My turn for a car accident

**YankeeMom** · 02-15-2008, 02:42 PM

Yes, in the van that hasn't even been paid off a whole year yet

Long story short it was a 4 lane high way. I was in the far right lane, she was merging in from the left. She put on her right turn signal and proceed to "merge"/turn right in front of me, crossing both lanes of traffic to try to turn into the shopping plaza that was on my side of the rode. Thankfully I was able to slow down and pull to the right before she hit me or I would have t-boned her good.

She got at least one ticket, was 100% at fault and now I'm stuck at home for the entire 12 day long Mid-Winter vacation that started today. AND the doctor's appt that we waited a month to get had to be canceled (that's where we were going when we got hit).

Thankfully, it was only me & 13yo dd in the van and no one was hurt. I was able to drive the van home, but it's very messed up. The whole front driver's side is pushed back. The whole headlamp assembly is pushed out and hanging (and I know from past experience *just* the headlamp assembly is over $500..just for the part!), the bumper is broke, the driver's side door sticks badly.

Our insurance will cover up to $30/day for a rental car. I have no clue what a rental costs these days but I hope if it's more than $30/day we can get her insurance to pay for it without problems. I'm thinking it will be more than $30/day because we need a 7 passenger vehicle.

UGH! I should have stayed in bed.

**Darlene** · 02-15-2008, 02:47 PM

Sorry this happened.

Wish people thought ahead and didn't drive like idiots.

**jenloveschip2001** · 02-15-2008, 02:51 PM

Thank Goodness no one was hurt.Hopefully you can get your van back soon. There must have been a really good sale at that shopping plaza that she had to get to, lol

**Missy** · 02-15-2008, 02:58 PM

Oh no!! I'm Sorry!!!

**Daisygirl** · 02-15-2008, 03:07 PM

I am SO sorry this happened. Usually if it is through the insurance company the rental place will match their price - that is the deal our body shop has anyway. Some body shops will also provide real cars and bill your insurance directly for whatever the ins. co will pay.

Good luck!

**Cricket1** · 02-15-2008, 03:15 PM

Yikes! Glad you're both okay!

**cab54** · 02-15-2008, 03:17 PM

Glad you're OK. Getting in an accident is a pain. And slightly frightening!

**Holly** · 02-15-2008, 03:29 PM

Thank Gooness you and your dd weren't hurt Heather.
Sorry about the van. It can be replaced you and your dd can't.
Hope its fixed soon.
Sorry about the Dr's appointment

**sdrjeolsen** · 02-15-2008, 03:35 PM

aw, shoot, what a hassle! So glad you and your DD weren't hurt. Hope the Dr. can get you rescheduled quickly.

**wulong32** · 02-15-2008, 04:09 PM

Im so glad you two werent hurt, it could have been alot worse.

**emily_hope** · 02-15-2008, 04:48 PM

I am glad neither one of you were hurt. I hope you can get in to see the doctor pretty quickly. Sorry you had to cancel your appointment. Sending good thoughts your way!!

**Edna_E** · 02-15-2008, 08:53 PM

Glad you're ok, and hope rescheculing comes easy. Regarding rental cars, her insurance should pay for ALL of your expenses caused by her error - including car rental, etc. They tend to try to bully people out of things sometimes, so be prepared to state all of the things that came into it, and don't forget to include things like reimbursement for pain and suffering. I am NOT in favor of bilking the insurance companies in any form or fashion, but realistically, if you ached and had dinner out, that should count. If you decided to go out for a $75.00 per plate splurge, that is not reasonable. I've never perceived you as likely to behave in any unreasonable manner, so I expect you'll be fine, but you might want to talk to your insurance co about how they deal with the other one.

**Mom23boys** · 02-15-2008, 11:08 PM

Thankfully noone was seriously injured in the accident. Since she was 100% at fault, her insurance should pay for the total cost of the rental car. I had to deal with this before and did not have to pay a dime!

**Jskell911** · 02-16-2008, 12:14 AM

Our insurance will cover up to $30/day for a rental car. I have no clue what a rental costs these days but I hope if it's more than $30/day we can get her insurance to pay for it without problems. I'm thinking it will be more than $30/day because we need a 7 passenger vehicle.

First let me say, I am so glad you are ok!!! That had to have been so scary.

I work for a rental car company, have for 12 years. That said, very few companies these days (at least in my area) bill the insurance companies directly. One company that generally does and has special insurance replacement rates is Enterprise (my competition LOL). I would call your area location and they will want the accident claim# from your insurance company. Then you will need to pay whatever cost is beyond the $30. My guess not too much more than $15 a day.

This would be the easiest way to proceed. Enterprise is well known for Insurance Replacements, so I would try them first. Next try a Hertz Local Edition (not airport location). They also do this type of rental.

Good luck!

**Jskell911** · 02-16-2008, 12:15 AM

Originally Posted by Mom23boys

Thankfully noone was seriously injured in the accident. Since she was 100% at fault, her insurance should pay for the total cost of the rental car. I had to deal with this before and did not have to pay a dime!

This is true as well. Sometimes, you have to go through your own company and have the other party reimburse your company and you for the extra. What a pain that is. I hope her company is easy to work with.