what do you think

Have you spoke to your employer about this? After all it is THEIR insurance information that you willingly handed out.

 

This isn't even a question, think about what you asked. YOU wrecked HIS door, because YOU were not paying attention.

You mentioned that he should have lights for entering the wash bay. If I owned a truck wash, I would think to myself "I don't need lights, surely these guys that drive these big trucks are used to being aware of obstacles all around and above them, they are professional drivers, why do they need to rely on a light if they can handle a 80,000 pound machine? If your at an intersection with traffic lights that are out of service, if you see a car coming from either side, do you need a light to tell you to stop? No, common sense should prevail and tell you "I better wait until he is out of the way"

When I started driving trucks at the age of 14, the very first thing I was taught, was to lean forward, turn my head, and don't even let the clutch out until the door is completely up, and has stopped moving. If you have a drop visor, look out your drivers door window, it's very easy.

Picture it the other way around, if the owner of the truck wash had somehow wrecked your smoke stacks, you would be pissed right off, and demanding new stacks, wouldn't you? Of course you would, because he damaged something of yours.

Fess up like a man, don't make excuses, pay the bill to have it fixed. Phone around and get a few quotes of your own, that way, when he gives you HIS quote, you will know it's basically what it should be, or if he is just trying to get some brand new stuff out of you.

When it's all said and done, chalk it up as an easy lesson learned. Remember it could always be worse. In this case, only smoke stacks and 1 door panel were damaged, nobody died, the truck isn't totaled off, there isn't a lawsuit against you, it could be much worse.

 

I have never seen a red/green light system at any truck wash. Its a roll up door, use your brain and makes sure its all the way up before moving. Your fault....you pay....stop blaming others because you screwed up....END OF STORY.....CASE CLOSED!!!!!!

 

While you might not like it, that is what it costs. My partner owns a car wash and the last time he had to get a panel replaced because someone drove into the door it was a $1,400 bill.

I expect you'll be more careful next time.

 

I went through a truck wash during training and my trainer was barking at me to get going before the doors were much above eye level. I knew then I'd never be rushing in when I didn't have someone sitting there second guessing every decision I made. Didn't know it would be this pricey though...