[66 snake]

Tony,
I'm glad to hear your wife is doing OK. And I understand your wanting to make sure this goes in your favor. The third time in a year that I was rear-ended and the guy's insurance told me that the cure for whiplash was aspirin, I got on the phone to an atty. Like's been said before don't sign anything until the doctors are sure (and she's sure) that she is up to par. And if she doesn't agree with them, get a second opinion.

As far as a vehicle goes, I was in a F-150 each time (poor tailgate had a hell of a year). That was the truck we gave to our teenage daughter to drive as we felt it was the safest thing for her to drive. I drive a Dodge Durango (one of those gas guzzling SUV's) and am thrilled with it. It doesn't sit quite as high as the Explorer, etc but higher than most cars. The aforementioned teenager did drive it into another car and came out of the accident without a scratch (and with a fear of left turns). It does have a comfy passenger area (seats 7/8) and has 88 cu feet of storage - which is what I was looking for since the truck bed had the room but not the cover. And I'm pretty sure it's in your price range.

Good luck. I hope it goes smoothly and that she has no long lasting effects.

Mrs. 66 Snake (Colleen)