Need some advice. What should I check on my runner after I've been rear ended. I was hit by a VW passat, the girl driving was going between 8-12mph- fortunately everybody is fine. Seems like most of the force was absorbed by my trailer hitch, her fender on the other hand was trashed. Should I be worry about anything on the body, gas tank or anything else? Any info is appreicated.

 

bummer about the accident.. I would take it in to an alignment shop just to make sure your frame isn't tweaked or anything (especially if your hitch is attached to the frame, which it most certainly is). Other than that, just inspect for loose brackets, cables, etc..

-Russell

 

All I know is to look at the cracks between body panels. That's your surest sign that something's shifted.

8-12 is a love tap if it hit your trailer hitch though...

 

dang you ok? I hope nobody got hurt!

as for the 4runner, I'd check for the following:

body panel gaps (should be all uniform all the way around the vehicle); which means you should be able to run a marble down each line and it should look all the same. The body panels should be flush from panel to panel; that said, if it buckled then you'll notice by feeling it.

since you were going relatively slow enough, there shouldn't be much damage aside from the rear bumper (plastic). There might be some foam pieces that might have cracked that could get replaced.

any visual damages? Frame should be fine (i think but never hurts to get it checked out).

 

Forget about your car, if she was getting 8-12 MPG's she needs to get her car checked out. Just kidding , glad everyone is ok. Hope you get everything fixed.

 

Thanks guys for all the info. I checked the body panels and can't see any visiable damage on the body. So I guess I'm okay.

Ohh wait "OHH MY NECK!!!"

 

Now you're thinking

 

measure the body over the wheels, frame rails to pinch weld, etc to make sure the body mounts didn't get bent.

someone rear ended my old truck and hit the hitch (Cherokee) everything was fine. Hitch can take alot of abuse- well, alot more than the bumper cover anyway!

 

Since it is her fault, make her insurance company pay for an inspection by the Toyota dealer or a shop of your approval. It's her nickel that is going to be paying, so get a professional opinion/inspection.