Auto Insurance Claims: Total loss claim, total loss help

Question
I was recently hit by someone insured by State Farm. They took fault immediately and once their adjuster came out, they deemed my vehicle a total loss with damages amounting to $17,500. I have a 2008 dodge charger srt8. The body shop repairing the vehicle did an estimate which is significantly lower and can repair the vehicle. State Farm does not want to use their estimate but I want to keep my vehicle. My next step is to hire an attorney, what should I do?

Answer
It is your vehicle and you can keep it if you want.  State Farm cannot force you to give your vehicle up, but they can decide that it is totaled (unfortunately).  It doesn't technically have to have a salvage title (based on the damages and vehicle info you gave me), but it could be deemed totaled.  

You surely need to get a free consultation with an expert about this matter.  As a third party claimant, proving your damages is your burden.  If you keep the vehicle, then a salvage value will have to be determined and State Farm will simply pay you for the value of your vehicle minus whatever the wrecked car is worth (if you keep it).  Then you can go and get it fixed, if the settlement amount is still enough for your shop to fix it.

Make sense?  If not, you can surely keep following up to this question or look me up directly and call my office.  Information is always free at Petty Details, LLC!