Just got my 5000 mile service and now it might be totaled

I think it has been said here. At least talk to a lawyer, they'll have some good insight as to what you can expect to retrieve.

You do not have to accept what your insurance offers, especially in a total situation. I just had mine totalled and they sent me a statement saying so. I've dickered with them on 2 other occasions and we were always rewarded higher dollar. They will usually come at you with a low offer first. Do your own research so you have a leg to stand on.

Don't be afraid of getting a doctor to prescribe therapy from a massage therapist. Find a good one that knows soft tissue injury, not a fluff and buff. They'll do wonders for pain and siffness relief. Did I just say that? You know what I mean--get your mind out of the gutter--you're in pain. Ibuprofin and Oxywhatever is just a bandaid.

Stick to your guns, get it done the way you want it done. Both you and your companion.

 

I would think the amount of the damage exceeds half the value of the truck? That's a pretty big repair bill and if they do repair it, any reporting service will report the truck's been wrecked and you'll lose substantial value when you go to sell and the potential buyer sees that. So even if it's "good as new" when they're done fixing it, the value won't be the same and I'd be pretty pissed about that.

Glad you're OK.

 

i'm just lookin at it like there is no way that frame isnt dicked somewhere

 

10000% - Injuries have a funny way of masking themselves and it SUCKS hitting a nice old age and finding out a disc in your spine has been blown out for years.

Sorry about your truck too

 

LOL it was a Prerunner anyways. Good reason to get a 4x4.

 

Definitely, but I was told repair value had to exceed 75% of the value of the truck. By our bluebook value estimates the repairs would have to exceed $21000 to meet that.

 

Can't you bring up the fact that it's a safety issue as well?
Once you start "repairing" major damage like that, the structural integrity will be compromised and the next time you have a similar accident, god forbid, the results may be much, much worse.

 

Would the depreciation value, assuming they don't total it, go toward the repair cost which may exceed the $21,500 you mentioned to total it? You would have to get a fat check for depreciation of value right? NOBODY will want to buy that after they see the Carfax when you get rid of it down the road...

 

If the frame is bent, why would they not total it? I'm glad you are okay man!

 

Write down everything you can remember. Things like this can take months for everything to be finished, and insurance companies love to lower payments because your story changes slightly every time they talk to you. Also I hope you have total coverage insurance because likely you wont get much from hers. There is a max cap on insurance per incident. In california the minimum is 30k per, but as you know that barely covers the cost of the truck, and she hit more than just your truck.

 

Well put.

 

Don't know what TX law is, but if you have any say in it (and in Colorado you absolutely do) do NOT let the insurance company choose the body shop. Or at the least, get your own 2nd estimate.

When I got hail damaged last year, the insurance company's designated body shop wanted to do a cheapo bondo repair on the roof. I took it to 2 other shops, and both recommended cutting the entire roof panel off, and welding on a new OEM panel .. by far more invasive, but a much better repair. And fortunately in Colorado, I was able to go with my guy.

The insurance company's original estimate - $3800. Total cost to do it right - $5400, which they paid. They were way off. Hopefully your estimate is as well.

 

That truck looks totaled to me. And I have seen trucks totaled with much less damage.

Will probably have to be classified as such. I don't see how it would ever drive straight again, or for that matter ever get proper tire wear.

Glad your ok.

GL

 

I'm sorry to hear that, but very glad to hear you seem to be alright. Trucks can be replaced, health can't. Good luck with the entire process man.

 

OP,
That truck is totaled if I ever saw one. You just bought a new truck and if they fix that one you will have a salvaged vehicle. Most Banks wont loan a dime on that truck now after it leaves your current loan. My 08 Tacoma was totaled because damage exceeded $10,000. The adjuster said that the battery bursting was a big deciding factor. I was kinda bummed bc I thought I would loose deprication due the low miles, but no. Mine was totaled on Monday, and I was in another new truck on Wed.
Nationwide rocks!

Bottomline dont let them cheat you into keeping that truck, to save them a couple thousand bucks.

 

Unfortunately there is not an appeal process if the insurance company decides to repair your truck. You do have the option of putting a Collision Claim through your own company and see if they agree it is repairable or a total loss and I would recommend you do that. It is about money, every vehicle is repairable and replacing the frame or any other part does not effect the "structural integrity". The question insurance companies make is whether it is cost effective to repair the vehicle vs. total loss. Most states do use the 75% rule now but the companies also consider other things when making the decision to total loss a vehicle such as type of vehicle, Pinto vs. your truck, salvage value, time of repair, availablity of parts, and type of damage. Frame replacement on the Tacoma is easy. A severe hit to the rear of a unibody vehicle is a lot more complicated. Oh, and they don't use "Blue book". That book is only used by dealers to rip you off on a trade. Most States that use the 75% rule of ACV-this means that if the amount of the estimate for repairs exceeds the ACV it is mandatory to total it, but again vehicles total for less than 75% all of the time. By the way I don't discourage representation by an attorney if you don't feel you have the skills to negotiate the settlement of your claim, but you are much better hiring an attorney on a retainer and they can guide you through the process than letting a TV attorney or other shark attorney take 33% of your settlement.

 

Ouch, that really sucks, glad no one was seriously hurt...5 Toyota's in one wreck, is that a record?

 

that looks like a total to me be every insurer is different

 

looks totaled man the good part is you are alright the truck will get replaced hope the others are ok too.

 

Truck totaled. If anyone still cares lol. Looking for a new one, I can't find a magnetic grey TRD Off Road in the area which is what I really want. I really hate the car buying process