Just been in an car wreck...any advice?
Aug 18th 2010, 3:40 pm
#31
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 974
Re: Just been in an car wreck...any advice?
No, still true unless the police filed a report with DPS. And in general, they don't. You need a "brown form."
I feel for you Lisa - I've been through this with both uninsured and insured drivers.
rule 1: do not settle any time soon. do not waive your rights to anything.
rule 2: if the other party is uninsured, you need to check your own uninsured motorist coverage and its deductible. your company will be more interested in subrogation (trying to go after the responsible party and any possible insurance) than in helping you, so you will have to be very proactive and firm when dealing with them.
rule 3: never say that you or any occupants are physically "fine" - the after-effects can show up later, and refusing to make this statement will keep the insurance company sweating.
rule 4: double-check all work done on your vehicle - insure that they use genuine parts, do not cut corners, do not repair when you think something needs replacing.
Insist on a run-down of what has been inspected and found okay, what has been repaired, and what has been replaced - and what replacement parts were used.
I feel for you - I am STILL cleaning up the bills and hassle after my own wreck in mid-March. The front bumper just spontaneously popped away from the frame
meaning I have to go revisit the body shop.
I feel for you Lisa - I've been through this with both uninsured and insured drivers.
rule 1: do not settle any time soon. do not waive your rights to anything.
rule 2: if the other party is uninsured, you need to check your own uninsured motorist coverage and its deductible. your company will be more interested in subrogation (trying to go after the responsible party and any possible insurance) than in helping you, so you will have to be very proactive and firm when dealing with them.
rule 3: never say that you or any occupants are physically "fine" - the after-effects can show up later, and refusing to make this statement will keep the insurance company sweating.
rule 4: double-check all work done on your vehicle - insure that they use genuine parts, do not cut corners, do not repair when you think something needs replacing.
Insist on a run-down of what has been inspected and found okay, what has been repaired, and what has been replaced - and what replacement parts were used.
I feel for you - I am STILL cleaning up the bills and hassle after my own wreck in mid-March. The front bumper just spontaneously popped away from the frame
meaning I have to go revisit the body shop.- Tim
Aug 18th 2010, 3:52 pm
#32
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 35,082
Re: Just been in an car wreck...any advice?
as well. Lisa, the other representative in my case tried to get me to meet in person anywhere and everywhere. Proceed with caution.
I have a long time personal relationship with my agent; he was helpful in getting my head straight in order to communicate with the at fault insurance co.
Aug 18th 2010, 4:00 pm
#33
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Toasty in Texas
Posts: 4,240
Re: Just been in an car wreck...any advice?
Thanks again for all the advice.
If the car can be repaired then the repairs will be gauranteed for as long as I own the car.
I also have coverage incase he is uninsured...which is a relief.
Will let you know how things progress incase it can help others.
Thanks again
If the car can be repaired then the repairs will be gauranteed for as long as I own the car.
I also have coverage incase he is uninsured...which is a relief.
Will let you know how things progress incase it can help others.
Thanks again
Aug 18th 2010, 4:11 pm
#34
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 41,518
Re: Just been in an car wreck...any advice?
Aug 18th 2010, 4:17 pm
#35
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Eugene, OR
Posts: 1,352
Re: Just been in an car wreck...any advice?
Glad to hear that, Lisa. Out of curiosity, who is your insurer? Sounds like a good one.
Aug 18th 2010, 4:39 pm
#36
BE Forum Addict
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Toasty in Texas
Posts: 4,240
