The worst thing EVER happened

[xhimsa12x]

I totaled my 4runner this weekend. Some 77 year old man t-boned me going through an intersection and I rolled!!! Apparently being lifted and bigger tires doesn't help with center of gravity! I feel like I lost my first born!! I have been all over craigslist looking for something even close to what I had and nothing compares to what I had. I got such and incredible deal on my 98 limited the first time I feel sooo hopeless.......... Have no clue what the insurance company is going to give me for it but if I had to guess, it would be somewhere between 5-6K cause of 170K miles.

 

[Mauzer]

 

[BlazeRunner]

Get a lawyer, go for a settlement. Especially if you are sore in any way. Car accidents can cause medical issues to come up later, joints, back, etc...
My sister just received a 17k settlement last year because someone hit her and she had TMJ (jaw popping) since the accident. I think it should have been more, but take what you can get. Don't settle on first offer.
It might take some time but definitely worth it, they did this to you, you need to be compensated fully. Don't let it stress you out too much and good luck.

 

[shadyluke]

I just went through this with a Jeep cherokee. Fight. Make a list of parts and costs including labor for installs. Total it up and look up the NADA Retail value yourself. Add them together and tell them thats what you want. Use auto trader and cars.com plus CL ads to make a list with pictures of fair market value for similar vehicles. You don't have to accept their first offer. Tell them that you need replacement cost. I just got $6400 for a beat cherokee with 184k miles on it. After they make an offer tell them that they are going to have to let you keep it to part out to fund the rest of your replacement. I only paid $150 for the salvage vlaue that should have been about $800. I called them EVERY DAY and *****ED. Get a rental out of them too. I had a 2014 Hemi Ram 4x4 as mine for almost a month. You will probably be able to come out on top. There are still some nice 3rd Gens out there. I just found one.

 

[shadyluke]

Get a lawyer, go for a settlement. Especially if you are sore in any way. Car accidents can cause medical issues to come up later, joints, back, etc...
My sister just received a 17k settlement last year because someone hit her and she had TMJ (jaw popping) since the accident. I think it should have been more, but take what you can get. Don't settle on first offer.
It might take some time but definitely worth it, they did this to you, you need to be compensated fully. Don't let it stress you out too much and good luck.

Agreed. If you are sore in any way, go see a Dr just incase. They pay for it anyway. If there is any chance of injury they will want to settle quick.

 

[TOY2G]

I hope you walked away fine. If you are calm and persistent you will get what is fair out of your vehicle. you can fair pretty good if you get the most out of your vehicle they will allow and then buy it back to part out.

DON NOT follow the advise above from Blaze, unless you really are hurt. It is not worth the risk. My wife works for state farm as a contractor. people that feel that they are owed monetary compensation for living in the world with other humans is a shame.

If you are hurt and feel you may need further medical attention, then you should lawyer up. But you have to remember insurance rates are calculated by average cost per incident of a given vehicle. So to break it down, if you get paid 8k for your vehicle, 900 for a rental vehicle, 1000 in mods, and an ER trip for 3500. this incident for a 3rd gen 4runner is $13,400 claim. depending on the sample area (state) this may be a couple thousand higher than the average.

Why does this matter....? well lets say you lawyer up because this old son of the devil owes you money for running you down. The insurance settles for 20k plus fees. that's 30% lawyer fees on top of your 20k, on top of your 13,400. Now you are at $39,400 for this incident driving the state average for the risk of ownership of this vehicle way up...and now every other 3rd gen owner gets to pay a little higher insurance. And on a more broad spectrum increasing premiums in your entire sample area.

The advise from Blaze is very very self centered and selfish. HOWEVER, if you are in pain, or you are having problems you should get checked out and perhaps retain an attorney. But the whole "lawyer up and see what you can get" is for the young and or uneducated crowd and it is a cancer that is killing normal hard working, insurance paying people.

Good Luck

 

[Bama_Runner]

I totaled my 4runner this weekend. Some 77 year old man t-boned me going through an intersection and I rolled!!! Apparently being lifted and bigger tires doesn't help with center of gravity! I feel like I lost my first born!! I have been all over craigslist looking for something even close to what I had and nothing compares to what I had. I got such and incredible deal on my 98 limited the first time I feel sooo hopeless.......... Have no clue what the insurance company is going to give me for it but if I had to guess, it would be somewhere between 5-6K cause of 170K miles.

\

As a point of reference. I got hit on an icy bridge last year in my 99 limited 4wd with 192,000 and the other party's insurance company, after some bargaining, gave me 7100 for mine plus I got to keep it. Then I turned around and sold it for 2500. Not bad considering I gave 5600 for it 4 months before totaling it.

