by camper650 » Wed Jan 28, 2009 01:01 pm
My wife and I were hit head-on by a driver that just wasn't paying attention. It's been nearly 3 weeks and the insured's adjuster has been in touch with me twice, and he still hasn't looked at our totaled vehicle. Is this normal? Any accident I have ever been in, it normally gets done pretty quick.
Another question, I've been off work for 3 weeks and my lost wages are measurable, but my wife doesn't work (only at home.. homemaker, 2 children) and her injuries were probably worse than mine. She was hammered by a first generation air bag. Severe contusion to the chest, but no broken ribs, just soft tissue damage. Since she doesn't have lost wages, how do you estimate or calculate any type of settlement when the time comes?
Will have more questions later, I'm sure!!
Thanks,
Another question, I've been off work for 3 weeks and my lost wages are measurable, but my wife doesn't work (only at home.. homemaker, 2 children) and her injuries were probably worse than mine. She was hammered by a first generation air bag. Severe contusion to the chest, but no broken ribs, just soft tissue damage. Since she doesn't have lost wages, how do you estimate or calculate any type of settlement when the time comes?
Will have more questions later, I'm sure!!
Thanks,
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 03:15 pm Post Subject:
No, that is not normal. I'd say a vehicle is usually inspected on the matter of a few days, perhaps a week. Have you called the adjuster to inquire? If so, call the adjusters supervisor. Is the vehicle at a towing company inquiring storage charges? If so, also write a short letter to the insurance company to put them on noticed that, based on there request to inspect the vehicle, it was left at the tow lot and because of this, they will need to be responsible for the additional storage charges.
You would need to show what your wife's loss is. If she does not earn an income, loss wages cannot be shown. If she works around the home you would need to show that you incurred a loss/expense as she was not able to do this. Otherwise I'd say her loss due to her injuries would need to lumped into her "pain and suffering" claim. That is, she suffered an injury and it because of this injury it was far more difficult to carry on her daily activities of.... (listing them).
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 11:07 pm Post Subject:
tcope,
Thanks for the reply. The adjusters explination was they were having trouble verifying coverage and liability. Not sure what that was supposed to mean, but he said he would have to talk to his supervisor about it. That was over a week ago.
Todays events seem even stranger. I got a phone call today from a different adjuster (didn't get his name) stating he had looked over and evaluated our vehicle for the other adjuster (who is located out of state) and it was definitly totaled and he wanted to verify the options and mileage on the vehicle. After going over all of the options he said somebody would be in touch within a couple days. I asked him what value he came up with and he said that would be up to the main adjuster, not him. Seems kinda odd to me! But I'm still waiting....
Another question, I've read there are some adjusters on here, can somebody tell me what value you would come up with on a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, 4x4, 152,000 miles, auto, air, tilt, cruise, power windows, locks, mirrors, tow package, power moonroof, alloy wheels, Goodyear all terrain tires, we bought it new, no dents, no scratches, no rust, near spotless interior, detailed and waxed regularly. Clean retail on NADA's website shows $3700 not sure how accurate that is.
Thanks again.
Posted: Wed Jan 28, 2009 11:43 pm Post Subject:
The person inspected your vehicle, determined that it was a total loss and obtained the mileage and option information so that it could be sent in for a valuation. It's typical that the person who inspects the vehicle does only that. The liability and coverage investigation/review is typically done by the main adjuster who is handling the file.
I'd give it through the end of the week and if you don't hear anything, call back on Monday.
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 01:09 am Post Subject:
Thanks again tcope.
Anybody on the valuation of the Jeep? Lori?
One thing I forgot, I'm in WV.
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 09:42 am Post Subject:
After going over all of the options he said somebody would be in touch within a couple days. I asked him what value he came up with and he said that would be up to the main adjuster, not him. Seems kinda odd to me!
The insurance company might have hired an independent adjuster who would do the field works and submit the report to the company adjuster. Its not unusual for the insurance companies to hire independent adjusters.
Regarding the value on the NADA site, many of the insurance companies based their computation on NADA, therefore, it would give you a fair idea about how much the car would worth.
Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 04:32 pm Post Subject:
We feel unfortunate to have been involved in the accident, but VERY thankful and BLESSED that the injuries were not any more severe than they were. An eye witness stated that he thought he had just witnessed somebody being killed! The impact was horrific with no time to react. He said the rear of our Jeep came 2-3 feet off the ground to a sudden and immediate STOP!
Luckily our children are teenagers, 12 and 14, and they were not with us. They have been a huge help during this.
