Expert: Charlie Barone - 4/20/2009

Question
Hello Charlie,

Heres my story and a couple of questions i have.

i was driving on the freeway...everyones break likes are comming to a stop as well as my own...i come to a complete STOP and then i get struck from behind by another vehicle and caused me to hit another vehicle. I got the police report and filled my claim and got an attorney i am currently going to therapy for my injuries. well 3 of us are going to therapy and the other 2 did not. my car got totalled.

now for my questions.

How long will it take for me to get my money for my car? (estimate if possible the accident happend march 14th)

Shouldnt i get money from the other guys insurance for a rental car?

can i be reimbursed for all the taxies i have been taking to work. and paying family members for rides to work?

how much am i looking on getting back?

heres a little info on my car.

1997 acura integra LS Salvaged title.
130,XXX
Audio System
Alloy Rims
Type r Spoiler

PLEASE feel free to let me know if you need any other information. or if im asking the wrong person.

thanks,
Richard.

Answer
Richard,

Yes, you are entitled to a rental car until such time as the liability carrier of the car that hit yours makes a settlement for your property loss. As for the taxi fare you have paid out of pocket, be sure to document all your expenses and submit them in writing to the liability carrier of the car that hit yours.

As for the amount you can expect to recover for your Acura, the salvage title will cause the settlement to be substantially lower than the book value of a similar car. In fact, the book value has little relevance in your claim and you should begin to do research online for cars of like kind and quality. That is the term (LKQ) for what you are owed.

Regarding the time it takes to make a settlement, you need to begin a letter writing process, sent by certified mail to the liability carrier or the person who hit you, with a carbon copy to the that person. The liability carrier has no legal duty to you, but their policyholder does, provided the police and witness reports support your version of the events. There are various state laws with respect to the time allowable for an insurance company to respond to your claim, but 10 days is usually the amount of time allowed for them to get out to insepct your car.

Charlie