the rear, center caps etc. and hold on to those parts for any future acquisition.

I wish I could make you feel better about your situation. I could tell you that it's just a car, and as long as you are okay that's all that matters (which of course is the case), but I think that like me it is much more than a car to you. What I can tell you with absolute certainty, is that it is part of God's plan for you, and while you or we may never quite understand the plan, He does.

Keep an eye out for other SS's that may fit the bill, and be ready to pounce and move forward should the opportunity present itself and your interest in the SS remain. While it may not be new or have been on the journey with you that the Mystic Mistress has, some of the finest most loving and faithful dogs that I've ever had were rescues that someone else didn't want.

Philippians 3:14

 

[16PB6MT]

Ugh. That’s terrible. Feel for you. Nothing I can offer that hasn’t been said. Fight for fair replacement value, then look for another one.

 

[good2go]

I would not automatically rule out the possibility of finding another slicktop 6MT, as they do show up here with surprising frequency.

 

[SS WOT]

Chin up brother, been there with no family. In a van under the bridge. Let God pick your priorities and you will come out on top. Car does not look hopeful, looks like entire front clip and suspension. Dig up those pictures to help prove value. And sad to say the investment you have on upgrades is not redeemable. And stay humble, 23 years ago I was the proud owner of a Ford Festiva and happy to have that! Beats the alternative tennis shoes.

 

[iratollah]

@Nat DeBery, your post is upsetting and even disturbing on several levels as many of us can empathize with your situation. Just like you, I'd be devastated if anything happened to my car which happens to be one of the things in my life I know will always give me joy and help me forget about other day to day stuff. You are facing several choices, please give serious consideration to the one I'll eventually suggest in this post.

On a completely different level is how it felt to read a young member saying:

Im sure this is what rock bottom feels like in life with absolutely nothing going for me career wise life wise etc etc and my one escape from the prison of my mind was violently ripped from me

This is a genuine cause for consternation. You may be surprised how many of us have been in your shoes, and while your pain is uniquely yours and not ours, some of us get it how when you're in a hole so deep that you don't see a way out then every choice may look like a bad choice. A post like yours from a young man like you reads (to me) like a cry for help...and there is help availablle, not the help you were seeking here, but know that there's no shame in seeking the help I'm recommending...never be wary of learning from those who've been there before you.

The worst choice is seeking a permanent and unpleasant solution to what is actually a temporary problem. Really, no matter how deep you think you're in it now, it will pass if you persevere. (Post #7 suggests the same.)
While you didn't mention any physical injuries in that accident, had you posted here that you thought you hurt your back in that wreck you'd get suggestions to have someone look at it. Your mind, which is holding you hostage, is a part of your body and it was clearly injured with this crash. Go talk to someone. Really.
Free help is available and if you don't roll the dice to see what comes out of it then you can't win.

FWIW, here's some links:

https://211maine.org/mental-health

Maine Free Mental Health Services

Search below and find all of the free mental health centers in Maine. Mental health treatment is expensive, check our list of free mental health services in Maine

www.freementalhealth.us

Mental Health Services | Department of Health and Human Services

Crisis Services

www.maine.gov

And yes, I get it: This isn't what you wanted to read here. Perhaps I should mind my own business. My daughter manages a youth suicide prevention program and her business is growing faster than it should, so I'm making this my business. You experienced a catastrophic loss to your day-to-day well-being. No different than a sprained ankle that has you limping, there is treatment available. I hope you will be strong enough to find it.

 

[bourmb]

Pretty shaken up, won’t go into too many details but you can probably guess what happened. I am somebody that always assumes the worst, so given mine is as rare as it is (MG slick 6mt), what are some suggestions/recommendations/advice to show State Farm to get them to fix this thing? As in, keep the value above the potential damage? Was a no fault accident with freak weather involved. Still runs no oil slick either. Will have it assessed next week. View attachment 302197
View attachment 302196
I’m a younger guy going through a tough time lately, struggling with work and having to live at home in remote ME. Was en route to have my snows put on. Not to give y’all a sob story but I’ll be frank, the reason I continue to draw breath on this earth is because of this car. I just don’t know what to do, I want to have it repaired I don’t care if it’s not perfect, because the odds of finding a slicktop 6MT are slim to none. The time I’ve put into this car in regards to mods and care is astronomical to me anyway, so while I could always tear the frame rails out of a sunroof car (I’m 6’4+) and floor mount it I’d rather not, then I also have to restart the mod process. Im sure this is what rock bottom feels like in life with absolutely nothing going for me career wise life wise etc etc and my one escape from the prison of my mind was violently ripped from me. But any advice or help to get the best out of this situation would be appreciated more than any of you could ever imagine.

