Car Accident - Possible Write Off

[MoneyGuy]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

What happens in the vast majority of cases is that you are diagnosed with Grade 2 whiplash, and get 21 direct-paid visits which must be completed within 90 days. The initial diagnosis can be made by your GP, a chiro or a physiotherapist. It's all a dirty little game because your insurance doesn't want to pay for your treatment (even though they are obligated to for 2 years following the accident), while the chiro or physio wants you to treat as long as possible, so that they make money. Sometimes some of these people even really care about your health. When it comes to making a claim against the party that caused the accident, if you complete 21 visits you are basically entitled to the maximum under the cap (~$4500 for pain and suffering), though you will find that insurance companies will usually not want to pay that unless you get a lawyer.

And if you need an injury lawyer, PM Vlad. The reason he's called he Impaler is he's that good. No, I don't get 10%.

[Reaper]

It's 13% isn't it? The last guy got 13%...

[TheSutterDynasty]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

What happens in the vast majority of cases is that you are diagnosed with Grade 2 whiplash, and get 21 direct-paid visits which must be completed within 90 days. The initial diagnosis can be made by your GP, a chiro or a physiotherapist. It's all a dirty little game because your insurance doesn't want to pay for your treatment (even though they are obligated to for 2 years following the accident), while the chiro or physio wants you to treat as long as possible, so that they make money. Sometimes some of these people even really care about your health. When it comes to making a claim against the party that caused the accident, if you complete 21 visits you are basically entitled to the maximum under the cap (~$4500 for pain and suffering), though you will find that insurance companies will usually not want to pay that unless you get a lawyer.

Interesting. And if you don't complete 21 visits?

I'm not currently involved in a situation like this, I'm just very aware of how screwed you can be even if it's 100% the other guy's fault. So this is good stuff to know for future reference!

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by TheSutterDynasty

Interesting. And if you don't complete 21 visits?

I'm not currently involved in a situation like this, I'm just very aware of how screwed you can be even if it's 100% the other guy's fault. So this is good stuff to know for future reference!

Goes down the scale. In reality, if you have a lawyer and only treat, say, 15 times, you will still in all likelihood get the cap max because it's cheaper and easier for the insurance company to pay out than to litigate.
That being said, I have a case now where they are apparently going to spend $5K plus to litigate a file, where we are about $2K apart. I guess they think they are making a point, but it's stupid business practice.

[Pinner]

You need to put ValdtheImpaler on your business card.

email: VladtheImpaler@yourgonnalose.ca

[Raekwon]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

Goes down the scale. In reality, if you have a lawyer and only treat, say, 15 times, you will still in all likelihood get the cap max because it's cheaper and easier for the insurance company to pay out than to litigate.
That being said, I have a case now where they are apparently going to spend $5K plus to litigate a file, where we are about $2K apart. I guess they think they are making a point, but it's stupid business practice.

Let me guess, Intact?

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by Raekwon

Let me guess, Intact?

No, Intact pays after pretending to be tough. It's the school bus people - self-insured.

[JustAnotherGuy]

Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler

This is going to sound cynical (well, whom am I kidding - this is cynical), but 99% of the time the "victim" winds up being fataed on the property side because you will never get fair compensation for your vehicle. Therefore, it's incumbent on you to go get some physio and make a PI claim. Get your $4,500 (per person). Yes, this is cynical, I know, but I am giving him practical advice, based on doing this for 12 years. He can dismiss this, but at least he knows his options.

P.S. Whiplash takes up to 96 hrs to set in - see how you feel Friday before telling anyone you are "fine".

Insurance companies are scum and the system forces people to do everything to get as much as they can from them. The insurance company will gladly screw the people in order to make sure they turn a profit.

So as cynical as your statements are you are correct.

I won't get into details but the ex was in a car accident many years ago and the insurance company had her followed for a couple days. Including parking his truck outside our house. Imagine these days having somebody follow you around? He left pretty quick when I went to his truck with hockey stick in hand.

[Northendzone]

rec'd a call from the body shop today - they estimate the damage on the car at $8,880 - given that similar vehicles sell for between $5,000 and $7,000 it seems pretty clear on how this is going to end.

the timing of this is not good for us and my wife has quit her job and I'd rather wait until she sorts out what she is doing before buying another vehicle - and I also don't want to bother buying another just because vehicle.......oh well, it will be nice to only have one vehicle in the garage for a while

[VladtheImpaler]

You will be offered Blue Book value. Try to combat that by getting some listings for similar vehicles from the Autotrader. If you have recently added to the value of the vehicle (new engine, new stereo, etc) make sure you present the receipts, as improvements are in addition to base value. Typically, the insurer is willing to negotiate a bit.

[Hevishot]

Depending on your insurance company most vehicles are considered a Total Loss by the time they hit 70-80% of their Actual Cash Value (ACV) Make sure if you have had any recent work done to the vehicle (brakes,tires and such) make sure you supply them with bills so you can try and get some of your money back. I would never recomend buying a vehicle back that was branded rebuilt because they are a pain in the butt to sell when you do want to part with the vehicle and the salvage inspection costs are crazy (approx $500.00 plus extra parts and alignment)

[VladtheImpaler]

Originally Posted by Hevishot

Depending on your insurance company most vehicles are considered a Total Loss by the time they hit 70-80% of their Actual Cash Value (ACV) Make sure if you have had any recent work done to the vehicle (brakes,tires and such) make sure you supply them with bills so you can try and get some of your money back. I would never recomend buying a vehicle back that was branded rebuilt because they are a pain in the butt to sell when you do want to part with the vehicle and the salvage inspection costs are crazy (approx $500.00 plus extra parts and alignment)

Maintenance expenses don't count. They will only credit "improvements". That said, try using it as part of your argument.

[Northendzone]

have not really put any money into improving this car - is was a commuter vehicle and it was maintained. last major expense was new tires about 18 months ago and about a year ago there was a $500 repair.

vehicle was in good shape (just washed and cleaned day before we were hit). I beleive that it had lower than typical mileage 127,000 for a 2003 (~16,000/yr) so hopefully that helps out my cause a bit - but i expect to have to go back and fourth a bit before we agree on something - or they quit negotiating......

[Raekwon]

Originally Posted by JustAnotherGuy

I won't get into details but the ex was in a car accident many years ago and the insurance company had her followed for a couple days. Including parking his truck outside our house. Imagine these days having somebody follow you around? He left pretty quick when I went to his truck with hockey stick in hand.

Unless she was claiming injuries or was a suspicous loss then this never happens. If you are claiming injuries and they suspect you are lying you can bet that they will set up surveilance on you (usually only on bigger claims) I always find watching these videos pretty creepy but fun, I love seeing the different ways they watch you.

[Northendzone]

i can remember working for a group insurance company and they had some great video of a guy who supposedly had a back issue that kept him off of work - however it did not stop him from shingling his roof or playing hockey. funny thing was thatnhim and his buddies were hamming it up for the camera during the hockey game.

insurance companies are companies, not charities - they can't just pay claims willy nilly.....