Accident / x5 (Pics)

[bd3500]

Hello,

I was on my way home from work today and my X5 took a beating from someone who pulled in front of me which I T-boned. The person I hit was fine and no one was hurt which is the most important thing. Was really worried since my X totaled her car and both her air-bags deployed. It's amazing how well the X held up and I didn't even really feel anything besides like bumping into someone. My airbags did not deploy. I was travelling about 30 - 35 mph. The steering wheel is completely upside down right now when driving, so going to have to get it towed to dealer.

She was cited at fault and I just called my insurance company. My X5 is a 3.0 2002 with 121,000 miles which I have pampered and taken really good care of.

Damage doesn't look that bad, but it drives horrible and will be towed to repair shop. The steering wheel is completely upside down and although it doesn't look bad on mine, I am sure will be really $$$.

A couple of questions, since this is my first (hopefully last) accident:

1.) She was at-fault which Police documented. Should I file with her insurance (State Farm) or mine (Geico) and work to get reimbursed?

2.) In terms of body work, would you reccommend that I take to a dealer or a body shop? I think BMW of Fairfax has a collision center.

3.) Anything else I should know? I've babied this car and hope that the repairs will restore her to back to where she was

Thanks!

- Brent