Hope you all are well,
-Nat

I’m 6’6” and fit fine in my sunroof optioned SS and most of my height is in my torso. Good luck to you.

 

[TheBeast369]

I’m 6’6” and fit fine in my sunroof optioned SS and most of my height is in my torso. Good luck to you.

Now try that with a helmet.

 

[Nat DeBery]

Yeah it’ll have to pass, not other option. Sucks being young and having had a lot going for you and now it’s literally all gone. Waking up this morning was, very hard to say the least. That car was something I looked forward to driving every day and got me out of bed a lot of the time.
Appreciate the sympathy y’all. Another bad mark on an already terrible year. Wanna see me tempt fate?

Can this year get any worse?

In all seriousness, one of you mentioned hiring a lawyer. What type of lawyer should I hire in this regard? Because I’m going to run these bastards for every cent and I will not stop until the last breath leaves my soul. They can drop me for all I care, after I’m through with them they’ll all have rightfully earned their paycheck for once. The car sits as pictured, I made sure I took the keys and locked it up and spoke to State Farm claims already. They have agreed to not look at the car until I am there and at a certain time. Should I have a lawyer with me? What documentation should I have to showcase rarity? What other pictures should I have or comparables?

At this point since I’ll never recover what I put in mod wise I think I will be moving on from the SS platform and rolling whatever check I can get into something else LS powered and manual and modified. Surprising what one can get for reasonable prices out there that’s already built. Maybe even another SS on here if it’s modified right. Who knows. Now to prepare for the pyrrhic trench warfare slog I’m going to have to partake in.

Cheers

 

[ESindon]

@Nat DeBery !! Several of us Old Folks up in here are genuinely worried for you,, and we all feel this pain you are experiencing now,, with you!! Yes,, its all of our collective worst nightmares,, no doubt,, BUT,, you are alive, and clearly,, still kicking!! That said,,, the car did its job and protected you from serious harm in this incident!! KUDOS to the design team at Holden for this miracle!! I know that probably does not provide much solace,,, BUT Again,,, You should be proud in that regard!!!

Please,, consider the information in post #8 from @iratollah and seek out someone to talk this out with on a professional level!!! IT WILL help you deal with this,,, trust me on that!!!

I was the one that suggested consulting an attorney, and that would be someone that has "Accident" experience!! Here in Cali,,, there are legions of them advertising on all level of media and some are even international stars (Leno used to call one of them,,, "Larry the Lawyer" in respect for the infamous,, Larry H. Parker,, the first to advertise legally here)!! I am not certain of how that is regulated up in ME,,, BUT,,, seek out one of them or contact the State Bar and see if they can help with a referral to a reputable (Cough,, Cough!! ;- ) Attorney!!

You are entitled to representation even if it was a single vehicle collision with no other parties involved!! Insurance Companies are NOT YOUR FRIEND once the policy is signed, paid for and in force!! St. Farm will be VERY aggressive in trying to get you to settle for the smallest payout they can screw you on,,, its no skin off their teeth so to speak!! They,,, like Putin and Xi,,, only understand strength here!! You may give up something to an attorney in fees,, but it will be massively offset by the larger settlement no doubt!! Gather all of the receipts and documents including all of the Mods you invested, because that will increase the leverage during the negotiation!!

Let the Insurer come out to assess the vehicle and SAY NOTHING TO THE ADJUSTER,,, I MEAN,,, LIKE THE MIRANDA DECISION HERE!!! ANYTHING,,, AND I MEAN ANYTHING,, you say, utter, or do,,, CAN AND WILL BE USED AGAINST YOU IN A COURT OF LAW!!! Silence is golden!!! Let Him/Her/They,,,,,, work undisturbed!! This is the first step in the process, and is not the final word on the claim!!! Do not indicate in any way shape or form,, you intentions as to legal representation on the claim in front of this individual!! No matter how "Nice" they try to be to you this is business!!! Again,,, SILENCE,, NO MATTER HOW HARD,,, IS GOLDEN!!!

Please,,, feel free to reach out via "Conversation" (PM) here if you want to seek advice or just to chat!! We here on the forum will do what we can to help a fellow Holden owner in this time of need,, to assist you through this difficult incident!!!

ES

 

[Nat DeBery]

You are correct, I am thankful to be completely unscathed. Holden’s design team indeed did a proper job, and believe it or not no airbags went off at all.