 

[LuckyRunnerLTD]

Whatever you do, remember that karma can be a real BI***!!! Take what you deserve and you'll be happy. Everything happens for a reason, sometimes we dont understand why but there's a reason. Good luck buddy.

 

[BlazeRunner]

I hope you walked away fine. If you are calm and persistent you will get what is fair out of your vehicle. you can fair pretty good if you get the most out of your vehicle they will allow and then buy it back to part out.

DON NOT follow the advise above from Blaze, unless you really are hurt. It is not worth the risk. My wife works for state farm as a contractor. people that feel that they are owed monetary compensation for living in the world with other humans is a shame.

If you are hurt and feel you may need further medical attention, then you should lawyer up. But you have to remember insurance rates are calculated by average cost per incident of a given vehicle. So to break it down, if you get paid 8k for your vehicle, 900 for a rental vehicle, 1000 in mods, and an ER trip for 3500. this incident for a 3rd gen 4runner is $13,400 claim. depending on the sample area (state) this may be a couple thousand higher than the average.

Why does this matter....? well lets say you lawyer up because this old son of the devil owes you money for running you down. The insurance settles for 20k plus fees. that's 30% lawyer fees on top of your 20k, on top of your 13,400. Now you are at $39,400 for this incident driving the state average for the risk of ownership of this vehicle way up...and now every other 3rd gen owner gets to pay a little higher insurance. And on a more broad spectrum increasing premiums in your entire sample area.

The advise from Blaze is very very self centered and selfish. HOWEVER, if you are in pain, or you are having problems you should get checked out and perhaps retain an attorney. But the whole "lawyer up and see what you can get" is for the young and or uneducated crowd and it is a cancer that is killing normal hard working, insurance paying people.

Good Luck

I was only saying what I did in relation to what had happened to him. I didn't say be sue happy, but be compensated fully. It's not his fault somebody else hit him, so why be so passive?
Self-centered and selfish? I think being an irresponsible driver and hitting somebody is way more selfish and self-centered. My advice is coming from past experiences, and there's nothing selfish about it. I chose to not go the lawyer route twice now from people hitting me and completely regret it. I still have back, neck and shoulder problems, even after their insurance paid for my medical fees. I was not sore till 2 or 3 days after my accidents, one being sideswiped like the OP. I now will face pain and discomfort for the rest of my life, still feeling it 6 years after being swiped. Yeah, real selfish... :doh:

OP, only you can know what you've experienced during the crash, and I still stand by my advice. Go talk to a lawyer and see what they say, it can't hurt. You have the right to be compensated in every way for what happened to you. Nothing can replace normal functions of your body, or the amount of time and emotional energy you spent on your vehicle. That is not seeking monetary compensation for just living with other people, you're seeking it because somebody else violated and damaged your property and body with disrespect for other drivers' safety. Something the old and young should both recognize.

I don't care if somebody else's rates are going to be higher because they made a mistake. I have never caused an accident and pay like $60 a month for comprehensive coverage on my 3rd gen, cheaper than every other vehicle I've owned. Competent drivers are usually rewarded with lower rates, anyway. I am a normal person that works plenty hard to make that simple payment, even unlike somebody else who ran into my vehicle uninsured. That's what insurance is for, defined as; a practice or arrangement by which a company or government agency provides a guarantee of compensation for specified loss, damage, illness, or death in return for payment of a premium. In other words, that's the whole damn point of insurance, how uneducated does that sound? Do what is right for yourself based on your situation and not because somebody's wife works for State Farm and he still pays too much for his insurance. :crybaby:

OP, Do what is right for YOU, not the other person. If they made the mistake and caused the accident, how is asking for monetary compensation for destruction of your personal property and personal well-being a selfish move? You'd be ignorant to NOT see a lawyer, and also to think they aren't going to try and rip you off any chance they get. When it comes to insurance claims, its a dog-eat-dog world, and the insurance hounds never sleep.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Glad you are OK.

Pics?

If the EMS was called, you may want to retain the use of an attorney. Speaking from experience, health issues can be dormant for some time after an accident before coming apparent to the injured. You don't want to be sue happy for sure but protect yourself now and for the future.

And I have to ask who fuels or perpetuates the idea of uninformed people being sue-happy per se? I'd say the attorneys themselves who plaster their face all over billboards, bus stop benches, and tv commercials boasting about how much green they got their poor, indolent client(s) from their accidents. Start there with reforming the system.

