My yaris rear ended by a texting driver

[mimelio]

My 2008 Toyota Yaris Hatchback was rear ended while I was stopped waiting for traffic to make a left turn. Had the driver been alert they could have easily stopped or even went around me. They hit their bakes about 25 foot a way and struck just as I took my foot off the brake to begin the left turn.







Car has been repaired for the cost of $3,600 plus $146.00 rental car all on their bill (Insurance) By the way I didn't get a scratch. Note that $1,700 of damage was hidden they didn't find until the car was taken apart. Bumper brackets, impact absorber and also has to straighten and weld panel

[ern-diz]

Glad you're alright. Sorry about the inconvenience, but it sounds like things got sorted quickly.

I heard an interesting theory on the texting while driving law recently. A friend of mine believes that if it wasn't illegal, people would hold their phones up near the steering wheel and have a better chance at paying attention, rather than still texting while driving but holding the phone down to avoid visibility by police. He asserts we would still push awareness about the dangers and promote not doing it, but believes the law is actually creating more accidents. Not sure I agree with him, but it was an interesting point nonetheless.

[Kalispel]

I'm draconian when it comes to laws and public safety. Idiots who cause accidents while texting, etc. should be given felony convictions and either serve prison time or at the very least 1-3 years of community service. People who cause deaths or serious injury while texting should be charged the same as DUI killers.

[nookandcrannycar]

Sorry this happened to you. I had the same thing happen to me in my blue Yaris by a woman driving a Camry. My damage didn't look as bad as yours, so I'm not surprised yours = $3,600....mine was under $1,200 IIRC (Camry insurance paid). I was able to get a 3rd Gen Yaris as the rental, which gave me a comfortable preview of what driving my own 3rd Gen would be like.

I recently got my insurance renewal (my policy allows for no increase with one accident). I was worried re the Camry rear ending me and then months later I rear ended an Expedition (first accidents in many years). I was pleasantly surprised by the rate. I think maybe they only counted one of the accidents (the one they had to pay out on). When I take the blue Yaris off the renewal (doesn't start until September) my rate will actually be lower than at any time for the blue Yaris (same level of coverage).

[andulong]

Originally Posted by Kalispel

I'm draconian when it comes to laws and public safety. Idiots who cause accidents while texting, etc. should be given felony convictions and either serve prison time or at the very least 1-3 years of community service. People who cause deaths or serious injury while texting should be charged the same as DUI killers.

I totally agree with you on this one. It is is so senseless and avoidable. I can't imagine getting the call "Your son/daughter was killed today by a driver who could not wait to say LOL."

Make the penalties fit the crime, it is the only way it will ever stop...or slow down.

[BLKHILLSGUY]

Originally Posted by Kalispel

I'm draconian when it comes to laws and public safety. Idiots who cause accidents while texting, etc. should be given felony convictions and either serve prison time or at the very least 1-3 years of community service. People who cause deaths or serious injury while texting should be charged the same as DUI killers.

And in all honesty, a texting driver that causes an injury is NO DIFFERENT a drunk driver causing injuries. Of course, the public and lawmakers don't see it the same way.