got totaled

Topic: got totaled (Read 1359 times) previous topic - next topic

got totaled

January 21, 2006, 08:02:36 PM

I was driving to get some lunch today, and on an intersection the traffic got backed up because of the next set of lights. Well, I passed thru the intersection, the lights went red behind me, and next thing I hear is tires screeching, and I get rear-ended by this guy in an Isuzu pickup. The speed limit there is 45, but he must have been doing at least that, since he pushed me and another car about 30 feet.

The damage is as follows : my rear end now looks like a Lincoln Mark, hugging the ground, both rear quarters are crumpled, one in the other one out, passenger side door won't open at all, I kicked the driver's side door open, and the front bumper is done for. I reckon the car is totaled, and hopefully the insurance company will come through with at least $1000. It's a 1985 T-Bird 5.0 Elan, so I don't have high hopes, but I will show them the receipts for all the engine and tranny work and maybe get more.

I really loved that car, and I had hoped to restore everything to its original state, but I guess that dream is over now. Anyway, I am now looking for a "new" car, but can't afford to spend any more time fixing it, so unless a good-running Cat or Bird shows up soon, I will have to get something else. Therefore, if anybody has one for sale, let me know !

I am not familiar with the American insurance process, and I would like to be able to part her out to those who may need the parts, so if you know how it goes, let me know.

got totaled

Reply #1 – January 21, 2006, 08:08:16 PM

THAT IS HORRIBLE! See I dont understand insurance companies. I pay so much and if something ever happens Its a struggle to get anything back. Plus it's not your fault on what happened. Wow I really hope you find another cougar! GL with everything glad ur alright.

got totaled

Reply #2 – January 21, 2006, 08:26:48 PM

Sorry to hear about the car man, people really don't know how to drive these days. At least your alright and you have the receipts to prove all the work done to your car. The other day I saw on cougarnuts that someone is tryin to sell an 84 cougar, might want to check it out. http://www.cougarnuts.com/board/showthread.php?t=17415.

got totaled

Reply #3 – January 21, 2006, 09:32:50 PM

Thanks for the link, I am looking, but like I said, any car that I buy will have to be in good enough shape that I don't have to work on it for at least a few months, I just don't have the time right now.

got totaled

Reply #4 – January 21, 2006, 09:55:06 PM

When my 87 Turbocoupe got totaled by a drunk driver thier insurance company wanted to give me a check and keep my car. I had to demand that I wanted the check and that my car wasn't for sale and that I would be keeping that also. They didn't like that and I had to go back and forth with them on the phone for around 2 weeks but they finally settled and I kept my car and they cut me a check.

If they insist on taking your car at least strip all the usable parts from it before it is picked up... I hate insurance companies!

got totaled

Reply #5 – January 21, 2006, 10:30:50 PM

usually all you have too do is tell them that you want too keep the car and they will cut you a check minus what they want you too pay for it. shouldnt be a big deal as its paid off.....

edit: oh yeah...that realy sucks balls and glad your alright....

got totaled

Reply #6 – January 21, 2006, 11:03:35 PM

That sucks - glad you're OK tho

got totaled

Reply #7 – January 22, 2006, 12:36:55 PM

, glad your alright.

got totaled

Reply #8 – January 22, 2006, 02:49:13 PM

"usually all you have too do is tell them that you want too keep the car and they will cut you a check minus what they want you too pay for it. shouldnt be a big deal as its paid off....."

It was the "minus" part that I had a problem with. It wasn't easy but I got my way

got totaled

Reply #9 – January 23, 2006, 04:14:22 PM

Sorry to hear about it. My dad was in an incident in Dec. where his '01 Ram was totaled by a moron who ran a stop sign on a 50mph road. I can tell you this from his experience.

1- show the insurance company your receipts. You should be able to get something back from them in addition to what they would give you for the car in it's before accident condition. If the parts are considered "normal maintenence" they will say they won't give you anything for them but fight about it and you may get a little more. This worked for my dad as we had just put a brand new engine and transmission in his truck which they only gave him a couple thousand extra for but was better than nothing. We also did new tires which they considered "normal maintenence" but he faught about it and got an additional $200 for them.

2- if you buy the car back, the way the insurance will probably do it is talk to their own personal salvage company. They will find out what the vehicle is worth salvage. You get the car back with their payment minus the salvage price. For example if they give you $1000 for the car and the salvager would sell it for $250, then you get the car and a check for $750.

Hope everything works out for you.

got totaled

Reply #10 – January 23, 2006, 04:24:38 PM

some states have laws that total cars must be crushed, otherwise shady car dealers weld two "totaled" cars together, but some times if it is obvious that you are not going to repair the car they will allow you the salvage of it, like said above, taking that from the "totaled" payment to you. also, see if you can not pay your deductable as the guy behind you ran a red.

got totaled

Reply #11 – January 23, 2006, 04:42:32 PM

i have a friend that totaled his moms car and bought it from the insurance and put it back together. the only thing with that here is you have to have a salvage title and it makes them worthless.

got totaled

Reply #12 – January 23, 2006, 10:28:11 PM

insurance came through today, $1250 for the car, waiting on the medical. I'll keep you posted.