Well, I've been a member here for quite a while. I've read a bunch of stories about people wrecking their rides, and the day has come for me to share my story, and get some feedback/info from all of you...
So 2 days ago I was on my way to the store to ship out some boxes of stuff I sold on ebay. It was raining out, but visibility was fine. I was driving straight on this long street when a guy pulling out from the right of me decides to go ahead and turn into my lane when I'm about 15 feet away from him. I hit the brakes, but was unable to get away, and drilled him. Somehow he ended up hitting a car in oncoming traffic, but everyone was ok (thank god!). He was cited by the police, nobody else was.
I was told that his insurance company (safe auto) doesn't have you send your car to a shop for repairs and pay them (the shop). Instead they come to you, inspect the car for damages, and cut you a check. If you use it to fix your car, fine... if not... fine. Does anyone know if this is true? I'm still waiting to hear from their adjuster to schedule a meeting time. I told them when I called that they need to pay for a rental, but the lady on the phone said that I had to wait until I hear from the adjuster, then they would do a manual bill.... whatever that means... but in the meantime I can't go anywhere, or do anything. (I'm laid out in pain anyway, but I'm missing work, and cannot go anywhere even if I wanted to)
I ended up going to the emergency room later that night due to severe back pain. They said nothing is broken, but I have some deep muscle bruises. They gave me Percocet, Motrin, and a note saying to take off work until I feel better. The pain isn't unbearable, but it really hurts.
I drove the car home, but it was pulling really hard to the right, and the engine seemed like it wasn't firing right. It was rubbing really hard when I turned the wheel, but I assumed that was from the fender and bumper being in the wheel well. I'm not mechanically inclined, so I'm not sure what the full extent of damages are.
I started thinking about the damages vs. what it would cost to have a good shop fix them. I have a buddy at carstar that does great work. A few of my family members have had their cars fixed there and they looked amazing. My biggest concerns are these...
#1) what if the check isn't enough to cover the cost of repairs? I don't feel like I should have to come out of pocket to get my car back to what it was before the wreck...
#2) what if they decided to total my car? I know the hood, fender, bumper, headlight, and turnlight need to be replaced and painted... along with whatever happened under the hood (the metal all these pieces connect to) With the car being valued at anywhere between $3,000 to $4,000 give or take.... parts and labor are going to be close. What happens when they total your car? Do you get to keep it? Do they take it? I'd part it out if so, but if not I have a ton of aftermarket stuff to get out.... stereo, speakers, amps, alarm, ect...
#3) what if there's problems with the engine due to the wreck such as a motor mount snapping or something? This is something that neither the adjuster nor I would know, but a mechanic would....
#4) how does pain and suffering work? I'm missing work, can't commute anywhere, had to go to the ER, and I hurt. how do I go about being compensated for this?
I've never been in an auto accident before so I don't know anything about any of this. I live in the state of Ohio if that matters, and my insurance agent advised me to not claim/discuss or anything about the wreck with him as it wasn't my fault, and using my insurance will only raise my premium. He told me that it was their fault, they were cited, their insurance should take care of the whole thing.
I've posted some pics of my baby....they were taken on my blackberry so please forgive the quality (no I wasn't on the phone or texting when I wrecked, I never use the phone while driving!). Please give me some insight as to what you think I should do, and if you think she might be totaled. Thanks in advance guys (and gals?)
So 2 days ago I was on my way to the store to ship out some boxes of stuff I sold on ebay. It was raining out, but visibility was fine. I was driving straight on this long street when a guy pulling out from the right of me decides to go ahead and turn into my lane when I'm about 15 feet away from him. I hit the brakes, but was unable to get away, and drilled him. Somehow he ended up hitting a car in oncoming traffic, but everyone was ok (thank god!). He was cited by the police, nobody else was.
I was told that his insurance company (safe auto) doesn't have you send your car to a shop for repairs and pay them (the shop). Instead they come to you, inspect the car for damages, and cut you a check. If you use it to fix your car, fine... if not... fine. Does anyone know if this is true? I'm still waiting to hear from their adjuster to schedule a meeting time. I told them when I called that they need to pay for a rental, but the lady on the phone said that I had to wait until I hear from the adjuster, then they would do a manual bill.... whatever that means... but in the meantime I can't go anywhere, or do anything. (I'm laid out in pain anyway, but I'm missing work, and cannot go anywhere even if I wanted to)
I ended up going to the emergency room later that night due to severe back pain. They said nothing is broken, but I have some deep muscle bruises. They gave me Percocet, Motrin, and a note saying to take off work until I feel better. The pain isn't unbearable, but it really hurts.
I drove the car home, but it was pulling really hard to the right, and the engine seemed like it wasn't firing right. It was rubbing really hard when I turned the wheel, but I assumed that was from the fender and bumper being in the wheel well. I'm not mechanically inclined, so I'm not sure what the full extent of damages are.
I started thinking about the damages vs. what it would cost to have a good shop fix them. I have a buddy at carstar that does great work. A few of my family members have had their cars fixed there and they looked amazing. My biggest concerns are these...
#1) what if the check isn't enough to cover the cost of repairs? I don't feel like I should have to come out of pocket to get my car back to what it was before the wreck...
#2) what if they decided to total my car? I know the hood, fender, bumper, headlight, and turnlight need to be replaced and painted... along with whatever happened under the hood (the metal all these pieces connect to) With the car being valued at anywhere between $3,000 to $4,000 give or take.... parts and labor are going to be close. What happens when they total your car? Do you get to keep it? Do they take it? I'd part it out if so, but if not I have a ton of aftermarket stuff to get out.... stereo, speakers, amps, alarm, ect...
#3) what if there's problems with the engine due to the wreck such as a motor mount snapping or something? This is something that neither the adjuster nor I would know, but a mechanic would....
#4) how does pain and suffering work? I'm missing work, can't commute anywhere, had to go to the ER, and I hurt. how do I go about being compensated for this?
I've never been in an auto accident before so I don't know anything about any of this. I live in the state of Ohio if that matters, and my insurance agent advised me to not claim/discuss or anything about the wreck with him as it wasn't my fault, and using my insurance will only raise my premium. He told me that it was their fault, they were cited, their insurance should take care of the whole thing.
I've posted some pics of my baby....they were taken on my blackberry so please forgive the quality (no I wasn't on the phone or texting when I wrecked, I never use the phone while driving!). Please give me some insight as to what you think I should do, and if you think she might be totaled. Thanks in advance guys (and gals?)