Question

Car Accident" Need Advise

Asked 14 May 2013 · 8 answers

The question

We were in a car accident in February this year and that was not my fault. We filed the accident claim under our insurance company. With regard to the damage cost to our vehicle according to our insurance company the estimate for the repair is around $9000. The cost of damaged vehicle is around $15,000. Thus they have declared it to be “total loss”. We want to keep the car and want to prevent it from being salvaged. The insurance company estimated the salvage quote of $8,317.00. This looks quite high. It seems that buying back your own car is high. We just came to know that the driver at fault does not have his insurance. However, our insurance company does not know this yet as they are still investigating. Thus they are asking us to pay $1000 deductible. we are asking for repair cost but they are not agreeing. they are saying it is non-negotiable.

Please advise what we should do. do we have no choice with salvage title. Should we go to small claim court to ask them to pay for all the repair costs as they have estimated but they do not want to pay? Should we go to court system by hiring a lawyer?

From the LawyerCentral forum archive. Originally posted 14 May 2013 on a legal forum that has closed. Names and contact details were removed. See the original (Internet Archive).

8 answers

Visitor answer 19 June 2013

It may be in your best interest to contact a lawyer near you at this juncture. In many cases, car accident victims can get duped by their insurance company. My question to you is what kind of damage did the car sustain in the accident? Keep in mind that the cost of the vehicle and that the vehicle is currently worth are two different things. It's really depends on what kind of vehicle: year, make, model, mileage, prior accidents, and the like.

I'm not a lawyer, but here's another piece of advice: Instead of dealing solely with your insurance provider, maybe get a few private estimates from an auto body shops or mechanics near you. it would be smart to get these estimates in writing and present them to your insurance company if they continue to ask you for money.

You can look up what your car may currently be worth, as well as other resources when it comes to salvaging a vehicle after an accident, here: (removed)

Visitor answer 24 June 2013

I was recently in an accident and Hershewe Law Firm helped me tremendously! (removed)

Visitor answer 26 June 2013

you go to the best lawyer and tell him your issue because that is legal problem.

(removed)

Visitor answer 3 July 2013

This is an issue that you should talk to you car accident lawyer.. Don't do it alone. Seek legal assistance from car accident lawyer.

Cheers!

David Glenn

(removed)

Visitor answer 3 July 2013

I hear your pain I found some good information on knowyourlegalrights.com that helped me out through a time like this.

Visitor answer 22 August 2013

So, I'd love to hear how this turned out. I'm guessing the insurance company still tried to weasel out of it, but I bet with some pressure most would give in.

To be honest, this is what Comp/Coll coverage is for. It's too bad that most people's insurance agents don't bother to explain things like depreciated value, replacement cost, etc, so the first time most people learn about these concepts is after an accident.

Not a lawyer, but knows of lawyers. (removed)

Visitor answer 23 September 2013

This must be a bad news for you. I agree to the comments above. You should seek the legal advice of a lawyer. You must tell him what really happened. I am sure that they can help to give you the right compensation.

Visitor answer 16 March 2015

I think it's best to get an auto accident attorney. If the other individual does not have insurance you should still be covered because you have insurance. I'm sure you can work something out so you can keep your car, or if not the insurance company should help you get a new car depending on what type of insurance you have. (removed)

Add your answer

Answers are reviewed before they appear. They are general information from visitors, not legal advice, and do not create a lawyer-client relationship. Do not include private details.

Need a lawyer for this?

See attorneys near you who handle questions like this one.

Ask a lawyer

← All questions