Off Roading

[nokones]

Also, some, not many run both a CB and GMRS. The GMRS channel will vary depending on the group/club. When I am alone, I scan all them without any tone. As for the CB, I'll monitor Ch. 16 AM. The other days on my run to Crown King I actually heard some off-roading radio traffic on CB Ch. 16. There were a few Side-X-Sides on the road and I did notice a CB antenna and an UHF antenna on one of them.

[WRUQ357]

On 8/16/2024 at 6:06 AM, nokones said:

Also, some, not many run both a CB and GMRS. The GMRS channel will vary depending on the group/club. When I am alone, I scan all them without any tone. As for the CB, I'll monitor Ch. 16 AM. The other days on my run to Crown King I actually heard some off-roading radio traffic on CB Ch. 16. There were a few Side-X-Sides on the road and I did notice a CB antenna and an UHF antenna on one of them.

When I bought my jeep it had a broken cb antenna and a old radio that I'm not sure how good it is. I'm thinking about installing a cb again just because. I have a MXT275 installed and carry a couple of cheap Baufeng's incase another vehicle tags along and don't have comms.

[SteveShannon]

My off-road ride is a 2006 4Runner Limited. Stock except for some kind of 10 ply all-terrain tires. It’s my favorite vehicle, comfortable, small enough to safely follow most jeep trails, and only 123,000 miles on the original v8 engine. 

Last Saturday I drove up to our repeater which sits at about 9700 feet. The last 1500’ of elevation is on a shale trail that starts at a forest service gate. I was given permission by the Forest Service to go around the gate on a trail created by recreational riders who scoff at the USFS gate. 
After surveying the condition of the repeaters (2 m analog and 70 cm DMR/analog) we returned to town. 
We (three of us in my vehicle) fell in behind a white Chevy Silverado.  The road was plenty wide for two way traffic. When the Chevy stopped and pulled a little bit to the right at a wide spot in the road, I pulled to the left and passed. I was nearly read to pull back to the right side. Apparently, my passing set off the Chevy’s driver for some reason and I heard him romp on the accelerator. I glued my eyes to the road ahead thinking he was trying to overtake me and pass on the right but my front seat passenger said the white Chevy turned right toward us. He hit us with his tire at the very front of the right rear door, just a scuff, and then his left front tire ground itself into my right front passenger door before his fender wrinkled my fender. His tire also bent my step down. 
We both pulled to a stop. He jumped out and started back towards us. I rolled down my window.

He yelled “What the f?!”

I yelled “I thought you pulled over to let me pass!” 
He threw his hands in the air. I yelled “What’s your name”

He got back in his truck and drove off but not before we got a picture of his truck and license plate.

We were in an area without cell service so we drove back to town. He stayed ahead of us the entire way, even stopping just ahead of us when traffic was stopped for construction.

As soon as we got back to cell service one of the guys with me called and reported the incident to the Sheriff Department. They asked if we wanted to meet an officer somewhere or come to the station. We chose station. 
A highway patrol officer took our statements and then called the other driver based on the license plate. He had gone to his house several miles west of town (the accident happened south of town) so he had to drive back to Butte. 
I don’t know if he was cited or not. The patrolman let us go before the other guy.
I reported it to my insurance company who reported it to his insurance. He hadn’t reported it. When asked about it he said he didn’t think anything had been damaged. I don’t understand that at all. Here are some pictures:

 

[marcspaz]

That sucks to see. Depending on the state, he can be looking at jail time for that stunt.

[SteveShannon]

13 minutes ago, marcspaz said:

That sucks to see. Depending on the state, he can be looking at jail time for that stunt.

The officer emailed me a copy of the "Information Exchange Form" and the guy had his son and girlfriend with him, which I didn't realize at the time.  I'm still not sure why he reacted that way.  I've gone over it a million times in my head, wondering what I might have done to trigger him, but I just can't come up with anything.  Fortunately nobody was hurt in either vehicle.

I wasn't about to jump out of my vehicle when he did.  I've seen too many reports of a person dying after a road rage incident after both parties jumped out full of testosterone.

