CupCake:
I'm so sorry to read about your accident and the probable loss of your 'Stang. However, I'm pleased to learn that you were not injured. Just be certain that you don't have any 'hidden' injuries that may not show up immediately. Neck and spine problems can manifest themselves months later, without much warning, so do not sign away any rights to sue the guy who caused the accident for any personal injuries you may have incurred, although I trust you will be fine and won't have any need to sue. However, only time will tell on that issue so don't make any hasty decisions.
Your car's damage will be appraised by a body shop (hope you picked a good one) and the insurance company (his - if he was at fault) will either accept or reject the appraisal of damages based on their own inspection of your car. If the cost to repair your car doesn't exceed it's wholesale value, the insurance company will authorize the body shop to go ahead and do the necessary repairs. If the damage repair costs exceed it's
wholesale value, your car will be deemed a
'total loss' and you will receive a check for the value of the car at the time it was hit. If you owe more than the insurance check covers,
you are liable for the balance owed to the bank, finance company, whatever. If your car was worth more than you owed on it, you keep the balance ( usually used as a down payment on another car). If
you are deemed at fault for the accident, your collision coverage should pay for your damages (or a total loss), minus any deductable you took out.
While you are without a car, the other drivers insurance company should pay for a rental car for you. It's
his fault that you have no transportation, not yours. Your own insurance policy may have a provision for rental car reimbursment costs, too, so they can pay you and sue the other driver's company for that money when the case is resolved if you were not at fault. If you were at fault and you have 'rental reimbursment' coverage, your insurance company should still pay you for the cost of a rental. Either way, be sure to have the rental car charged to the insurance compamy, not to you, personally. You'll need their approval to do this, first. Demand it - or you'll be personally liable for weeks of rental car fees and have to wait (and hope) the insurance company pays up. If the
other driver received a ticket and you did not, you are pretty much home free as that puts the onus of being at fault on him. Most insurance companies will pay off the claim you file as they would have little basis to defend against it in court. Basically, the cop at the scene decides who was at fault (if possible) and whoever receives a ticket, loses. I know, as I've been on both sides of this situation.
CupCake, while an automobile accident can be traumatic and always upsets your world (I know, I've had my share) I can also assure you that this will pass and I trust that you will be fine, both physically and financially.
Let us know how things are working out for you. If you require any advice, I'm available through this board or through the Mustang Works PM system, if you prefer more privacy. This goes for almost anyone else here, too, I'm sure.
In any case, we all wish you well and again, am pleased to hear that you are O.K., even if your Mustang is not.
