Blitz attack...

The online Merriam-Webster Dictionary lists one definition of "blitz" as "a fast intensive nonmilitary campaign or attack"...The attack on Truckman and his beloved truck recently was certainly fast, intensive and decidedly nonmilitary, although being unplanned, it in no way qualified as a campaign...The incident unfolded as Truckman, having completed his afternoon errands, was on his way home with his supper, and, having entered the freeway service road after dutifully checking for oncoming traffic, was impacted from the rear by a careless and errant driver...

The culprit, obviously hoping to flee the scene in his damaged older Chevrolet truck, sped away with all possible haste, but failed to take into account the mighty and powerful Dodge/Cummins driven by the determined Truckman, and was quickly overtaken...Apparently, seeing the quickly approaching behemoth in his rearview mirror with smoke pouring from the exhaust stacks caused the offender to decide capitulation was his better option, and he exited into a shopping center parking lot...

As was confirmed by Truckman's later research, the offender's behavior indicated that he was no stranger to negligent collision incidents...With a breath smelling strongly of alcohol, the driver immediately exited his vehicle and excitedly began to spew excuses, apologies and even accusations, but to his credit did inquire whether Truckman had incurred any injuries...After being asked for his driver's license and Texas insurance card, he instead deployed his defensive tactic of promising to pay for the damage in cash, then attempting to minimize the seriousness of the accident he had caused...

At this point another vehicle driven by a stunningly gorgeous young lady entered the scene...The driver stated she had witnessed the collision from the beginning, and offered her help as a witness...Momentarily taken aback by her beauty and charm, Truckman thanked her, asking her to stay and returned his attention to the nervous miscreant...By this time his actions indicated he would have done just about anything to be allowed to exit the scene before police were involved...Alternately assuring Truckman of his intention to pay, repeatedly showing his USMC tattoo to garner sympathy for his service as a veteran, and hinting that Truckman was at fault anyway (a laughable accusation itself), he was crestfallen when Truckman took out his cellphone and called the police dispatch number from his speed dial index...

Upon arrival, the police officer quickly assessed the non-injury accident, and obtained driver's licenses and insurance cards from both parties, with Truckman additionally offering his CHL...The other driver was found to have no valid insurance just as Truckman suspected...The officer obtained information and a witness statement from the delightful young lady who was still kindly waiting to offer her help...Her description of the incident offered information of which Truckman was unaware since the attack had come from the rear...

She was thanked and told by the officer she could leave the scene, and Truckman's ID cards were returned to him, being informed he should get in touch with his own insurance company for initiation of a claim...The officer then thanked Truckman for his calm and courteous handling of the incident, and indicated his attention would then be turned to a thorough investigation of the offending driver including his vehicle condition, lack of required insurance and the reason for his reeking breath...

Unfortunately, the enchanting young witness left the scene before Truckman could offer her a sit-down dinner in gratitude for her kindness, but perhaps she'll see this article and respond in the comment section below...Equally unfortunate was the cold temperature of Truckman's supper by the time he got home with it...

NOTE: This article will be updated frequently with progress reports and any additional information...Please feel free to check again using this link...


UPDATE: The enchantress was made aware of the written article in Truckman's blog, but no mention was made of dinner, and Truckman continues to dine alone...

UPDATE: Photos of the incident are now available for viewing at this link...

UPDATE: Truckman's insurance provider has assured him that the mighty Dodge/Cummins will be repaired to its pre-injury condition...

UPDATE: Truckman's search of jail records showed the offending driver was not arrested...Therefore the assumption might be made that enough alcohol content had been sweated from his system to reduce his B/A index reading to an acceptable legal level...

UPDATE: 1/16/2017...The truck has been placed in the capable hands of Cory Scott at Kustom Werx near Oak Ridge North...Options were discussed, and repairs will proceed...

UPDATE: 1/19/2017...Truckman obtained a copy of the police accident report...The accident was described accurately...The statement from the comely young witness was recorded...The driver who struck Truckman's vehicle wisely admitted the fault was his...The officer noted the presence of alcohol on the suspect's breath...A field sobriety test was conducted, the results of which showed he was not impaired enough to be cited for DWI...The driver was cited for unsafe lane change, no insurance and invalid driver's license...His vehicle was towed and impounded...In Truckman's estimation, any repair estimate exceeding $12.00 would total the offending driver's vehicle...It is suggested for the safety of all that he invest in a bus pass...

UPDATE: 1/24/2017...New pictures were taken today and posted at the above picture link...An adjuster from Traveler's Insurance Company has agreed to examine the damage, and write an estimate Tuesday, 1/31/2017, 19 days after the initial claim...

UPDATE: 1/25/2017...Another adjuster from the same insurance company has agreed to examine the damage tomorrow, 1/26/2017...

UPDATE: 1/26/2017...Damage was inspected by an insurance representative, and an estimate was written...Only two areas of contention...Discussion continues...Repairs are underway...

UPDATE: 1/29/2017...Areas of contention with insurance were solved...Work continues at Kustom Werx Paint & Body Shop...

UPDATE: 1/31/2017...Truckman's concerns obviously made their way up the food chain with his insurance company, who delegated yet another representative to call him, verifying that all details, including contentious ones, were handled to his satisfaction...Upon hearing an affirmative answer, she further assured him the check for the repairs in the full amount was being mailed that day...To her credit, she also asked for verification that Truckman did not need a rental car provided...

UPDATE:  2/15/2017...The truck was inspected today, and no flaws were found in the paint or body work...The only thing missing is the rear bumper which, being a custom piece, was special ordered from Tough Country...New pics were added to the picture blog...

UPDATE:  3/2/2017...The bumper arrived at Kustom Werx yesterday, and was installed...I picked up the truck today, and paid my part of the bill...While it was there, I contracted with Cory to replace the hail-dimpled hood and hazy headlights, plus debadge and re-finish the entire truck...

He and his crew outdid themselves, and it looks mirror-smooth in black...The only flaw I can find is a small gap between the surface of the tailgate and the marker light under the latch...Neither were replaced, and neither Cory nor I can explain it as the tailgate is perfectly straight and smooth. and fits flush in the box...For all I know it may have always been there unnoticed...

I won't worry about it...If it weren't for my eagle-eyed nephew, it would have gone unnoticed from now on...I'm really happy with the debadged appearance; it just looks cleaner...I'm very pleased with the results, and, as I already knew I would, I'll recommend Cory's work to anyone...Pics will be updated when pollen season is over...

It's been a very long time since I dealt with an insurance company for any reason...This was also my first claim ever with Traveler's...The only fault I can nitpick is the long wait between the initial claim and first inspection by an adjuster for an estimate...After that, service was fast and fair, payment was swift...The inevitable supplement was approved and paid promptly...If the cost of premiums stays competitive, they'll have my future business...

FINAL UPDATE: 3/18/2017...A fix has been found for the unexplained gap behind the tailgate lamp...All is well...

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