The estimate (new front door, new fender, new step, paint, and labor comes to $9403.  That seems incredible to me, especially since blue book on this is $10-11k.  That may result in his insurance declaring my vehicle "totaled" which I don't want.  It has been such a good vehicle and it's fairly low miles on what some people consider the best engine Toyota has put in the 4Runner.  I'm assuming his insurance will pay, but even that hasn't been communicated to me yet. I'll call my insurance tomorrow to see if they have heard anything.  I have too many vehicle as it is.  I have the 4Runner, a 1998 Dodge Ram with 70k on it, and my wife's wheelchair van, a 2010 Toyota Sienna/Braun Rampvan.  My wife can't drive anymore, so maybe I'll reduce my stable to just two vehicles.  The wheelchair van is crucial.  A pickup is really helpful.  I could probably get by without the SUV as long as I have a crew cab, but the smaller size of the SUV is really nice for going up to the repeater site.

Oh, well. 

[WRUU653]

2 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

The officer emailed me a copy of the "Information Exchange Form" and the guy had his son and girlfriend with him, which I didn't realize at the time.  I'm still not sure why he reacted that way.  I've gone over it a million times in my head, wondering what I might have done to trigger him, but I just can't come up with anything.  Fortunately nobody was hurt in either vehicle.

I wasn't about to jump out of my vehicle when he did.  I've seen too many reports of a person dying after a road rage incident after both parties jumped out full of testosterone.

The estimate (new front door, new fender, new step, paint, and labor comes to $9403.  That seems incredible to me, especially since blue book on this is $10-11k.  That may result in his insurance declaring my vehicle "totaled" which I don't want.  It has been such a good vehicle and it's fairly low miles on what some people consider the best engine Toyota has put in the 4Runner.  I'm assuming his insurance will pay, but even that hasn't been communicated to me yet. I'll call my insurance tomorrow to see if they have heard anything.  I have too many vehicle as it is.  I have the 4Runner, a 1998 Dodge Ram with 70k on it, and my wife's wheelchair van, a 2010 Toyota Sienna/Braun Rampvan.  My wife can't drive anymore, so maybe I'll reduce my stable to just two vehicles.  The wheelchair van is crucial.  A pickup is really helpful.  I could probably get by without the SUV as long as I have a crew cab, but the smaller size of the SUV is really nice for going up to the repeater site.

Oh, well. 

I’m so sorry this happened to you Steve. I hope his girlfriend saw him for who he is and gets far away. I’m glad you got out of there without it being even worse. Hit a run is no joke. 

[Guest]

That sucks.  Personally I’d let them total it. Let them give you the 9-10k for blue book then Buy it back for 2k or what ever it will be and pocket the rest.  If it’s really an off road rig then just accept it.  You’ll have some cash to put in steps that won’t bend and maybe some new tires, lift, lockers ect…. 

[SteveShannon]

20 minutes ago, WRUU653 said:

I’m so sorry this happened to you Steve. I hope his girlfriend saw him for who he is and gets far away. I’m glad you got out of there without it being even worse. Hit a run is no joke. 

Thank you, Gil!  

It was more like “hit and lead” because he never appeared to attempt to speed off, although he was going slightly faster than I was. 
When we called the sheriff’s office my friend said to the dispatcher that the guy who ran into us was right ahead of us if they wanted to send a car to intercept him. The dispatcher said “No, it’s shift change and we really don’t have anyone available.”

I was not terribly impressed. 
I suspect that this is a “he said vs. he said” thing and law enforcement will just let the insurance companies fight over it. 

[SteveShannon]

17 minutes ago, WRXP381 said:

That sucks.  Personally I’d let them total it. Let them give you the 9-10k for blue book then Buy it back for 2k or what ever it will be and pocket the rest.  If it’s really an off road rig then just accept it.  You’ll have some cash to put in steps that won’t bend and maybe some new tires, lift, lockers ect…. 

Thanks. It does suck, but it’s really not an off-road vehicle (but it does go on gravel roads often). But it did off-road well. It was the one vehicle I could drive almost anywhere.

I’m just waiting to hear what the insurance companies say. My son-in-law really wanted this 4Runner. I thought about giving it to them but he bought a Tacoma this spring.

 

 

[amaff]

2 hours ago, SteveShannon said:

When asked about it he said he didn’t think anything had been damaged. I don’t understand that at all. 

That's how I felt about the whole story. What a whack job.

 

Another +1 to buying back the "totaled" vehicle. It doesn't look like there's anything major damaged (other than that guy's brain, tho calling that major might be overstating things).

[SteveShannon]

3 minutes ago, amaff said:

That's how I felt about the whole story. What a whack job.

 

Another +1 to buying back the "totaled" vehicle. It doesn't look like there's anything major damaged (other than that guy's brain, tho calling that major might be overstating things).

