accident update

[erbie]

So it looks like the insurance wants to fix the car, rather than total it. I'm happy and sad about that. Happy because I love my car, but sad because I don't know if I'll ever feel safe in it. We may look into trading both our cars in for something else. They're both paid off and we're not really in a position where we can afford a car payment at

Comments

[amyura]

You're still nursing?!? What are you going to do, nurse her till she's in college?

(sorry, couldn't resist-- glad you're all safe and ok)

[erbie]

I have to say, I love that icon!

And yes, I was planning to nurse her til she graduates college. If she decides to go to grad school, I suppose we'll have to negotiate. ;)

[live_momma]

Got an answer on your LATCH question. From page 31 of the brand new 2007 LATCH manual (Assume any typos are mine. :-P):

MUST LATCH ANCHORS BE REPLACED AFTER USE IN A CRASH?

The vehicle owner should tell the insurance adjuster and collision repair shop if LATCH anchors were in use during a crash. In that case, the anchors should be inspected for damage. In a severe crash, the anchors may become bent, in which case they must be replaced unless the car is a total loss.

This inspection and repair should be a normal aspect of repairing the vehicle. Service manuals should include information on how to repair or replace them. In some cases, this is only a matter of bolting a new part into place. In others, an entire seat must be replaced, which will cost much more.

In some cases, replacement may not be an option. For example, Volkswagen states that its LAs are directly in front of the fuel tank, and no welding or drilling is permitted in that area. If the anchors were damaged, the safety belt should be used instead.Further, on page 44,

[erbie]

Thanks! I just spoke with the body shop and asked them to inspect the anchors. The adjuster said the Subaru manual doesn't say the seatbelts have to be replaced, but I asked them to inspect the seatbelts anyway.

[lietya]

I'm glad everyone's OK, and you all were checked out properly. (I agree, too, sounds like switching to Naughty's doctor is a good idea; compassionate and thorough is worth its weight in gold, once you find it in a doctor.)

I can completely understand why you would never trust the car again, and that it's not a rational feeling, but it might help to think of it as the car saved your life - that particular vehicle now has a proven track record of successfully using the crumple zones, etc. to keep everybody intact. On the other hand, if you think you can get by with one vehicle, a new car is always fun. :)

[rolypolypony]

I'm glad everyone is truly okay. Phew.

[bluepoet]

I'm glad the family's okay. Props to the makers of the car and the carseats for keeping you all safe. :)