Insurance Nightmare After Being T-Boned – Seeking Urgent Advice
I’m in desperate need of some guidance because I feel utterly overwhelmed. Back in October, I was involved in a T-bone collision with a driver who clearly wasn’t paying attention. It took two long months for their insurance to acknowledge liability, despite the police report explicitly stating their fault.
During that waiting period, my truck developed multiple mechanical issues, including:
– A/C malfunction
– Fuel gauge failure (always registers empty, even when full)
– Frequent stalling along with a check engine light and flashing red warning
– Unpredictable acceleration problems
Challenges with the Collision Center and Insurance
By December, the insurance finally sent an estimator, but he only assessed the visible damage and estimated repairs at $5,000, ignoring my concerns about the underlying mechanical issues. The collision center quickly informed me that this estimate was far too low, with the actual costs nearing $15,000.
After having my truck for six weeks, the collision center called me to pick it up three separate times, only to delay each time due to ongoing issues. They also denied my request to fix the A/C, claiming the insurance didn’t see the accident as the cause, despite evidence that the A/C was functional prior to the crash.
To make matters worse, a representative from the collision center misled me about the A/C situation. Initially, he said it was repaired, then later claimed he didn’t recall my mentioning it. Ultimately, he only checked the A/C sensor (whatever that entails), and I discovered he lied about running a diagnostic scan.
When I reached out to the regional manager, he told me that verbal agreements didn’t hold any weight, leaving me feeling entirely powerless.
Safety Concerns and Further Delays
Feeling exhausted from this fight, I finally took my truck back without a working A/C. To add to my distress, while driving to an OB appointment, my truck stalled on a mountain road:
– I ended up stranded for three hours at 10 p.m. because AAA couldn’t locate me, even with GPS coordinates.
– As a pregnant woman, I’m traveling three hours away for appointments since I currently live far from my OB.
The next morning, when I contacted the insurance adjuster, they informed me that I need to get another diagnostic from a dealership to link the stalling problem to the accident before they’ll cover repairs. The catch?
– The dealership can’t see my truck for another 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 to attend my OB appointments and work—I can’t afford to wait another week for a resolution.
Feeling Stuck – Any Advice?
I’m stuck and overwhelmed. It feels like I’m being punished for someone else’s negligence, and all I want is for my truck to be properly repaired.
If anyone has advice on how to escalate this situation, fight back effectively, or hold the insurance accountable, please reach out. I’m truly at my wits’ end. Thank you in advance for any help!
I’m really sorry to hear about everything you’ve been going through; it sounds incredibly frustrating and overwhelming. Here are some steps you can take to help navigate this situation:
Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all your communications with the insurance company, the collision center, and any other involved parties. This includes dates, times, names of people you spoke with, and what was discussed. Photos or written proof of your truck’s condition before and after the accident can also be valuable.
Request a Second Opinion: If the collision center’s repair estimates are consistently disputed by the insurance company, you may want to get a second opinion from another trusted mechanic or collision repair shop. Their assessment can help validate your claims about the needed repairs.
Follow Up with Your Insurance Company: If you have your own insurance, consider reaching out to them for assistance. They may be able to advocate on your behalf with the other driver’s insurance company. Explain your situation and the delays you’ve faced.
Escalate the Issue: If you haven’t already, ask to speak to a supervisor or a claims manager within the insurance company. You can also file a formal complaint with your state’s insurance commissioner if you’re not getting the help you need.
Consider Legal Advice: Given the extent of your issues, it might be worth consulting with a lawyer who specializes in insurance claims or personal injury. They can help you understand your rights and whether pursuing legal action is advisable.
Seek Assistance from Consumer Advocacy Groups: Organizations that focus on consumer rights may be able to offer guidance or even take up your cause.
Stay Persistent: Keep pushing for updates and responses from everyone involved. Being persistent can sometimes lead to faster resolutions, especially if they see you’re serious about following through.
Utilize Social Media: Sometimes, sharing your experience on social media (while being careful not to disclose personal information) can get the attention of the companies involved and encourage them to resolve your issue more swiftly.
Remember to take care of yourself during this stressful time—you’ve been through a lot, especially with your pregnancy. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends or family can also help manage the emotional stress of this ordeal. Good luck, and I hope you get everything resolved soon!