07 Civic crash

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

Reply to
Riz
Loading thread data ...

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

Reply to
Riz

check your policy and /or ask your insurance agent about the claim. Explain the situation and get them to tell you your options. Dont assume the agent is working in your best interests though.

If the crash repairer who quotes on the repair finds frame damage on inspection then his quote will reflect the repairs required, and the insurance company will have to reassess the claim.

It sounds like your adjuster is not prepared to total the vehicle based on what he sees now, that may change when the car is up on a rack.

Reply to
marks542004

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.

Reply to
hls

Reply to
Shep

Before you do anything else. Get a copy of the police report, and any other paperwork (witness statements, police notes, insurance info from other drivers) you can get. Then set down and write out EXACTLY what happened. Put all this info in a folder. If at all possible get pictures of your vehicle BEFORE anything else is done on it.

Have them truck it to a shop near you as well. You have a choice as to what shop does the repairs NOT the insurance company. Then have it looked over and see what will be done.

Get yourself a good attorney and have them go after the other persons insurance. If you were not at fault then their insurance should be paying for your vehicle. Be aware that you will likely get sued by the person who hit you. They will state YOU made an unsafe maneuver which caused them to hit you. Sounds stupid but it happens a LOT, and they sometimes win! Get everything lined up now and you can cut that out quick.

Reply to
Steve W.

At least in Texas, the person who hits you from behind bears the burden to prove himself innocent. Yes, there are occasions that the person in front can cause an accident and be responsible, but that is seldom.

But definitely, if you feel you are being shanghaied, get an attorney to look over your case.

Insurance companies dont like to go to court. The lawyers cost more than the settlement in many cases..

Reply to
hls

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.