Mamu Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 Thanks for the responses folks. I havent been able to respond individually since been a bit shaken today and feeling nervous (and busy with insurance and stuff). Good thing is no one hurt - and so far so good in that respect. Roads were slippery, and there was a 3rd vehicle that made a sudden movement, so the vehicle just in front hit the breaks suddenly, I didn't have much time to react and mine rear-ended the one in front of me. Technically at-fault - yes. Since it was a rear-ending. I should have given more distance between the vehicle in front and mine. However, this was a regular road and I gave "normal" distance between the vehicles. But should have given a bit more given that roads were a bit slippery - Lesson learnt! (hopefully) Called the cops, and an officer came and wrote down an incident-report. Nice officer, he was friendly and helpful. Had to call the Towing company since the car cannot be driven. Heavy damage in the front part of the car. See the thing is these days cars are built to collapse and absorb the impact. As a result, the car gets damaged more, but it saves the people from impact. So, in that sense the damage to the car was as-per-design (Toyota) - and the officer and the repair shop guy also said as much. Air bags did not deploy - so it was not big enough for that to happen. That's good I suppose. Speed of impact was probably 35 mph. Actually break was applied suddenly, so impact speed may have been slightly less since the traveling speed was around 35. Country: USA Miles on the car: about 60,000 miles 6-7 year old Corolla, so relatively not too many miles if you take into account the number of years. I just got around to checking: Kelly Blue Book: Range of value given seems to be from $6,000-$9,000 Thats a WIDE range - so not sure where in the spectrum it falls. The car has been maintained well, and in good condition otherwise. No issues with the car. Repair shop will do estimates in a couple of days - They'll need to "tear-down" the front part of the car to figure out damages and estimates. I know the Radiator is damaged, front panels, front structure, hood (bonnet) all damaged, and the inside parts - they'll need to assess that if there is moderate or severe damage. Once they know the price, then they'll compare it to the value of the car. The question is What is the value of the car? - each company may determine it a bit differently. I am looking around in the web on Kelly Blue Book and NADA to get some idea as well. There is no technicality there -- It is YOUR FAULT -- no 2 ways about it. You rear ended. Mind you, the way insurance companies look at it -- if it nobody's fault -- it is your fault simple as that. Once I skidded off the road and hit the median, had to replace some parts, the insurance bumped up my premium saying it was my fault, when I argued saying there was snow on the road, they said -- if is nobody's fault -- it is your fault. Having said that -- you can extract more money from your insurance by telling them -- you contacted your lawyer who says this is what I should get and all that and also pointing them oout to KBB, but I am afraid the more you extract from them -- the more that will add to your premium
coffee_rules Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 Well, at least this firmly establishes fineleg's gender. Good to know no one got hurt. Insurance companies will pay out the higher end of the KBB value, in case a car is totaled. :hysterical: I have had 2 vehicles totalled (both by the better half) :cantstop: Both the times, I opted for the money as they were older used vehicles. It depends on the condition of the vehicle before the crash. You can opt to buy back the vehicle, but then to get back the insu after the repair, it will have to evaluated again. It's best to take the money and buy a certified used one for the same money...who know how the repairs are done..don't trust the mechanics.
Sachin=GOD Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 One thing is for sure - men drive far better than women :winky:
Zelig Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 Well' date= at least this firmly establishes fineleg's gender. Good to know no one got hurt. Insurance companies will pay out the higher end of the KBB value, in case a car is totaled. Aaku, did you lie to me yet again? :secruity:
Sir_Afridi Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 I had a similar accident in my 2005 honda civic like the OP but somebody rear ended me and I was not at fault. His insurance company offered me $9600. I negotiated and bought the totalled honda for $1000 and got a check of $8600 and the damaged car. I repaired the car from my mechanic for about $4000 and the car is still with me running fine. The only draw back is that the title is salvaged cannot sell it but I dont have to since it doing fine. I advise you to get the car back from the insrance company and get it repair yourself and find parts on internet or wholesale places. 60000 miles on corolla is nothing and it will run for long.
fineleg Posted January 19, 2011 Author Posted January 19, 2011 It's best to take the money and buy a certified used one for the same money...who know how the repairs are done..don't trust the mechanics. 60000 miles on corolla is nothing and it will run for long. yep, 60k is nothing, but I also I feel like what coffee_rules is saying has merit. Let me wait to hear from the repair shop - should be in a day or two. Maybe they think its not too bad, dont know what they are going to say. Thats when I can start evaluating the options. Just doing the background work now, so I can be prepared. And, yes thanks to everyone who has posted here and expressed support :icflove:
Late Cut Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 The insurance company will probably give you the full value of the car, especially if it's a Corolla and call it totalled. The catch is the salvage value of the car. They'll probably resell iit for $$$ and make money on the resell. Make sure to take the car off your name/surrender the plates etc. if this does happen, otherwise "your car" might be on the road, unbeknownst to you.
Zelig Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 Finey, nikky bava on CC asked me to pass on this msg to you - "Stay safe, sunshine :embarassed:"
Ram Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 Accidents, even minor ones, are never pleasant. Good to know no one was injured. Personally, I'd use this as a great excuse to get a new car.
Texy Posted January 19, 2011 Posted January 19, 2011 before I opened this thread....looking at the title, I thought finey was describing the love life
Recommended Posts