Repaint and repair on the rear quarter ranges between 2500-3500 at one of two quality shops here in sacramento... they offered me $1050, I dont even think some janky place like Macco would touch it for that, cost of police report, sore neck, loss work! I want things exactly the way they were, and if it does go into a shop how about a rental? Damn cheap skates...... not to offend macco users... im just saying... eh. Im upset, I told them no and sent the check back. Now im not sure how to go about it.

For those who dont know, someone hit me, it was his fault, he was a dick about it. Its been over 2 months now. I didnt think id get low-balled this much.

Phil, you DO still have the police report, right? Might be time to go to the bookstore, grab a subscription card out of 20-30 magazines, oddball stuff, and subscribe the guy up to them. Just check the "bill me" box. ;) :D That's how you can start to deal with pr*cks. In the future, if you've got a car to junk, why not transfer title to his name, then abandon it a couple weeks later in a highly visible spot, where it'll get impounded, and billed to him. Just a couple suggestions. All's fair when dealing with people who won't live up to their mistakes, and penalize you for it.

As far as the insurance co., have you gotten written estimates from these shops? If they admitted it's his fault, they'll have to pay it up.

Stick to your guns. The insurance companies will always try to low ball you. Tell them that it is a collector car and you WILL NOT meet them half way. Take it to three guys who specialize in restoring cars, get estimates and turn those into the insurance company. If they don't like that, go to the doctor for the sore neck. Tell them you have to take time off work and you will not settle on the medical insurance.

have the shop you choose talk with them...sometimes that helps.

Definately have a police report. All his fault :) He tried saying I was driving on the left side of the road but FULL OF CRAP. he had laundry hanging in all his windows and wasnt looking. Whatever, it was his bad. I'll get another estimate and send them another letter, and leave the insurance guy im working with a message tonight. I'll try to be nice =) I dont have medical insurance anymore either so i dont have $170 to pay a visit to Kaiser. Sucks balls...

Last resort, and it works. Take the Dude to small claims court for the amount it takes to repair your car. The guy will have to pay up, so he'll have to use his insurance Co. for the claim. This was told to me by a friend who is an insurance adjuster. He says "it Works"


And Darren, you sneaky Dude, I like that one on the Magazine subscriptions, I'll remember that one....:thumbsup:

They always try to lowball you. Stick to your guns! Hint: insurance companies will almost always settle for $15,000 because it's cheaper than a lawsuit. So if you care to get a lawyer involved.....

Hi Phil,

Once someone is injured they will try to drag it out, sometimes up to a year. I had to call them once a week and keep after them to pay me. Plus, you need to make sure (without question), that the fault is 100 percent the others guys. They normally want to tape your conversation, so be careful what you say. Make sure you put the blame on him 100% and take 0 % for yourself. I agree with the other advice posted, stand your ground and tell them it's going to small claims court.

Fred.

First of all, get your own agent involved, that is part of what you pay insurnace for, Second of all, there is no law or requirement for any more that 1 estimate and get that at the body shop of YOUR choice.

Get an attorney and take this guy's insurance to the cleaners.
If there's one thing I cannot stand it's somebody who is in the wrong and is not even the slightest bit apologetic about it. Having a bad attitude and lying about the circumstances just fuels my fire !

I say take your gloves off and GO FOR THE JUGULAR ! NO MERCY.

Nate

NO MERCY is right, kick them were it hurts, and kick them again and again. Make them wish they never gave you any *****.

Whew... Attorney fees though? Im not sure who id contact... my pop might know a guy or something. I have to listen to the BS message the insurance guy left me again trying to tell me. But small claims isnt a bad idea either, small claims... atleast in California pays up to $5k. Which would cover all my damage and patients... etc!

Whew... Attorney fees though? Im not sure who id contact... my pop might know a guy or something. I have to listen to the BS message the insurance guy left me again trying to tell me. But small claims isnt a bad idea either, small claims... atleast in California pays up to $5k. Which would cover all my damage and patients... etc!


no no no no

Get an accident attorney.
The first visit (consultation) should be free.
Visit 3 or 4 if you have the time.
Just start looking in the yellow pages.

They will take your case and run with it !
No cost to you up front.
Maybe all it will take is a nice little letter from one of them to their(the guy who hit you) insurance company and they'll be happy to cut you a big fat check !

Nate

Some Lawyers working similar "areas of expertise" will charge percentages ... maybe, say 25% of the first $4K, and 20% of everything after that.

Phil - why isn't YOUR agent dealing with this? You pay insurance fees so that they can deal with the hassles of this stuff

Call your agent and tell him to get on the ball here and get you your claims

I dont have medical insurance anymore either so i dont have $170 to pay a visit to Kaiser. Sucks balls...

That doesn't make any difference. This guy is 100% at fault so either he has to pay your medical or HIS insurance company does. So if there is a need don't put it off because you will pay in more ways then one down the road. If you have/had medical on your auto policy then your's will pay and subrogate against his to recover their expenses.

If worst comes to worst have your insurance pay for the repairs and they'll subrogate against his. That's what you pay your premiums for. I know you most likely don't want to go this route but, it may be the quickest way to getting your car repaired.

Good luck and hope you'll be okay. Pete