 

[TOY2G]

I was only saying what I did

Self-centered and selfish?

I don't care if somebody else's rates are going to be higher

how uneducated does that sound?

because somebody's wife works for State Farm and he still pays too much for his insurance. :crybaby:

If they made the mistake and caused the accident, how is asking for monetary compensation for destruction of your personal property and personal well-being a selfish move?

its a dog-eat-dog world, and the insurance hounds never sleep.

Blaze, you can try to spin it all you want, but if someone makes a MISTAKE and cause an accident does not necessarily make them irresponsible nor does it mean you should get all you can out of insurance because they owe you. I did not tell the OP to forgo legal action, I just said not to do it on advise from an internet lawyer.

Selfish..? Yes...and i quote "I don't care if somebody else's rates are going to be higher"

Uneducated....Yes. and again I quote."because somebody's wife works for State Farm and he still pays too much for his insurance. :crybaby:" and "its a dog-eat-dog world, and the insurance hounds never sleep"
Number one you have no idea how much I pay for my insurance for all 6 of our 4Runners so how would you know if I am over paying. Secondly, you are throwing stones like a child, I was simply trying to tell the OP not to listen to people when they tell you to lawyer up and grab for cash.

The OP said nothing about being injured or even implied it, all they wanted was a replacement for their beloved 4Runner. you chimed in and offered your very well thought out legal advise for an issue he did not ask about.


For the record, I was in an accident in San Antonio several years ago, car beside me lost control slid into me on the freeway at 70MPH and we rolled down the freeway. My wife lost our baby, I broke my foot and the truck was scrap. the other driver apologized a thousand times, but once reported to his insurance he said it was not his fault. Luck for me, he had already gave his report to the police about loosing control and an off duty medic was behind us when it happened and he also gave a report. Guess what, I sued...I felt it was my only option since the other driver was a snake and the insurance company was some budget no-name.

There is a place for and a time to sue, but it should not be your first response, and it should not be your first advise. If an insurance company is acting responsible there is no need to sue, they will cover your expenses and work a settlement with you.

OP sorry for hijacking your thread I will not post any further regardless of the goings-on of Blaze.

 

[BlazeRunner]

Blaze, you can try to spin it all you want, but if someone makes a MISTAKE and cause an accident does not necessarily make them irresponsible nor does it mean you should get all you can out of insurance because they owe you. I did not tell the OP to forgo legal action, I just said not to do it on advise from an internet lawyer.

Selfish..? Yes...and i quote "I don't care if somebody else's rates are going to be higher"

Uneducated....Yes. and again I quote."because somebody's wife works for State Farm and he still pays too much for his insurance. :crybaby:" and "its a dog-eat-dog world, and the insurance hounds never sleep"
Number one you have no idea how much I pay for my insurance for all 6 of our 4Runners so how would you know if I am over paying. Secondly, you are throwing stones like a child, I was simply trying to tell the OP not to listen to people when they tell you to lawyer up and grab for cash.

The OP said nothing about being injured or even implied it, all they wanted was a replacement for their beloved 4Runner. you chimed in and offered your very well thought out legal advise for an issue he did not ask about.


For the record, I was in an accident in San Antonio several years ago, car beside me lost control slid into me on the freeway at 70MPH and we rolled down the freeway. My wife lost our baby, I broke my foot and the truck was scrap. the other driver apologized a thousand times, but once reported to his insurance he said it was not his fault. Luck for me, he had already gave his report to the police about loosing control and an off duty medic was behind us when it happened and he also gave a report. Guess what, I sued...I felt it was my only option since the other driver was a snake and the insurance company was some budget no-name.

There is a place for and a time to sue, but it should not be your first response, and it should not be your first advise. If an insurance company is acting responsible there is no need to sue, they will cover your expenses and work a settlement with you.

OP sorry for hijacking your thread I will not post any further regardless of the goings-on of Blaze.

You can take my quotes out of context all you want, it doesn't make what I said not true. You were the first one 'throwing stones' saying my advice was that of the young and or uneducated.
I apologize if I came across as gung-ho on getting a settlement, but in my experience, it is best to contact a lawyer or two for sound legal advice regardless of the situation.
I have the right to refer people to an attorney, just as you have the right to defer or advise against an attorney.
You were the one who made it personal, you didn't have to mention me at all. Since you did, I rebuttaled with a snarky comment and you don't like it. Well the world is full of opinions, no use in getting all riled up over someone's 'going-ons', lol. That I do not apologize for. If you didn't like my comment, don't mention it then. Give some sound advice based on your real-world experiences instead of immediately criticizing somebody for giving advice based on their real-world experiences. Glad you won't be responding, because this is pathetic considering you started the whole 'knock what he said, I know best' insecurity issue. Not my fault you don't like what I said, totally your fault for responding like you did. Now that's childish.

