Side Swiped by a Semi

[203E90]

Hey folks. I've been searching the forum for a few hours looking for some guidance. I haven't found anyone quite in my position so I figured I'd ask the question and if a thread already exists, my apologies.

Earlier today I was out cruising with the fellas and we are merging from one major highway to another. We were driving very normal, not even trying to stay together, keeping good distance in this 5mph traffic jam. A semi truck is to my left and would have to merge right in a little over a mile. While he is beside me, I make sure to stay in a position where I can see him in the reflection of the mirror on the passenger side of his hood. I also have dash cam footage that shows the field of view of that particular reflection. It's quite wide. The car behind me is slowing down to create a space for the semi to merge. I stay in my position until the car in front of me creates enough space for me to get ahead of the semi and allow him to merge behind me. I have been next to this semi for about 3 minutes in this traffic jam at this point.

I am now doing 7mph passing the front bumper of the semi, he starts merging and his lug nuts tear in to my bumper and quarter panel. This is caught from my rear cam mounted at the top right corner of my rear window. He says he didn't see me. I can't confirm his field of view from his seating position but the camera can see the entire passenger side of his windshield at impact. I would think he could at least see the front of my car at that point if he was looking but again I can't confirm.

The damage isn't that major but is going to require a new rear bumper, a cheap wheel, and repair or replacement of the rear quarter panel plus paint. I am still waiting on the accident report to populate but for next steps, I intend on reaching out to my lawyer before doing anything else. I'm not sure what I should be asking for or what to expect. It was a commercial semi hauling a load, I have all his info and the companies, and I plan on a 3rd party claim through his insurance.

I guess my questions are:

Should I replace or repair the quarter panel?
Should I push for a total loss if costs start to add up(decently optioned 2015 M4 100,400 miles. No other issues, claims, or problems ever)?
If not totaled, does the situation warrant a diminished value claim?

I also operate and own a registered detailing company(not a side hustle but actual business) and the M4 is like my rolling business card. For 7 years old and 100k mile, its damn near perfect. Haven't even wrapped my head around events, promos, and product testing I'll have to cancel because the car looks like trash. It's not a career ender but a pretty inconvenient set back to some partnership and growth commitments I have. Could also be a demo opportunity to show off fixing body shop flaws if it gets repaired. Trying to be positive.

I'm not looking for a quick payout but I'm definitely not going to blindly accept whatever his insurance offers up and hope for the best. I've done that twice in the past trying to "help" the at fault party only to be stuck with cars that have clearly been repaired/painted, never aligned properly, and left accepting ridiculous trade in offers down the road. Granted I'm not expecting great trade in values at 100k miles nor was I set on replacing the M4 or just adding to the collection.

Essentially, either way it goes, I need to make sure I am made whole and I can still enjoy my car or I can replace it without coming out of pocket an unreasonable amount. I am realistic. I expect to have some loss here even though people say it is the at fault party's responsibility to right everything without cost to me.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[203E90]

Damage doesn't look too crazy but I'm no expert. Not sure if bondo and a dent pull will work on the quarter panel. I'm never a fan of bondo but they have to cut and bondo the quarter panel either way if they replace it, I believe. Bumper speaks for itself.

[DocL]

Sucks that it happened and the damage isn't too bad. It's not even close to being totaled , and any diminished value isn't going to be worth much. Save the photos so when you do go to sell the car you can shoe that this was just basically cosmetic. This will be a good opportunity to show your work after the repair has been made.

I also never drive next to a truck anywhere. I'll change lanes even on a side road because I know sometimes the truck drivers just can't see too well.

[203E90]

Originally Posted by DocL

Sucks that it happened and the damage isn't too bad. It's not even close to being totaled , and any diminished value isn't going to be worth much. Save the photos so when you do go to sell the car you can shoe that this was just basically cosmetic. This will be a good opportunity to show your work after the repair has been made.

I also never drive next to a truck anywhere. I'll change lanes even on a side road because I know sometimes the truck drivers just can't see too well.

Thanks Doc. That's what I'm thinking. Turn it to a win. Keep all the evidence if I do sell down the road. Pursuing anything else wouldn't be worth my lawyer's cost.

I've seen people replace panels with less damage and rack up cost so I wasn't sure what BMW would recommend.

Thanks again.

[NickyC]

Looks like swapping paint NASCAR style!

Sorry to see that, glad you're OK though!

[203E90]

Originally Posted by NickyC

Looks like swapping paint NASCAR style!

Sorry to see that, glad you're OK though!

Well it is in Charlotte so when in Rome lol. Thanks. I think I just got a little anxious when I started hearing a few horror stories from small damage.

[N1rve]

Originally Posted by NickyC

Looks like swapping paint NASCAR style!

Sorry to see that, glad you're OK though!

Rubbing is racing!!!

[203E90]

Originally Posted by N1rve

Rubbing is racing!!!

That truck don't want it on the track lol.