remember, you don't have to except the insurance company's first, second or even third offer, do your home work, look in the local paper or car adds and find one that is comparable, try to get like 5 different ones, take the 3 highest and average out the price and that is what you will get.
Mark

 

I will do that. That is a good idea!

 

My mom was in an accident the same way just recently. I think that people cutting across stopped lanes of traffic is dangerous.

 

looking at the pics she'll probaly write for 6k. but remember cars total for 70% of their value. if it's valued at 8k you should be good. nice to here your family's ok. ...we were rated the country's worst drivers.
get an estmate from a couple of shops,your issurance couple won't write a "couple" of estimates. just one then a suppliment. the body shop will write theirs. compare the 2 and that's your offer. so then you go to another shop and get a different one and so on. but ultimatly they will be comparing theirs to the issurance companies. and I will bet you that the issurance company DOES NOT want to total your ride. your gonna get written for a used door,fender maybe even a nose clip some frames time(?),paint and body work etc. and some used suspension peices. yeah I know it sounds bad but that's what the shops are allowed and told to do for the issurance company. that what separates the good shops from the bad.
it's an easy repair. and that's not in your favor.

sometimes this works:
your gonna have to have it towed somewhere for anyshop to estimate it,issurance company has to pay that and storage,when it is estmated make sure the owner knows you would like it totalled...with this in mind and he knows he can profit(writing the estimate,storage etc) he should meet your needs. DO NOT bring it to a small time shop in your area. the bigger,cleaner and more volume the shop does will dictate if it's worth their time or yours.
here's a few,not in your area but give ,em a call...all top notch and good freinds of mine:
-Advanced Auto Body,Peacedale,(Ronny Pucino)
-Quonset Auto Body,North Kingstown,RI(Gordon)
-Superior Auto Body, Providence,RI(Roger Lagualt)

good luck and again at least the family is safe.
Tim

 

in calif they can not use, used parts. they have to be new

 

The truck is at Action Auto Body. I have been talking with Andy, and he states that there is at least 10k in damage. He said he only uses new parts, but more than likely the truck will be totaled. I can think of at least 7k in parts. I don't think the pictures show the entirety of the damage being on my camera from my phone. If I have to, I will get a lawyer involved. I am actually going to get a consultation on Friday if crap hits the fan.

 

sweet...Action is a good shop. and yes they are allowed to use aftermarket and USED parts on any vehicle up until a certain year. it's one of those things if you don't ask you won't receive. how do you think salvage yards stay in business when all of their inventory is '01 and newer. it's disgusting.

10k in damage?...pics look soft..but when you start gettin in there it starts adding up quick!!! **** did he slam her hard or what?...good for you(?) in a good way that is...

those hits make nice new/used car buys

Tim

 

Sorry to hear about your wreck at least your family wasn't hurt. My wife's car was just totalled it was only worth around 9500 but insurance paid out 12,500. So, maybe you might come out better. Good luck!!

 

glad to see you have you and your families health. In Maryland if just ONE vehicle is not drivable the police have to write citations on site.

 

That is what I am hoping for.