 

[tenro1]

Sorry - but I gotta jump in - and I have to agree for the most part with Blaze on this:

Insurance companies set themselves up for this situation, they come in and low-ball you with a settlement, and then a lawyer has to get involved in order to get PROPER compensation for an accident w/injury. And the lawyers - well, a whole different sort of pond scum all together. I agree with the comment that they need to be reformed and they need to stop preying on the poor who fall for their ads.

But for the most part, I cannot and will not feel sympathy for an industry that overcharges you for coverage to begin with, and then tries its best to keep you from being compensated when they have to pay you.

And, like Blaze, I could care less as well about how much rates go up because at the end of the day, you are never going to know the reasons why they went up, if you weren't the direct reason for it, and, regardless, you can't do anything to stop them from raising those rates, except to go with another insurance company.

Sorry, just had to throw in my 2 cents on this.

You can take my quotes out of context all you want, it doesn't make what I said not true. You were the first one 'throwing stones' saying my advice was that of the young and or uneducated.
I apologize if I came across as gung-ho on getting a settlement, but in my experience, it is best to contact a lawyer or two for sound legal advice regardless of the situation.
I have the right to refer people to an attorney, just as you have the right to defer or advise against an attorney.
You were the one who made it personal, you didn't have to mention me at all. Since you did, I rebuttaled with a snarky comment and you don't like it. Well the world is full of opinions, no use in getting all riled up over someone's 'going-ons', lol. That I do not apologize for. If you didn't like my comment, don't mention it then. Give some sound advice based on your real-world experiences instead of immediately criticizing somebody for giving advice based on their real-world experiences. Glad you won't be responding, because this is pathetic considering you started the whole 'knock what he said, I know best' insecurity issue. Not my fault you don't like what I said, totally your fault for responding like you did. Now that's childish.

 

[tenro1]

Sorry - but I gotta jump in - and I have to agree for the most part with Blaze on this:

Insurance companies set themselves up for this situation, they come in and low-ball you with a settlement, and then a lawyer has to get involved in order to get PROPER compensation for an accident w/injury. And the lawyers - well, a whole different sort of pond scum all together. I agree with the comment that they need to be reformed and they need to stop preying on the poor who fall for their ads.

But for the most part, I cannot and will not feel sympathy for an industry that overcharges you for coverage to begin with, and then tries its best to keep you from being compensated when they have to pay you.

And, like Blaze, I could care less as well about how much rates go up because at the end of the day, you are never going to know the reasons why they went up, if you weren't the direct reason for it, and, regardless, you can't do anything to stop them from raising those rates, except to go with another insurance company.

Finally - if your wife does work for State Farm, then I have to say from experience on this end - you are paying too much for your insurance. LOL

Sorry, just had to throw in my 2 cents on this.

You can take my quotes out of context all you want, it doesn't make what I said not true. You were the first one 'throwing stones' saying my advice was that of the young and or uneducated.
I apologize if I came across as gung-ho on getting a settlement, but in my experience, it is best to contact a lawyer or two for sound legal advice regardless of the situation.
I have the right to refer people to an attorney, just as you have the right to defer or advise against an attorney.
You were the one who made it personal, you didn't have to mention me at all. Since you did, I rebuttaled with a snarky comment and you don't like it. Well the world is full of opinions, no use in getting all riled up over someone's 'going-ons', lol. That I do not apologize for. If you didn't like my comment, don't mention it then. Give some sound advice based on your real-world experiences instead of immediately criticizing somebody for giving advice based on their real-world experiences. Glad you won't be responding, because this is pathetic considering you started the whole 'knock what he said, I know best' insecurity issue. Not my fault you don't like what I said, totally your fault for responding like you did. Now that's childish.

 

[BrianSD_42]

but if someone makes a MISTAKE and cause an accident does not necessarily make them irresponsible nor does it mean you should get all you can out of insurance because they owe you. I did not tell the OP to forgo legal action, I just said not to do it on advise from an internet lawyer.

Selfish..? Yes...and i quote "I don't care if somebody else's rates are going to be higher"

So just to be clear [MENTION=97478]BlazeRunner[/MENTION] are you advocating fraud?

Or are you saying that IF ONE IS INJURED then sue for appropriate damages?

