2010 Highlander Hybrid Accident (Totalled)

[lawfarm]

Just wanted to drop in and say that my 2010 Hihy was recently totalled.

I was driving down a 2 lane road at the posted speed limit (40mph), when an oncoming driver crossed the center line into my lane. I had a choice between a head-on with the oncoming car, or taking the ditch. I chose the ditch. However, when I hopped the curb, I lost directional control and was unable to swerve to avoid a tree. Long story short: I centerpunched a tree at 40 mph.



The Hihy was totalled by the insurance company. Both driver airbags (steering wheel and knee) deployed, as did the seatbelt lock (which literally burned a hole in my jacket). I was sore for a few days, but otherwise uninjured...which is a testament to the reliability and safety of the Hihy. As you can see from the picture, the tree pushed back through the bumper, radiator, condenser, etc., into the exhaust manifold. It pushed the engine back into the firewall, and caused significant underhood damage (engine, AC, hybrid drive, etc.). Even with all of that damage, the rest of the Hihy was perfect. Doors open and shut normally, body lines were aligned, etc. The front crumple zones did what they were supposed to do, and if you drew a line from the windshield and front doors back, you wouldn't know the car had been in an accident. It was truly an impressive performance, and the Hihy saved my life. I couldn't be happier with how it did. 40mph into a large tree is a pretty significant collision. Immediately after the accident, I dialed 911 on my phone, and the bluetooth in the car was still working! I placed the call through the handsfree system.

We still have our 06 Hihy, so I'll still be around. My company car will be something different now, though, so I'm selling my accumulated Hihy detritus on Ebay (you can PM me here if interested). That includes a full set of front/2nd row/cargo area weathertech digital fit floormats, 2 cargo covers, 2 sets of wireless DVD headsets and 2 dvd remote controls.

Just wanted to give you all an update...

[lawfarm]

I've tried to post the picture several times, with no luck. If anyone knows how to fix, please do so!

Thanks!

[TrailDust]

Sorry to hear about your accident, but glad to know you're okay. Sounds like you made a good call there to avoid the head-on crash. Split second decisions like that can make the difference. Glad to know your HiHy did its job and kept you safe!

BTW, you might want to post up a thread too in the Truck Parts For Sale forum to part out your Highlander, and place a link in your sig to help spread the word.

P.S. -- About the pics, sending you a PM....

[vsansal]

Glad to hear everyone is alright and to know my HL will protect me and the passengers if needed.

[nickhl]

Glad to hear you're ok. 2010 HL is IIHS 2010 top safety pick (which includes strict roof strength test).

[Cashmachine]

Fixed the missing picture for you. I'm glad that you're OK.

Originally Posted by lawfarm

Just wanted to drop in and say that my 2010 Hihy was recently totalled.

I was driving down a 2 lane road at the posted speed limit (40mph), when an oncoming driver crossed the center line into my lane. I had a choice between a head-on with the oncoming car, or taking the ditch. I chose the ditch. However, when I hopped the curb, I lost directional control and was unable to swerve to avoid a tree. Long story short: I centerpunched a tree at 40 mph.



The Hihy was totalled by the insurance company. Both driver airbags (steering wheel and knee) deployed, as did the seatbelt lock (which literally burned a hole in my jacket). I was sore for a few days, but otherwise uninjured...which is a testament to the reliability and safety of the Hihy. As you can see from the picture, the tree pushed back through the bumper, radiator, condenser, etc., into the exhaust manifold. It pushed the engine back into the firewall, and caused significant underhood damage (engine, AC, hybrid drive, etc.). Even with all of that damage, the rest of the Hihy was perfect. Doors open and shut normally, body lines were aligned, etc. The front crumple zones did what they were supposed to do, and if you drew a line from the windshield and front doors back, you wouldn't know the car had been in an accident. It was truly an impressive performance, and the Hihy saved my life. I couldn't be happier with how it did. 40mph into a large tree is a pretty significant collision. Immediately after the accident, I dialed 911 on my phone, and the bluetooth in the car was still working! I placed the call through the handsfree system.

We still have our 06 Hihy, so I'll still be around. My company car will be something different now, though, so I'm selling my accumulated Hihy detritus on Ebay (you can PM me here if interested). That includes a full set of front/2nd row/cargo area weathertech digital fit floormats, 2 cargo covers, 2 sets of wireless DVD headsets and 2 dvd remote controls.

Just wanted to give you all an update...

[synch22]

we have the same model and year, thanks for sharing your story. Glad everything worked out ok and everyone is A ok..

[Thunderchief]

Sorry about the wreck, it was almost like a new pup as she was a 2010. Glad it did what it was supposed to do and kept you safe. Only one question, why will the company car be something different and not another HL?