Still waiting on a value on the Jeep. Another question, in the past 3 months I had done an extensive amount of work on the Jeep. It had came to a point of working on it or getting rid of it. We chose to restore it; replaced engine w/ one with 75,000 miles on it, new shocks, all new suspension bushing, track bar, brake job, ball joints, rear end assembly. I have all the receipts on the parts totaling around $1200, I did the labor myself. How will this affect the valuation of the vehicle? I realize it won't add the full amount to the value, but then I would think I could add something, figuring in my labor somewhere.
Thanks for your opinion,
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 01:12 am Post Subject:
Still waiting on a value on the Jeep
Sorry Camper been a long long day...ok from the info you sent me in the pm, I'm assuming NO power or leather seats?Clean retail on NADA's website shows $3700 not sure how accurate that is.
Actually it's pretty darn acruate if that's what the carrier determining the value is using...which is what the carrier I work for uses...I've got the same value as you did...however...if your vehicle is as clean as you represent it (not doubting you just a little 'disclaimer' :wink: ) the adjuster 'could' add a couple of hundred to the value for an exceptionally clean vehicle...as far as this goes..We chose to restore it; replaced engine w/ one with 75,000 miles on it, new shocks, all new suspension bushing, track bar, brake job, ball joints, rear end assembly. I have all the receipts on the parts totaling around $1200, I did the labor myself. How will this affect the valuation of the vehicle? I realize it won't add the full amount to the value, but then I would think I could add something, figuring in my labor somewhere.
It will add some, and THANK YOU for understanding that every single cent won't...you wouldn't believe what some people think adds value...the motor for SURE...In fact were I you (again assuming this is a realllllllllly clean jeep) I would lobby that this car should be ran thur at 75k rather than 152k, that adds about 1100 to the value..i'd push for that based on everything (nearly) mechanically is new...and just look at the body! It's certainly as good as an 'average' 75k 1997 jeep! That is the 'angle' I'd shoot for...rather than cost of the parts etc...(because it will be more :wink: )These things
new shocks, all new suspension bushing, track bar, brake job, ball joints, rear end assembly.
really don't add any value at all..I would certainly tell the adjuster about them...but again I would do all I could to get them to value it based on the mileage on the motor...and yes, I've valued a few like that...if they go for it your jeep is now worth 4788.00 and we both know that would be a really good price motor replaced or not.. :wink:What do you feel is the value?
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 02:09 am Post Subject:
Thanks Lori for your time and advise.
I left out the key to it all... "It was only driven to church on Sundays by my "little ol' lady!!" :P
If she reads this.... It may be my last post!!
What do you feel is the value?
PRICELESS!! No seriously, I was thinking $4000, dreaming of $4500. Great tip on going for the lower mileage, it's documented on the receipt from the salvage yard as well as the engine s/n.
If it sounds like I'm in a good mood about this whole situation, it's because I am! I spoke with the main adjuster and he told me they screwed up again. The independent adjuster they had look at the vehicle does repairs, not totals. He was kinda confused with that one as well. He assured me they would have it taken care of by Monday. I've been driving a rental now for 3 weeks, he had no problem with that what so ever. Keep the receipts and he would take care of it. Asked him about modifying the "Release to obtain medical information" to omit previous and past medical history, he said "No problem, don't blame you at all. Your past is none of our business. Just mark that part out and initial it." Asked him about personal property lost or damaged during the accident (clothing, child car seat, etc.) he says "No problem, make a list, put a reasonable value on it, and I'll get a check out to ya."
I'm normally a pretty good judge of people, and after talking with him for nearly half an hour this evening, I just feel a lot better about the whole claim. I realize he works for the "enemy" and has the "companys" best interest in mind, but I think we can work together for "OUR" best interest!!!
Thanks again to all and I'm sure I'll have more questions later. I'll keep you all posted on how it goes!!
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:08 am Post Subject:
I'm normally a pretty good judge of people, and after talking with him for nearly half an hour this evening, I just feel a lot better about the whole claim. I realize he works for the "enemy" and has the "companys" best interest in mind, but I think we can work together for "OUR" best interest!!!
I'm glad you feel better and here's the deal an adjuster worth their salt, has compassion, we known when 'our ins' is wrong and we know what we owe you...if someone is decent to us, we are MORE than decent with them....the vast majority of time i overpay claims (just a little bit) if someone is 'human' to me and doesn't treat me like i'm the enemy...all i really want to do as an adjuster is get this person back to thier prior life (before the accident) the best I can do...we are to save money where we can of course but not at the expense of what is owed...most of the time(especially if you get an old timer like tcope and i) if you're decent, it will be easy street....Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2009 11:57 am Post Subject: insurance
LORI...CAN YOU HELP please????????!! here is, yet, ANOTHER thread, in which my post is no longer there!!
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