I was recently in an accident where a vehicle cut me off and I had to
hit the brakes. Being a new car with 4 wheel disc breaks, I slowed
down very quickly. The car behind me did not on the other hand, and
telling from the damage, didn't try to either. The other vehicle
struck my car on the drivers side rear, just left of the truck mainly
into the quarter panel. He was going around 65-75 mph compared to me
going around 25-30 at the time of collision. The rear alloy rim was
struck with enough force to actually rip it in half, one half was lying
on the ground and the other half was still attached to the axle and
wedged into the wheelwell. The driver side door will not close now
being the quarter panel was pushed forward, there is also a crease in
the section right above the door. I wasn't able to get a good view of
the underneth of the car but I was able to see alot of bent metal just
past the floor pan. My insurance adjuster says that there is currently
around 6000 dollars in damages with out him being able to see the
underside of the car. He is currently taking the position of fixing
the car and stated that the crease above the door was just the quarter
panel and could be replaced. I was under the impression that the only
was the quarter panel could move (by the crease in the door and the
door not being able to close) in a unibody chasis, was by the car
twisting and causing structure integerity issues. What options do I
have to make the car totaled due to the structure change and what
advice do you have from me to throw back at my insurance guy. One last
thing...the accident took place in AZ, and I live in OH. I had to fly
home and leave the car there so options are running thin. Any help
would be great. Thanks
hls - 17 Dec 2006 09:56 GMT
>I was recently in an accident where a vehicle cut me off and I had to
> hit the brakes. Being a new car with 4 wheel disc breaks, I slowed
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
> home and leave the car there so options are running thin. Any help
> would be great. Thanks
If you were not at fault (and it would seem from your version of the even
that you were not)
you have the option of suing the individual and his insurance company if you
dont get satisfaction.
Your insurance company is not responsible to pay if the liability of the
at-fault driver is intact.
Insurance companies try to take the cheapest way out usually. They will
argue that the car is
repairable, and it may be. I sense you are afraid they will work their
magic and leave you with
a car that is not fit for use...Perhaps you need to talk to a lawyer.