Car accident...question to the planet
 

My 79 year old dad's truck was T-Boned by a 19 year old kid that ran a red light while talking on his cell phone. I can't believe the kid would even admit to that but props to him for being honest. This happened in Iowa where he lives btw.

Anyway, my dad was ok but the kid's insurance company deemed the truck a total loss.

It was an immaculate 2000 F-150 extended cab with only 68,000 miles on it.

They want to total the truck and pay him $11,100 for it. Granted that might be what a blue book will tell you it's value is but my question is what are my dad's rights? Does he have to accept the settlement, can he make the insurance company replace the truck, or what?

The truck was worth more than $11k to him. What I've been looking at for a replacement with that few miles will end up costing him $$$ out of his pocket.

Just curious if there are other options than taking a check for an amount that doesn't equal what the truck is worth to him.

U can "try" to negotiate w/ the insurance co. but if they don't budge u can always take it to court. Were there any witnesses? Even if the li'l douchebag admitted fault, having witnesses is a huge plus.

The insurance company will only pay for what the veh is worth at the time of the accident.

Now having that said, he can file through his own insurance company and see what their offer is, granted they would subtract his deductible, but his insurance company would go after the at fault party for subrogation (reimbursement) including his deductible, whatever that may be.

I would file the claim just to see what his own insurance company would total the vehicle at, then if its more than the kids insurance company, maybe he might want to handle through his own then have his insurance company subrogate the other on the back end. Since he's not at fault it shouldnt effect his rates, especially if they are going to get their money back since the kid admitted fault and most likely the other insurance company has already accepted liability for the accident.

You also have to realize that even though it has 68k mileage on it, it's also pretty much a 10 yr old veh. $11k is a pretty good price for that vehicle, regardless of what he may think. Now if there are extras he put on the vehicle, rims, suped up the engine, that may increase the value a little bit but probably not too much.

There isn't a legal argument for more money to be made, unless your father is willing to fake some neck pain.

Do witnesses matter? I mean, the insurance company is totalling it so, there isn't much a witness can say to help his father's case, IMO.

Or do you mean for damages?

Well...

He's ****ed.




J/K

I would probably try talking to the kids agent to get his insurance to pay for the following:

1. Interim Rental
2. Vehicle replacement
3. Tags, taxes and registration fees
4. Throw in an extra grand for inconvenience maybe...

The company will not pay any more than blue book replacement value.

not sure...
But I think they'll give you what it's worth to them/market etc.

My 2003 Ninja was totaled after I 'fell off' at 50 mph; they're intially offer was low, I thought; they eventually came up another $300 and basically said "take it or leave it" lol.

this is primarily I why I won't put aftermarket stuff on my bikes, cars etc.....that stuff is worth zero to them. Not saying your dad had aftermarket stuff etc, just saying I think the insurance company will cut you a check for the market value. Bummer man; sounds like a nice truck with that few miles on it.

That's going to be GoChiefs new rap name.

For damages, (if it were to go that far).

Sorry, i have no idea, but i am glad your Dad is ok.

I hate insurance companies.

they insure you the value of the vehicle, not value plus sentimental and etc.

Ah, got ya ;)

Neck braces are cheap. ;)

;)