So I got into an accident Sunday coming home from D.C. in my ’99 C5 on I-95 near Doswell VA. The other driver made the decision to switch lanes right into me (3 lanes, I was in the middle, she was in the far left), side swiping me, eventually losing control of her car, spinning out and hitting the inside guard rail. Her car was probably totaled (both airbags deployed, lots of damage to the right side of her car), but I managed to keep control after the hit and slow down. Its (the C5) drivable, but it pulls and shakes. I’ll post pictures, but its gonna need at minimum a new front bumper cover, fender, rim, tire, some brackets, and whatever suspension may be bent. (Got a nice Daytona Racing stripe on the front left fender) Talking to her insurance company, they’re of course going to try to fight who was at fault and stick my insurance with the bill. (They said average of 2-4 weeks for them to accept responsibility). I don’t know if she was cited, but I imagine she would be as she came right into my lane and didn’t yield, I’m still waiting for the accident report. Other than that garbage that I get to deal with, I have two questions. Is there anyone you would recommend in the Hampton roads area to work on my car? I want this thing fixed absolutely perfectly with OEM GM parts. Also, has anyone ever tried to follow suit for diminished value? It now has a record that I’ll have to declare and as such, lowers the value of the car. I’m wondering if anyone has successfully gone through with that process. Thanks in advance.

 

Sorry to hear about your accident.

I would contact Ed (thehpfactory.com) to see if he can do the repairs. If he can't i'm sure he can recommend someone who can.

 

The last time I talked to Ed, he said he didn't do body work like that. People may flame me for saying it, but if there is a GOOD dealer up near you, I would see what their body shop is like. When I wrecked my C4, it went to the dealer, and I got it back looking showroom new WITH a lifetime warranty on the paint (well, as long as I owned the car)

 

My wife has been in two wrecks with her old car. 1st time it went to Pembroke, I will never use them for anything again for anything as I could have done MUCH better myself. Second time I took it to the dealer and all turned out good.

Sorry to hear of your wreck. VA laws are funny about accidents, I think that is why so many idiots drive so poorly around here. Laws here remind me of third world countries that I have been in with the attitude of the one with the nose out the farthest has the right of way.

 

Well took it to Wynn motors. My insurance company (Gieco) has been absolutely horrible and fighting me the whole way. Even said "We can plasty weld that crack out"

 

If you want really good work but a little expensive, try Tim's Custom Paint. He does a great job with fiberglass, but can be a little pricey. A lot of my car club members have used him and their cars look great.

Tim's Custom Painting & Collision Repair
208 Production Drive
Yorktown, VA 23693
(757) 595-5058