Need some advice:
I was on my way home when I stopped at a stop sign and got rear-ended. It wasn’t a major accident, but my truck sustained some damage and the bumper is gone. I was in shock at the time and didn’t think to call the police, as the other driver gave me their insurance policy information. My car is a 2008 Chevy Impala.
The next day, I took my car to a mechanic and reported the accident to the insurance company. It’s been a month now, and I’ve been in touch with them multiple times. They keep telling me they need a statement from the driver who hit me, but he hasn’t contacted them despite their attempts to reach him. When I call him, he claims he’s been talking to the insurance company, but it seems he hasn’t actually spoken to them.
An insurance adjuster came to assess the damage and mentioned that the car may be a total loss.
What should I do? Is it too late to report this incident to the police since a month has passed? If everything goes well and the other driver admits fault, how much compensation might I expect from the insurance company for my car?
Also, I apologize for any mistakes in my English as it’s not my first language. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds really frustrating, but there are steps you can take to get things moving forward. Here’s some advice:
Contact Your Insurance Company: Inform your own insurance company about the situation, especially since the other driver’s insurance is being unresponsive. They may be able to provide guidance or assistance in dealing with their insurance.
Follow Up with the Other Driver: Keep trying to reach the driver who hit you. Sometimes people don’t realize the importance of their role in the insurance process. You might want to explain to him that the insurance company needs a statement to proceed with the claim.
File a Police Report: Even though it has been a month, you can still file a police report about the incident. Provide all the details you have, including the other driver’s information and what happened. This could help clarify things for the insurance companies.
Document Everything: Keep a record of all your conversations with the insurance companies, the other driver, and your mechanic. Take pictures of the damage if you haven’t already, and any related expenses (like rental vehicles or repairs).
Understand Total Loss Payments: If the insurance company has declared your car a total loss, they will typically pay you the actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle before the accident, minus any deductible. You can research what similar models are selling for in your area to get an idea of what you might expect.
Consult an Attorney: If you continue to face issues with the insurance claim or if the other driver is not cooperating, you might want to consult with a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents and insurance claims. They can provide you with specific advice based on your situation.
Be Patient but Persistent: Insurance claims can sometimes take time, but staying on top of your situation with regular follow-ups can help.
I hope this helps, and I wish you the best in resolving the issue quickly!