I agree.  It just seems like such a waste to consider a vehicle totaled because the door and fender got dented.  I mean a "fender bender" used to be used to describe a minor accident!

I think I know where I can find a door and fender also that look like they're in good condition. A guy is parting out a 4Runner of the same range: 2003-2009.

[amaff]

PS: This is why all our vehicles run a dash cam. So far it's mostly come in helpful for other people (we got the guy who got hit the footage so he can prove he wasn't the one running the light), but it's good peace of mind in case we ever run across a nutter.

[Hoppyjr]

I agree.  It just seems like such a waste to consider a vehicle totaled because the door and fender got dented.  I mean a "fender bender" used to be used to describe a minor accident!
I think I know where I can find a door and fender also that look like they're in good condition. A guy is parting out a 4Runner of the same range: 2003-2009.

On a mountain road and considering the immaturity of the other driver, you’re lucky it didn’t go a different direction.

Glad you are all ok, the truck can be fixed.

[nokones]

Insurance companies will total a vehicle in a heartbeat so they can minimize their financial loss by taking possession of the vehicle and wholesale it off to recoup some of their loss.  Don't give in to the other insurance company's tactics. Stand your ground and force them to repair it. The value difference between the cost of the repair and the value of the vehicle shouldn't be the decision factor, especially by the other driver's insurance company, rather if repairs are made or not as long that the vehicle's safe integrity is not compromised. That should be your decision.  You are the party there-of that has the loss.

The worse case scenario may be that the other insurance company low-balls you and you get a check and you pay the difference on the cost of the repair.

If the other company does not agree to your wish to have it repaired, you could go ahead and have it repaired and take the other driver to court for those repairs since his company did not pay for the repair. Ultimately, the other driver is financially responsible and liable for those repairs not the insurance company.

Also, you should file a Financial Responsibility Statement with the State.

Depending on the State and if there is a road rage statute and how it is worded, and the totality of the facts, his actions could be considered an act of an Assault with a Deadly Weapon at a minimum.

[SteveShannon]

6 minutes ago, nokones said:

Insurance companies will total a vehicle in a heartbeat so they can minimize their financial loss by taking possession of the vehicle and wholesale it off to recoup some of their loss.  Don't give in to the other insurance company's tactics. Stand your ground and force them to repair it. The value difference between the cost of the repair and the value of the vehicle shouldn't be the decision factor, especially by the other driver's insurance company, rather if repairs are made or not as long that the vehicle's safe integrity is not compromised. That should be your decision.  You are the party there-of that has the loss.

The worse case scenario may be that the other insurance company low-balls you and you get a check and you pay the difference on the cost of the repair.

If the other company does not agree to your wish to have it repaired, you could go ahead and have it repaired and take the other driver to court for those repairs since his company did not pay for the repair. Ultimately, the other driver is financially responsible and liable for those repairs not the insurance company.

Also, you should file a Financial Responsibility Statement with the State.

What’s a financial responsibility statement?

[WRUU653]

My brother had his van totaled and the damage was cosmetic that he was able to fix. Anyway the other party’s insurance paid him and he was able to keep the vehicle. He had to go to DMV and register it as a salvage vehicle.  

[nokones]

2 hours ago, SteveShannon said:

What’s a financial responsibility statement?

Most States require both parties involved in traffic collisions to file a Financial Responsibility Statement, usually with the Motor Vehicle Division regardless if there was a Police Report taken or not. It protects the not-at-fault driver in case the situation goes sideways when the damage to a vehicle is more than the required limit. If the responsible party does not follow through with their financial responsibility, the State will step in and take action on the responsible party and if necessary suspend the responsible party's driver's license until that Financial Responsibility is met pursuant to their motor vehicle statutes. It essentially notifies the State who was involved, the insurance companies involved, etc.

It usually is a one page form you complete and either take it to the Motor Vehicle Department or mail it in. Some states allow on-line filing.

[SteveShannon]

52 minutes ago, nokones said:

Most States require both parties involved in traffic collisions to file a Financial Responsibility Statement, usually with the Motor Vehicle Division regardless if there was a Police Report taken or not. It protects the not-at-fault driver in case the situation goes sideways when the damage to a vehicle is more than the required limit. If the responsible party does not follow through with their financial responsibility, the State will step in and take action on the responsible party and if necessary suspend the responsible party's driver's license until that Financial Responsibility is met pursuant to their motor vehicle statutes. It essentially notifies the State who was involved, the insurance companies involved, etc.

