Amazed at R1T accident survivability!

[norivian]

Please be safe. There was a sad and unfortunate accident (with fatality) in LA yesterday involving a student and R1S. It sounds like the R1S accelerated wrongly/ uncontrollably.

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[Rivian Owner]

Not surprised. Heavier cars have more structural integrity baked in. Plus, inertia. Heavier object usually have upper hand. Downside, now you find out how expensive repairs are even for seemingly light damage. Expensive repairs and expensive cars go hand-in-hand. Especially when it’s a EV.

Quick physics lesson, remember "for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction"? I believe there is a Myth Busters episode that covers this very subject. Just because the R1T is the heavier vehicle doesn't mean it puts more of the impact inertia into the other vehicle.

My guess would more lean toward the car getting hit in the side (lots of sheet metal) versus the front end of most any vehicle which is much more reinforced. Also the car was moving perpedicular to the Rivian so the damage is spread across several panels on the car.

I do agree the Rivian held up well! The cost to repair will be high regardless of how minor it looks as there are a bunch of expensive sensors on the front of the Rivian.

Glad to hear everyone walked away!

 

[Dave Cundiff]

The side curtain air bags on the smaller car appear to have deployed and may have saved the driver's life. Side crashes can be particularly dangerous. Very glad everyone is well.

The modern car is designed to sacrifice its life to save ours. A good trade-off, I think.

Best to all!

 

[CaptainMRSir]

I unfortunately was involved in an accident yesterday where another car pulled out in front of me to cross three lanes of traffic and turn left. I have a 2022 R1T and the car I hit was a 2012 Hyundai Accent.

I was traveling approximately 25-30mph at the time of the impact and wow, I’m amazed the truck handled so well!!! As the photos show, the car I hit was totaled whereas my truck had only the front smashed in. No drive ability issues as I drove away from the accident and miraculously none of the headlights where broken either! So far obviously my camera system is offline and I believe my AC isn’t working because the front AC condenser got hit but otherwise, I am shocked and amazed at the crashworthiness of these trucks! The front body work will be fixed but it even seems like the main bumper held up and didn’t fall apart.

Everyone I’ve shown the pictures to is amazed that more damage didn’t happen. I’m fixing this truck but now more than ever I’d highly recommend them to anyone. And yes, the other driver was also amazingly totally fine from the accident.

sorry to hear, glad everyone's ok. Very curious to hear what your repair estimate is as I suspect it will be in the $20-$30K+ range

 

[Donald Stanfield]

Glad you survived this horrible accident!

Bet your repair costs are greater that the other vehicle though.

Not a high bar considering you could buy the other car brand new for less than this guy’s repair bill will most likely be.

 

[Joules Burn]

There is a statue in the Anchorage airport. Anything you walk away from is good - save the parts you can and fly again.

 

[BrandonC]

Update for everyone curious about the repair bill on this one! Good news is the truck is not totaled and will be repaired with the total repair bill being around $23,000. Apparently if it was hit more on the sides of the bumper it would have been totaled because it was 4-5 inches away from the airbag sensors and if they deploy it's a done deal. Can't wait to have the truck back!

 

[Oldcarguy]

Glad everyone was okay.

 

[KRo]

When I got hit in my R1T by a red light runner last year with an impact speed around 35-40mph (totaled the offending van), my vehicle was not totaled, and far from it. Final repair bill came to about $19,600. You will hopefully be good to go, and yeah… barely felt the other vehicle in crash. Mass wins!

Glad all are OK, and I wish you the best on your repair journey!

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