Is my Buddy Totaled?

[mudpiglet]

So, I wiped out on my buddy through some sand the other day, hit a curb and messed up my front end a bit. Basically broke a fender and a headlight, knocked the wheel out of line a bit, so I had to have it towed. Crappy part is, the bike fell off the tow truck on the freeway.

No, I'm not kidding. It fell off and was dragged and mangled for about 100 yards on the 101 in Los Angeles before the guy pulled over. So now the front forks seem a little bent, the front disc brakes appear to be rubbing the shocks, the plastic body is cracked, scratched, broken, etc, and the steering is WAY out of alignment, it's just totally messed up. The whole plastic steering cloumn is cracked open and out of place, the ignition is pretty much inaccessable now. The engine, however, appears to be ok...

So my question is, do you think if all the damage that is visible is the only damage (IE the frame is not cracked or something we can't see), that the bike is totaled? If not, what will the repair cost be do you think? I'll post some pictures to help you see what's going on.








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[scullyfu]

i think that tow company owes you a new scooter. don't back down. they can submit a claim to their insurance. btw, were they sent out by the roadside assistance folks that comes with the scooter? if so, contact them and tell them your story and send pix.

sorry. what a bummer.

[mudpiglet]

Yes, it was through roadside assistance. These people do owe me a new scooter, but they are beginning to dodge my calls. oh boy...

[MikieTaps]

sounds like its time to find that token lawyer friend that we all kind of know and ask for a huge favor... have his office call them, or write them a letter on their letterhead... that usually makes them answer the phone

[ericalm]

Sorry to hear about your crash and the ensuing problems.

If your Buddy wasn't totaled before, there's a good chance it is now. I'd guess that the frame is likely bent, which is a total loss.

Did you contact your insurance about this? If so, they may be able to help in dealing with the towing company and their insurance.

You should consider calling NoHo Scooters and having them look at the scoot before an insurance adjuster. Some adjusters aren't familiar with these scoots and cost of repairs so it may help to get a second opinion in case of a dispute.

I would also call Roadside Assistance and explain to them what happened. I don't think they're liable, but they should know one of their contracted companies did this. And they may be able to help if the towing company becomes evasive.

If you're not aware, we're compiling info on rider crashes. It's been invaluable to new riders and has provided us with some very helpful information. If you could respond to the crash thread here and share your experience, we'd really appreciate it.

[jrsjr]

Oh man, so sorry to hear that. The towing folks owe you a scooter, but you'll probably have to sue them to get it.

Dibs on your old motor!

[andgosun]

Sorry to hear about the Buddy. I concure with the other posts, The tow co is definatly liable. The scooter was left in thier care and they messed up. I'm not sure who developed your pictures, but they are all backwards. The Ignition switch is on the right and the front disc is on the right looking from your front view or left as you sit in the seat. Best of luck on your ordeal.

[Racenut]

Of course the tow company will claim it was "like that when they picked it up". You don't by chance have pics of after craqsh, before tow do you?

That scoot looks mighty messed up, sounds like you walked away from the crash? That doesn't look like a scooter that you walked away from the crash on.

Hopefully the tow company just sucks it up and takes responsibility. It's not like they dropped a Ferrari, it's a scooter. It shouldn't be worth their reputation and time to argue about it.

[mudpiglet]

Yea, I walked away, although I have road rash on my arms, face, and leg (and a little shoulder action). The scooter didn't look quite that bad after I dipped it, that is mostly being dragged on a cable at 65 mph damage you're looking at, hence the black marks on the front. The pics are backwards because I took them in photobooth on my macbook. Thanks for all your support guys, means a lot. I feel pretty stupid.

Does anybody know how much it costs to repair the steering column and shocks, etc? The motor is totally fine, and if I am lucky and the frame isn't bent.. does a messed up front end mean totaled?

I'm going to take it into NoHo scooters this week, when i can get time off work and figure out transpo for my scooter. unfortunately I don't really know anybody with a truck and this tow company is being less than friendly so... we'll see.

[jmazza]

That's terrible!

There have been a few stories on scooter boards lately where insurance co's or the like didn't want to own up and the answer has always been get an attorney. So, I'll join in with that advice- especially if the tow company is dodging you.

Glad you are alright!

[gt1000]

How did you get road rash on your face?

I'm going to take a different approach here. You're okay, that's the main thing. Yeah, you're banged up and hurting but it could've been worse. For your sake, I hope the scoot is totaled because it's tough for me to imagine it ever being the same again after being dragged like that. If the frame is bent or broken it should be totaled. If it's not bent or broken you should have it checked very carefully for small stress fractures. Those small cracks will become large cracks over time. If the motor is okay, that's something the towing company's insurance folks can salvage to lessen their load. Talk to NoHo, but more importantly, get your insurance people on this right away. Just give them the facts and turn them loose on the towing company. Hopefully this story has a happy ending.

[ericalm]

I'm going to take it into NoHo scooters this week, when i can get time off work and figure out transpo for my scooter. unfortunately I don't really know anybody with a truck and this tow company is being less than friendly so... we'll see.

Where are you located? Mike has a truck and may be able to pick it up, though there may be a fee involved.

[scullyfu]

just so you know, i was told by the roadside assistance rep that you could get towed only once every seven days.

[mudpiglet]

I'm going to take it into NoHo scooters this week, when i can get time off work and figure out transpo for my scooter. unfortunately I don't really know anybody with a truck and this tow company is being less than friendly so... we'll see.

Where are you located? Mike has a truck and may be able to pick it up, though there may be a fee involved.

This is excellent to know, and I would be more than happy to pay him for it. I live in northridge, about 10 or less miles west of NoHo scooters. Mike knows me fairly well, I spent a lot of time shopping there and dreaming of the day a buddy would finally be mine, hahahaha. Now I will do anything to have it back! That scooter was AWESOME while I had it, I can't tell you guys how bummed I am to have it wrecked all ready. Ugh.

[ryder1]

Glad you posted this....warns us all take photos with our cellphone camera before anyone moves it.

I hope this all works out for you.

[PamplonaLady]

I dropped by Pamplona, but I ran into a road sign first. Didn't do near the body damage you have. I did bend the frame/front end. Mine will be the first one to be fixed at my local dealer. Estimate to repair is $1879.05. Fortunately, I have only a $250 deductible. I was told that if the repairs amount to 80% of the value, then it would be totaled. Hope this information helps. I totally sympathize with your sorrows! No riding for me for a while.