Will do.

 

Thanks all for your input. It is giving me a lot of insight and things to consider. In the mean time I'm considering replacements, although the option package is quite rare in these parts. Keep the posts coming if you have any more ideas. Appreciate it!!!

Pic from the accident site is below.

ImageShack® - Online Photo and Video Hosting

 

Like someone mentioned here, go mentally very well prepared when you go to talk to the dealer. It can be
very hard even if they are in the wrong.

When I gave my car for 45K mile service, they damaged the rear bumper while lowering it. I tried negotiating for it to be replaced, all I managed was have them fix/repaint it for free. They did a good job though.

 

Another suggestion is to negotiate by phone or email; not at the dealership or their insurance company. If you are at home you will be in your comort zone. When my Jag got totaled I did that and I felt like it helped me keep focused.

 

Thought they told you it was an 18 wheeler that hit it? Dealerships can never get **** right...

 

Yeah it did get sideswiped by an 18-wheeler (deflected off the front wheel of it) when it was making a turn. My perception is that the service technician would have been at fault since he was in the wrong place, going way too fast if the truck was about to turn. Both were traveling parallel to each other on an access road prior to the accident. The dealer was good at providing pics of the accident site and the 18 wheeler was there too.

 

I'd get a copy of the police report for sure, and find out who was ticketed - that will tell you who was at fault. I would not accept less than an equally equipped replacement vehicle. If not, then make a sign with the details, put it inside that car, and park it in front of that dealership. Nothing gets people motivated to settle like hitting them in the wallet. Be cordial and all-business about it, but be prepared to play hardball.

 

So here's the situation. Audi is not claiming responsibility for the incident because they weren't "negligent in the handling of my vehicle." How does a dealership do that to a customer and not feel any remorse?

 

the dealership is just doing what their insurance company/lawyer is telling them to do (not that I think it is right). have you contacted your insurance company? I would be interested to see what they have to say about the situation. It may be that they will able to help give you some direction. Like we have already said, looks like your car is totaled. Your insurance company may be able to give you a "settlement" that is acceptable to you, then haggle it out with the dealership's insurance or their driver's insurance (cuz I'm sure, if it is cheaper, they will be hanging him out to dry too)

good luck

 

yup, I am considering everyone's advice and will be getting independent assessments done as well as legal advising. Will keep the updates coming as things progress. The NERVE!!! This dealership is quickly soiling their reputation in my books.