Advice needed. 2010 Tundra Wreck

Bought my 2010 Tundra Limited in January of last year. Spent months looking for just the right truck. It just turned 111,000.

Last week, while driving for work I had a guy turn in front of me at an intersection. 79 years old with no insurance, no license, no tags, and 7 previous DUI convictions. He was taken to jail straight from the accident site.

Anyways, here are pictures of the damage. Air bags did not deploy. I received my first quote to repair, $21,588. This included completely replacing the frame to the tune of 7,900 and 30 labor hours to do the job. This is from Dalton collision, which I believe is a Toyota certified shop.

My dad went today and looked at the truck, and the only part of the frame with any damage is right behind the bumper on the very front. It's buckled a little bit.

I really don't want to total this truck, I won't get enough to purchase another one. Should I take it to another shop for a second estimate? Should I buy it back from State Farm? Should I get a lawyer and go after the guy who caused the accident? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

You can see if @koditten can chime in. I've done a few salvage vehicles. My 2013 Highlander needed a whole front end. Hood rad support and both fenders. I did luck out that the frame wasn't buckled. Not sure on Tenn laws but you'd have to see what is most beneficial to you. Do you have under insured coverage?

 

Sorry to hear about your situation.

All I have is save your money on the lawyer; you can’t get blood from a stone.

79 years old with 7 DUIs and no insurance… the only person getting anything out of that situation is the lawyer.

 

Total it, buy it back for like 200 bucks, then use the remaining money to fix it. It'll probably not be good as new, but worth a shot imo

 

2nd estimate is not a bad idea, a lot of money is tied up from the frame swap/replacement (which may not be needed as you said), if that's kicked you might be able to save 'er. No lawyer as others said, you'd gain nothing and lose more that route. People like that usually don't make it to 79, surprising really. I can't offer advise on buying it back from SF, never been through that process. I've had SF too for the last 17 years, great customer service.

What a bummer, good luck and hope your situation improves.

 

I'd buy it back and fix it.

My last truck I rebuilt had similar damage.

Found a frame shop to pull it straight and weld in a gusset. Where there was a kink.

I have no fear of driving a salvaged title truck. The vehicle inspection process is pretty strict now days, so I know it's safe to drive. 25 years ago when I started rehabbing vehicles, a lot of sloppy shit went out the door. I buy these trucks fix and drive for myself. I want them safe as when they came off the assembly line. In addition, a rebuilt titled vehicle with 300k miles, sells for same as a clear titled vehicle with 300k miles.