:hatsoff:

Someone tried to sue me once over a minor accident. Their cheapo law firm called me and I refused to answer any questions over the phone. My attitude ..... get a subpoena or call my insurance company because I have nothing to say to any external laywer. That's why I pay for insurance.

 

[pattycakes77]

A little over a year ago I was hit and my 4runner totaled. I was easy to work with, provided pictures and receipts of all work done since 2003, and was very accommodating to the other insured guy's company. What did I get? Low-balled, my rental yanked right away, lots of delays, no answers to my questions, and a response of "If you don't like the offer you can make a claim through your insurance for the rest.". It's true, nice guys finish last. Not to say you should go crazy on them, but you are the little guy and they are the big fish that know how to maximize their profits by not paying out.

The key is the comparable vehicles. Mine is highly customized and of course they could not find anything like it to compare values. So, they found some joe schmoe craigslist ads to compare and tacked on a few hundred dollars for about 2 of the 100 upgrades I listed for them and said "take it or leave it, it's fair in our opinion.". Like I said, as soon as they made their offer they discontinued the rental hoping I would be desperate for a vehicle and take it immediately. I didn't play their game and kept asking questions and showing more value as they asked me to do, to which they would just come back and say "our offer stands, it's a fair offer".

With my blood pressure through the roof and getting nowhere dealing with them I just cut my losses and got the check, rebuilt my 4runner, and learned a life lesson.

Maybe I could have got a better, and fair (to me) settlement with a lawyer, who knows? I'm not one who likes lawyers so I didn't feel like going that way. I did talk to my insurance company and they said that technically I could file a claim for more money through my insurance but I said "why should MY insurance pay out for something THEY are liable for 100%?".

I did find out that I can get a Declared Value policy on any customized vehicle so if it totals again I can get a stated amount instead of going through the comparables and values the insurance companies come up with. I'm working on getting an appraisal done soon but even with that I was told I need to find some comparable vehicle values to show mine could potentially be worth what I say it is. That's a work in progress, but until then I have full coverage on my end.

As for getting checked out after the accident, ABSOLUTELY!!!! I got checked out for stomach problems which I thought were the cause of the seat belt and for a small tap on the forehead. After the first visit the insurance company wanted to settle right away. I went back for two more checkups before I was satisfied I had no lingering injuries and didn't settle until 6 months after the accident just to be safe. After that they tell you to sign a document saying they aren't liable for anything else beyond that point.

I say don't be a dick about it, but definitely show you mean business and hit them with as much documentation as you can to show value. See if you can find some one to give you an independent appraisal instead of just letting their insurance appraisers tell you what it's worth. Give them HELL, but also be the bigger man so you have a clear conscience.

 

[BlazeRunner]

In no way do I advocate fraud. It was a suggestion to talk to a lawyer, you can never ha e too much legal advice in a situation where you are the victim. At least that's how I feel. Do it, don't do it, the choice is yours.

 

[white_n_slow]

I have progressive and they gave me a pretty fair price for my '97 when I rolled it. Didn't have to twist any arms or anything. They gave me credit for my lift, even factored in that my tires had full tread depth.

They're not always out to screw you.

 

[afg10000]

Sorry to hear about your situation. Hope you are all right. I know how you feel, just lost my '96 a few weeks ago. Hopefully, like White and Slow said, it'll be a somewhat easy process. My insurance company gave me good valuation (included tires, stereo, etc.) Check for $5k and kept the truck. Just picked up a '98 Limited yesterday for $5200 that doesn't have any rust holes in the frame. Hopefully it all goes well for ya.

 

[xhimsa12x]

Thanks for all the advice guys!! I am perfectly fine! I will post pics soon to show what to expect when rolling your 4runners. I went to the tow yard to say my goodbye to my beautiful first born and took the rest of my stuff out. I have already found a replacement and it's almost an identical match minus the E-lockers. I am convinced I would probably never find another E-locker 4runner in the near future so I'm picking up a 2001 Limited 4wd with 140K for 6000$. I'm in FL so it's basically completely rust free.
Personally I am not one to be quick to sue, it was the last thing that crossed my mind. I didn't even go to the hospital. Hospitals are for EMERGENCIES ONLY! I work in the prehospital care so I know what it's like to bring people to the hospital who have no business crowding out the beds for people who really need it. I am in very good physical shape and that' really the only thing I can attribute my walking away scratch free other than the grace of God.
Hopefully I get a reasonable check for my vehicle as that's all i'm really after. I did have a fair amount of money invested with Practicallly brand new springs, shocks, and 4 brand new Toyo AT2 tires. But with this next 4 runner it will be as if my truck never left. Same color code, color leather and everything!!!