Who covers what in a three-car accident?
I was recently involved in an accident where another driver (Driver A) failed to yield while making a sudden left turn on a solid green light. I tried to avoid the collision but was still struck by Driver A, resulting in damage to the front of my car. Almost immediately afterward, I was rear-ended by the vehicle behind me (Driver B), which caused additional damage to the back of my vehicle.
Driver A’s insurance has confirmed their fault and will cover the damage to the front of my car.
I’m currently waiting for confirmation from the claims department about Driver B’s insurance, which seems likely to take responsibility for the rear-end damage.
Now, I’m trying to understand how the payment process works since each insurance company is handling their respective damages. My own insurance company mentioned that my car might be considered a total loss. If that’s the case, how will the insurance companies determine the compensation amounts? I’m feeling quite overwhelmed by the fact that they seem to be treating this one accident as two separate events. I really appreciate any guidance—this is my first accident, so it’s all very new to me.
Edit: I’m located in Massachusetts.
In Massachusetts, the process of handling insurance claims for a multi-vehicle accident can indeed feel confusing, but I can help clarify how it typically works.
Liability Determination: Since you’ve indicated that Driver A’s insurance has accepted liability for the damage to the front of your vehicle, they will cover the costs associated with that portion of the damage. Driver B’s insurance is also handling the rear-end collision since they are responsible for that damage.
Claim Payments: Each insurance company will handle its own portion of the claim independently:
Driver B’s Insurance: Similarly, they will evaluate the damage done to the back of your car and issue payment for that portion separately.
Total Loss Assessment: If your insurance company is indicating that your vehicle may be a probable total loss, they will consider factors such as the cost of repairs versus the vehicle’s actual cash value. If the cost to repair your vehicle approaches or exceeds its market value, they may classify it as a total loss.
If that happens, your insurance company will provide a settlement based on the vehicle’s value, and you can use that money to purchase a new vehicle or make decisions regarding the totaled car.
Coordinating Payments: Since one accident is treated as two separate incidents for insurance purposes, you will work with both Driver A’s and Driver B’s insurers for the respective damages. It’s a good idea to keep documentation of your communications and claims with both parties to ensure you receive the appropriate payments.
Consult with Your Insurer: If you have any additional questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your own insurance company. They can help guide you through the process and ensure that you’re not left with any financial responsibility for damages that were caused by the other drivers.
Remember, it’s important to keep detailed records of all interactions, estimates, and correspondence, as this can be helpful in resolving your claims smoothly. Good luck, and I hope your vehicle situation is resolved quickly!