A tractor-trailer rear-ended me at a red light today. The cops came and everything, the report should be ready to pick up on Monday. The guy driving the tractor-trailer admitted his guilt so I don't really see his insurance putting up a fight or anything.

The timing couldn't have been worse, I had just washed/waxed my car and cleaned my rims and was going to take some pics this evening to put up on acura-cl.com

As far as damage, I'll try and post pics but for now I'll describe it. My bumper is smashed in and is poking out at the sides, the trunk is caved inwards, The left taillight is cracked, the rear spoiler is ripped off of the trunk alittle in the middle connection, and there are some scratched on the rear left of the body just forward of the bumper.

1) How does does work? I know some people get checks from the insurance company, is this common practice or do they usually prefer to pay a body shop directly?

2) From my description, how much would you guess the total will be for repairs?

3) Who should I get my estimate done by or who should I get my work done by? Acura/Honda, or an outside bodyshop place.

4) I know people often times end up making money out of all this or end up getting other things fixed. I don't want to be too greedy about this, I'm not going to sue or anything or try to squeeze every penny I can, but I wouldn't mind getting a complete paintjob out of this if I could. Do you think this would be possible?

 

claim whiplash... from wut it seems you might have to get the car pulled.. and replace trunk, bumper, and tail...

 

as for who gets the estimate, usually the opposite insurance sends a adjuster to look at your car and that person will determine weither your car is totalled or not.

 

usually the insurance co will figure out how much they think you should get for it as far as an amount to repair, then cut you a check, people make money by taking it to a cheaper shop r buying after market parts instead of OEM stuff as aftermarket parts are generally cheaper.

 

Sorry to hear about your accident, it sucks. About three months ago I was rear ended by a Ford Expidition and the damage sounded somewhat similar to yours. Heres what happened, first, report the accident to your insurance company and get a claim number. Next, there are usually drive in places that your insurance company will own, simply drive in, give them the claim number and they will "estimate" the amount of the damage, will usually be much too low. Next, you bring the car to an auto body shop and whatever it costs to fix the car will be supplemented by the insurance company, meaning they call them back and show them what i wrongonce the car is taken apart. Finally, depending if you own the car, they will either cut you a check directly or you and your finance company a check. If its the latter, you need the finance company to stamp the check and then pay the autobody shop. I prefered to go through my own insurance company and let them deal with the other guys insurance company. Sorry for such long reply, but I hope it helps.

 

the adjuster from my insurance company (different situation but still) wanted to just look @ it and give me a check for what they thought would over the damage, i said F that and had them deal with my body shop. they ended getting a lot more than what guy woulda given me, and enabled me to get a new paint job. find a good body shop and let them do the dirty work for you.