Quote Originally Posted by RickOKC View Post
- he simply made a comment based on an (overemphasized) part of what I wrote (due to my meandering thoughts and poor writing skills) too!
But Rick if your writing skills are so poor, why do I understand them so clearly....
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oh, sorry, my thoughts were meandering.......back on topic...

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You can also discuss it with your insurance company. That's what I did with my accident in January. After I determined it didn't meet ANY criteria that would allow them to raise my rates, I reported it to both the cab driver's insurer as well as my own.

I then, basically picked their brain on how the insurance worked, exactly. You can also ask how these different scenarios could play out, and what course of action is best in each scenario. By different scenarios I mean, 1) legal owner claims drivers stole their vehicle, 2) legal owner doesn't have any coverage that would cover driver, etc....etc...

I absolutely hate auto insurance for some reason, goes back to when I was taking a graduate course in insurance...when I got to the Auto insurance class, I ended up dropping out and went and got an MBA...at least I understand how that stuff works! So, I really took advantage of asking questions to my own insurance co, getting up to speed, and then I took over handling the claim.


Also, you'll want to know specifically how your State handles each element of the damages. (For example, my accident occurred in Nevada, yet I reside in AZ, but the laws of Nevada prevail because that's where it occurred. They're telling me there's no "Diminished Value" in Nevada...oh joy.........you can't believe how the carfax/autocheck score dropped due to this accident. Whether we like it or not, Carfax/Autocheck data has an impact on resale value. I'm still fighting with them over this. I'm not real keen on taking a $12,000 drop in resale value due to the other party's negligence. Even though I haven't realized that loss YET, it's still part of the damages to me/vehicle.)


My accident also involved a ticketed offense on the other driver, and a police determination of their 100% fault. Actually, the cabbie's insurance/claims adjustors were falling all over themselves to pay for the car repairs, my medical bills, they forwarded us a check to cover our $1,000 deductible on our policy, all due to the 100% liability/fault hanging over them. You're now in the same scenario, so keep that in mind and mention it often...especially since your fact set is far worse than mine. Alcohol, more physical damages to your vehicle, potentially an unlicensed driver, potential unauthorized use of vehicle, etc...etc..etc..


Ashley with just that snapshot of info you've found, I'd discuss that info at length with your insurer and try to get a gauge on what kind of responses/info you get back from them. If they don't seem as concerned as you are about the possible complicating matters in this, you should at least consult a reputable attorney.

One other thought....It appears from what you've said, there's minimal physical damages and injuries, (thankfully!) so don't be surprised if an attorney isn't that "interested" in taking your case....their bread and butter is in personal injuries sustained.....not the property damage.
But I would at least want to discuss the situation with a knowledgeable attorney so you know how to proceed to make sure you get ALL the appropriate reimbursement for the value of your truck etc...
And of course you still want to make dang sure Mahalia's abdomen etc is OK. Definitely get a doctor visit for her and you too, just to check you guys out. It's been what, 5 -6 days....there still could be some residual issues like strains that could manifest themselves.

You're a very analytical and methodical guy, you'll digest all the info and chart a course that's best. You'll just need to shadow it and follow it closely as your insurer handles it. It's just a giant hassle, that will go on for a long time, and make you crazy....all for something that was a result of somebody else's really bad judgement!