Auto Insurance Claims: Auto Claim getting me upset, claim damages

Question
QUESTION: I have been crossing my t's and dotting my i's during this whole process.  I am dealing with 3 different adjusters.  One was assigned my property damage, one was personal injury, one was diminished value.
Diminished value has been denied due to my car being in a previous rear end accident.  I understand that the amount will not be as great but it should be something. This current accident was front end.  Car damages exceeded $12,000.  I told him I will be going after the driver if they will not value my claim.

Property damage guy will not return my call.  The car has already been fixed under my insurance and I expect reimbursed for rental car and other broken things in my car.  I have asked another adjuster for his supervisors information today and will see where that gets me.  

Personal Injury guy has offered me 12K then 14K and now 16K final offer.  He has been trying to get me sign "release of all claims" and I called him to say I am not releasing all claims only personal injury and would not sign it.  He said to line that out and sign and return.  Shouldn't he have another form that is a release for personal injury only.  

This company is really starting to get to me.  If it continues I only see one option.  Should I just be patient now?  I have read a book that says if your not getting what you want wait and they will want to close the claim.  I have 10 months until the 2 year date of the accident.  Your opinion on this would be great.  Thanks in advance

ANSWER: Hello Joe,

I am sorry to hear about your situation. Car accidents are very frustrating, not because of the injuries or the crash itself, but because you have to deal with insurance companies.


Regarding the diminished value, I am not sure why your claim would be denied. You car is worth less because it was in one accident, is worth even less if it is involved in a second accident. You should be compensated for the difference, even if it's minor.

The injury claim, well, the adjuster can stop being lazy and draft a new release for injury only. They can do that and fax it or email it to you, you print and sign. Crossing the lines might give your problems later on. Your instinct is correct on this one.


The property damage must also be take care of. This is upsetting and you should file a complaint with the department of insurance if the abuse continues. Usually, this complaints get them moving.

For more information about injury claims, please see:

http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/bodily-injury-claim.html

and for property damage, please see

http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/property-damage.html

Good Luck
Anne
http://www.quirogalawoffice.com/

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the previous answers.

After emailing the property damage guys supervisor I was issued a check the same day for 80% of my rental.  My insurance company settled for 80/20 in arbitration.  I still don't agree with it.

The diminished value is not progressing.  She researched my car and said because it was in a prior accident they are not willing to pay DMV.  I told her I will be going after the other driver and she did not respond.  Can I settle my personal injury and get my check then proceed to small claims court for DMV?

How do I go about getting the other drivers mailing address?  In ohio lawyers are allowed should I retain one for this?  Is it worth it?  I have asked for $700 due to the previous accident.  If it was the first accident I would have went for $2700.  If this goes to SCC should I go for the full $2700.  Is it worth it to have a DMV estimate done?

Injury adjuster maintains they have no other form to give me.  Said I am free to hire an attorney.  Once I get my check for the rental and pursue the DMV claim I can sign off on about anything at that point, correct???

Know any good lawyers in northwest Ohio?  Thanks

I will rate you a 10 on your last answer since your not taking them formally.  

Answer
Hello Joe,

Well, Diminished value claims are difficult and insurance companies will fight you to the nail... The simply won't want to pay (although they owe it). Please see: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/diminished-value-claim.html. Most attorneys will not take a case for Diminished value claims, they are simply too complicated and there is no money at the end (the increased value is minimal).

If you believe you are still hurt and there is injury issues still lingering, then an attorney can really help you there.

I hope this helps,

Good Luck
Anne
http://www.quirogalawoffice.com/