Insurance Nightmare After Being T-Boned – Seeking Urgent Advice
I really need some guidance because I feel utterly overwhelmed by my situation. Back in October, I was involved in a T-bone collision caused by a driver who wasn’t paying attention. It took the insurance company two long months to accept liability, even though the police report clearly indicated the other driver was at fault.
By the time they finally took responsibility, my truck had developed several mechanical issues during the waiting period, including:
– The A/C stopped functioning.
– The fuel gauge became inaccurate, always reading empty even with a full tank.
– The car stalled multiple times, accompanied by a flashing check engine light and red lightning bolt.
– I experienced erratic acceleration.
Collision Center & Insurance Struggles
In December, the insurance sent an estimator who only assessed the visible damage and quoted the repair cost at $5,000. I explained the mechanical issues to him, but he seemed dismissive. The collision center quickly informed me that this estimate was far too low; the final repair cost was around $15,000.
My truck was in the shop for a month and a half. Three separate times, they called me to pick it up, but lingering issues meant they had to keep it longer. They also refused to repair my A/C, claiming that the insurance didn’t believe the accident caused the issue, despite my evidence showing it was functioning fine beforehand.
The representative from the collision center misled me about checking my A/C. Initially, he told me they had fixed it but later retracted that statement, claiming he didn’t remember me mentioning it at all. Then he said they had only checked the A/C sensor, whatever that is. I also discovered he had lied about running a diagnostic scan—his accounts to both me and the insurance company were inconsistent.
When I contacted the regional manager, he informed me that verbal communication holds no weight unless it’s in writing, leaving me feeling powerless in this situation.
Major Safety Concerns & Ongoing Delays
Feeling frustrated, I took my truck back, still without a working A/C. At the time, I was pregnant, sick with the flu, and utterly exhausted from battling this issue.
Then, while driving to an OB appointment, my car stalled on a mountain road.
– I was stranded for three hours at 10:00 PM because AAA struggled to locate me, even with my GPS coordinates.
– I’m pregnant and have to travel for work, so my OB is three hours away.
The next morning, I contacted the insurance adjuster, and they informed me that I need another diagnostic from a dealership to prove that the stalling issue is related to the accident before they will authorize repairs. The catch?
– The dealership can’t even take a look at my truck until next week.
– Insurance won’t approve a rental car until they receive that diagnostic report.
– I’ve already incurred out-of-pocket expenses for a rental just to reach my OB appointments and work—I simply can’t afford to wait another week.
I Feel Helpless – Any Suggestions?
I’m feeling completely stuck and overwhelmed. It seems like I’m being punished for being the victim in this accident, and all I want is for my truck to be repaired properly.
If anyone has advice on how to navigate this process, escalate it, or hold the insurance accountable, please reach out. I’m at my wits’ end.
I’m really sorry to hear about everything you’re going through—it sounds incredibly frustrating and overwhelming. Here are some steps you might consider taking to help resolve this situation:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all communications with the insurance company, the collision center, and any other relevant parties. Note dates, times, and names of people you spoke with, along with summaries of your conversations. This documentation can be invaluable if you need to escalate your case.
Get a Second Opinion: If possible, take your truck to another reputable collision center or dealership for a thorough inspection. They can provide a detailed report of the mechanical issues and whether they are related to the accident. This report can help strengthen your case with the insurance company.
Reach Out to a Supervisor: If you’re not getting anywhere with the adjuster, ask to speak with their supervisor or a higher-level manager. They might be able to help expedite the process or provide additional resources.
Consider Legal Advice: If you feel the insurance company is not honoring your claim or you’re getting nowhere, consulting with an attorney who specializes in auto accidents and insurance claims could be beneficial. They can help you understand your rights and guide you through the next steps.
File a Complaint: If you believe the insurance company is being uncooperative, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner or relevant regulatory body. This might prompt them to take your case more seriously.
Explore Other Coverage Options: Check if your own insurance policy includes coverage for rental cars during repairs or if you have any additional plans that might cover it. Sometimes, these options might provide immediate relief while you sort things out.
Social Media & Public Pressure: Sometimes, posting your experience on social media or relevant consumer advocacy sites can prompt companies to respond more quickly. Companies often want to maintain their public image and may be more willing to help when issues are brought to light publicly.
Stay Persistent and Patient: It’s clear you’re already feeling overwhelmed, but staying persistent during this process can be key. Continue to follow up regularly with the insurance company and stay on top of your case.
It’s completely understandable to feel at your breaking point, especially with your current situation. Remember to take care of yourself during this time, and don’t hesitate to lean on friends and family for support. You deserve to have your vehicle repaired and to feel safe while driving. Good luck!