...maybe you can get that shop to change the U-joints out for you? you deserve it! Sounds like you are keeping a cool head about you. Things just may work out better than before. Guess it could be a lesson for us all when using a cell phone? "Hang-up and Drive"

Anyways, Thumbs-Up Dude! or maybe fingers up this time, give that thumb some time off. Hang in there!

Richard , I am so sorry about the Z but am glad that you are ok. The fact that you have a agreed upon value insurance is outstanding . My first advise is DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING ! Do not realease any insurance from any thing . The thing here is to wait to see if all is ok with you. It may take a day or so to show up a neck injury or a problem with your back. On the car , do not settle for less that the car being returned to origional condition. If the insurance at fault wants to settle by totaling the Z they will need to come up with the $18,000 . and do not settle for a penny less. Plus you have the option to buy the Z back from them after they settle. It sounds like you have done everything right so far. Now from this point , don't be in a hurry , as much as you would like to . I am an old dude and years back was in a serious traffic accident . I was young then . I was stiff and sore and the cuts and bruses were taken care of but I tried to shake it off . I was off work for about 10 days . The Ins company agent came buy and all nice and smiles . I was not at fault either . I was feeling better and so went back to work and settled everything . I am still suffering from the back injury , It was sore then but it dident go away and infact months later it was worse . Just dont be in a hurry , they will be beleave you me . Time is on your side here and take as much as you need , and dont be bullied. Gary

First, glad that you not hurt worse!

Second, what Beandip said double. They are at fault, take your time and heal up first, settle nothing until you are certain that everything is going to be taken care of in a manor with YOUR interests first. Since you have an insured valuation of $18K you got them by the short hairs, I would expect the car to be returned to its prewreck condition.

Take care of yourself!

PS, I have State Farm insurance and anytime I've had a fender bent by someone else I take all the info along with repair estimates, tow, rental car, all the rest to my agent. I never deal with the other insurance company, everytime my agent has cut me a check for the repair and other items and I'm on my way no hassle, they take up the fight for me, besides that's what I'm paying him all that money each year for I figure! In the last 30 years I've been hit 5 times by somebody and I've never delt with the other insurance company. May be something to try, see how hard your agent wants to keep your business.

Dogma, Beandip, Chino and Lance,

Thank you guys for your support and kind words.

As many of you have told, NOTHING WILL BE SPEEPED UP FOR ANY CONSIDERATION. Tomorrow, I will meet a bone specialist and I am in the process to find a good attorney.

The faulty car driver's insurance company (Progressive) told me that it is hard to believe that an old car is insured at replacement value and that maybe the client could not be sufficiently insured for the extended damages to the three cars and my insurance company could have to cover the difference. The restoration shop told me that Allstate, my insurance company, has bad reputation. For sure, I will not give up and it will take the time it will take.

Here we are just speaking of the sheet metal. The injuries of the three people involved could also be a problem if she has not the proper coverage.At least I have my own health insurance.

I went with my son to the body shop this morning and he took 70 pictures. For the first time I have has the occasion to look at the extend of the damages. They have not removed any parts for now because they are waiting the visit of the appraisers of both insurance companies. This morning, I gave a copy of the appraisal to the restorer to put in the file if there is any argumentation.

At first look, he told me that the frame is not damaged because the gaps everywhere are clean. The hood is slightly bent, the LF fender completely crushed including the light pod. The damage to the front suspension are a bent tension rod, sway bar bushings and tie rod.

I will see in the next days or weeks How things will evolve.

Is this what you mean?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=38335

Guy around here wants $180 to do my half shaft u-joints! If it's a DIY-type job, and I get a cool tool out of it, I am gonna do it! Thanks for the tips, Gary and montoyafan.

Steve

Yeah, that is the kit I was recommending. Take your time and work carefully, you'll be $$$ ahead and will have learned something new to help you maintain your cars.

Sorry to hear about the accident, richard1. Glad you are OK, and (from the sound of it) your car can be repaired.