CupCake:
I'm really glad to learn that you're doing well, physically and not having hassles with the other guy's insurance company. However, I want to warn you to be very sure that you have no spine or neck injuries that will need some kind of medical attention in the future. Once you accept a settlement check from the insurance company they will want you to sign a release form that says you will not hold them responsible for any future health-related problems stemming from the accident. Don't do it until a board-certified neurosurgeon has examined you and any CAT-scans or MRI's you may require. I have known of folks who had auto accidents and developed severe back problems a few years down the road but couldn't get a dime from the insurance company of the person that hit them because they (a) signed a release and, (b) it could never be proven 'beyond a reasonable doubt' that their current medical problems were a
direct result of the earlier accident. Not that I'm suggesting you fake anything or try to scam the insurance company. That would be immoral as well as illegal. Just protect your future health now, while you can do so.
Your Mustang is obviously a 'total wreck' (those photos were hard to look at...I can't imagine how you must have felt taking the pictures) so you need to prepare to go on without it and look forward to a new 'Stang (I hope). That the other guy's insurance company didn't try to stiff you on a rental replacement vehicle is a good sign that they are going to do the right thing. It happens. If you have the 'gap' insurance with your financing you are fine as far as paying off the now-wrecked Mustang goes. You will probably still need a down payment to finance another car (maybe not, depends on your credit rating, etc) but you are off the hook for whatever may be owed on your 'old' Mustang. That, combined with the fact that you seem to be physically unharmed to any great extent, you were not deemed at fault in the acciudent and you have a rental car adds up to things going about as well as they can under the unhappy circumstances. The 'gap' insurance is a separate policy from your auto insurance and your auto insurance should not be affected as your company has not had any loss in this accident and you were not at fault so you're fine, there, too.
Again, let me echo the relief that others have posted regarding the fact that you were relatively unhurt in this unfortunate accident and that things seem to be working out O.K. Get a full neurological examination before you sign a medical release and all should be well, CupCake. Any questions you have will be answered by us (collectively) as best we can, if we can. Remember, you are among friends here.