Was in middle lane still on my summer tires headed to get my snows put on believe it or not. Was a 40° rainy day, not the worst but certainly doable, left early to avoid the forecasted potential sleet. Guess not early enough. Flip the switch to sleet and snow and 30° in about a minute, slowed it down to 45 and I was trying to follow a dualie’s tracks to ultimately pull over when the slush became a bit too thick between lanes and dragged me sideways and away I went. Slid passenger-side first a good way and into the grass when I hit the guard rail. Probably shaved down to 30-35 by then. Bounced a perfect 360° and hit it again much slower of course and came to a rest there.

Appreciate the insight on the lawyer. I will do some research, ideally don’t want to pay a massive amount since I’m already down on my luck financially anyway. But not going to get reamed in any capacity.

Also appreciate the concern from all of you re mental aspect, including the resources. I promise that you all can rest assured, no permanent solutions will be made for temporary problems. Have lost too many folks in my life from that already and the ripple effect in the community and network is unimaginable, I couldn’t dream of being so selfish. I also tend to be a fairly dramatic writer, I suppose it’s always been a strong suit of mine, so I apologize if I scared anyone.

If anyone knows any lawyers up my way certainly pass the info on, would greatly appreciate it. I am debating getting the car hauled out of this tow yard and to my shop so it’s somewhere I trust and if I can get it to roll a bit, out of the weather. And that way if all goes to hell, I can have them start stripping surviving bits off of it since they put it together anyway.

While the pictures do look bad, there doesn’t seem to be any damage to the engine or drivetrain. I looked underneath on the wrecker and everything looked in place including the collectors of the headers, which may mean the crash bar and crumple zones took all of it. The frame itself is bent up front it seems but it doesn’t seem to be horribly bent ie could be straightened. From what I’ve shown to my shop and other folks who’ve done frame work they certainly believe it’s fixable.

Again, thank you all for the help during this time. Having faith and believing in a positive light whilst persisting the fight will ideally yield excellent results. Certainly not opposed to getting another SS with a blower on it, like I said it will at least be LS powered, whatever it is.

Cheers y’all.

Nat D

 

[SS WOT]

Ditto @ESindon ...! Adjuster is the front man or woman. It's the underwriters that will throw blue-book at you if that. I would start researching current cost for equal replacement. Used car market is crazy these days and that's a fair thing to ask. And I see this might be a good time to inject the wisdom Rock and roll gives us. The grass only looks greener.

 

[kg4pto]

My advice to you is to take the time necessary to grieve the loss of your car. There are a great deal of enthusiasts out there, myself included, who view the car as much more than a car. Hearing somebody say "it's just a car" is about the worst and most insensitive thing you can say to someone like that.

That said, there ARE options out there for you. If you absolutely MUST have a manual LSX car, look into first generation Cadillac CTS-Vs which can be had for reasonable prices. Yes they have rear axle problems, but as long as you don't beat on it, they should be fine. There are some 2nd Gen CTS-Vs that also have manuals.

You're right though, the pickings are really slim to replace an SS. I have an automatic and don't mind the auto at all, so that broadens the available options. I would say don't limit your options to one particular car. There are also plenty of 5th gen Camaros out there, that while they aren't an SS, they are very close in terms of performance. Take your time and find the car you want.

 

[Burt Gummer]

Sorry for your loss. Best of luck

 

[berserkr]

That is an absurd amount of damage for a 35mph impact.

 

[willy92]

That is an absurd amount of damage for a 35mph impact.

It can be like that in ice or sleet, there's no slowing down while sliding.

 

[brettstoner]

If it was me I would tow the thing out of the storage lot where it is accuring fees and take it to my house. Then I would allow the insurance company to conduct their apprasial and see where it comes in. I would provide pre-crash pictures, similar comps, and a list of options to the adjustor. If you feel the offer is too low I would hire an independent appraiser to provide a counter price point to submit to the adjustor. If the insurance company is still too low then I would seek arbitration. I would not pay for an attorney personally. The expenses of an attorney will be too high to litigate the value of a car. Source- my family owns an insurance company and I investigate crashes for a living. LOL

 

[Nat DeBery]

So now that I’m recovering mentally, I am debating buying back either outright or at auction. Question is, given the market on parting these out would I get boned at auction? Should I just buy it back and go that route? Cheapest option is ideal of course.


All damage is forward of A pillar and some very experienced mechanics have said the frame is definitely fixable. I couldn’t care less if it’s a salvage title, the sentimental value is there that I’d spend the time and money sorting it out over the next 6-8 months myself after the frame is sorted. No oil slick so motor might be salvageable, the 10” between the radiator and motor may have saved it. If not, we go LSA. Would probably go to full coilovers since magnetic ride would be prohibitively priced. Couldn’t care less if it’s not perfect I want to make it into something I can beat the **** out of and not care. If it was salvage title I’d have way more fun with it anyhow.

Let me know thoughts, appreciate all the help. Would like this to live again in some form.