It usually is a one page form you complete and either take it to the Motor Vehicle Department or mail it in. Some states allow on-line filing.

So, there was a police report, taken when I reported the accident.  Montana state law requires all vehicles to be insured in order to be registered and the guy who hit me had current Insurance. A “crash report information exchange form” is either printed by the investigating officer or in this case was emailed to all drivers. In Montana if a person fails to fulfill their financial responsibility their license plates can be taken away until they do.  
So, it appears as though both of us have shown proof of insurance.  His insurance company adjuster called me and asked me questions and had me describe the accident in my own words on a recorded line.  Afterwards a friend pointed out that maybe I shouldn’t have cooperated, that maybe the insurance company could somehow use that against me, but I don’t really think like that.  Some of my friends think I’m just not paranoid enough.

[WRUU653]

2 hours ago, SteveShannon said:

So, there was a police report, taken when I reported the accident.  Montana state law requires all vehicles to be insured in order to be registered and the guy who hit me had current Insurance. A “crash report information exchange form” is either printed by the investigating officer or in this case was emailed to all drivers. In Montana if a person fails to fulfill their financial responsibility their license plates can be taken away until they do.  
So, it appears as though both of us have shown proof of insurance.  His insurance company adjuster called me and asked me questions and had me describe the accident in my own words on a recorded line.  Afterwards a friend pointed out that maybe I shouldn’t have cooperated, that maybe the insurance company could somehow use that against me, but I don’t really think like that.  Some of my friends think I’m just not paranoid enough.

I’m sure you could support your story with signed affidavits from your passengers and that he’ll unlikely be able to get people to lie for him. These things can boil down to perseverance. Hang in there. 

[SteveShannon]

Just now, WRUU653 said:

I’m sure you could support your story with signed affidavits from your passengers and that he’ll be unlikely be able to get people to lie for him. These things can boil down to perseverance. Hang in there. 

Thanks.  Both of my guys went with me and gave statements to the highway patrol and have offered to testify if it comes to that.  I don’t think it should but who knows.  I don’t know what the other guy told the patrolman, but we all three from my vehicle told the truth. I didn’t see the two passengers of his truck either at the accident or when we spoke to the patrolman. One was a minor (the  other driver’s son, unknown age), but the other driver can’t be more than 24-25 years old. He graduated high school in 2017. The other was his girlfriend, who might be his son’s mother.  
I emphasized to his insurance guy that this seemed like road rage, pure and simple.  I see no other way to describe it. I have the ability to hire lawyers to represent me and pursue this if needed, but I would rather keep it simpler than that.  

[WRUU653]

12 minutes ago, SteveShannon said:

Thanks.  Both of my guys went with me and gave statements to the highway patrol and have offered to testify if it comes to that.  I don’t think it should but who knows.  I don’t know what the other guy told the patrolman, but we all three from my vehicle told the truth. I didn’t see the two passengers of his truck either at the accident or when we spoke to the patrolman. One was a minor (the  other driver’s son, unknown age), but the other driver can’t be more than 24-25 years old. He graduated high school in 2017. The other was his girlfriend, who might be his son’s mother.  
I emphasized to his insurance guy that this seemed like road rage, pure and simple.  I see no other way to describe it. I have the ability to hire lawyers to represent me and pursue this if needed, but I would rather keep it simpler than that.  

I had a situation once where the driver that hit me was a minor driving a friends car and her mother refused to give me insurance info and settle until I said “we’re done here, I’ll see you in court”. Magically all was suddenly taken care of. The threat alone can be enough to motivate some people. 

[nokones]

I think my body and paint would be protected from Tire Donuts.

Steve:  I know of a cheap Jeep, a 96 TJ, with stuff on it, for sale around the corner from me for $9,000 OBO, just in case that you might want better body and paint protection.

[SteveShannon]

2 hours ago, nokones said:

I think my body and paint would be protected from Tire Donuts.

Steve:  I know of a cheap Jeep, a 96 TJ, with stuff on it, for sale around the corner from me for $9,000 OBO, just in case that you might want better body and paint protection.

I'm sort of tempted.  I'll be in Phoenix tomorrow, but I won't know the disposition of anything here yet.

[marcspaz]

A little something from this weekend...

 

 

[WRXB215]

@marcspaz You guys are nuts! 

I might hike through there but I would never try to drive through there.