Last night, someone decided to use my S2000 instead of their brakes. I was on the freeway, slowing down for a traffic jam. No abrupt stop on my part at all. The car behind was obviously not paying attention. A pile up happened behind the car that hit us.

The back end of the car was pretty much trashed. My opinion due to my girlfriends description, totalled (I don't remember). Kudos to Honda. The car did its job well, and absorbed the impact. My girlfriend and I were fortunate enough to walk to the ambulance. I was diagnosed with a category 2 concussion (my seat was pretty much up against the roll bar, hers was not), and my memory is just starting to come back. I don't remember squat about the accident and will check on that by pulling the polce department tomorrow.



Questions, I know that you guys are not lawyers, and I will not take this as legal advice. Just as a starting point.
1) My S2000 was 6 months old, 6K miles. Not even a ding in the door. Had an after market Alpine stereo. Bluebook is 32,215. I owe 33K and change, and the new ones that were available stickered at $39K.
In your experience, how much should I push their insurance company for? In this situation, is it realistic to expect retail replacement value for the car

2) I am going to get an attorney, just to make sure I don't sign anything away being stupid. I still need to research, but do PI attorney's exist that DON'T do the 40% of the take plus expenses? I am more interested in paying the retainer and paying by the hour. I think I should get a better deal that way. My insurance agent told me once that the court system supports certain maximum payout limits, with the opinion of it you were really worth a certain amount, you would have carried out that much insurance, etc.

Any shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Remember, when you are stopped, keep an eye on your 6 !

 

You shouldn't need to do anything. That's why you bought insurance. You absolutly don't need an attorney at this point. If you cars totaled ,insurance should be enough to get you a new S.

 

hopefully you bought gap insurance... just in case the other party dont have ins.

and they can do 33 and 1/3 percent.... sometimes even lower... 40 is too high.

 

im with him

sorry to hear about the car but glad you 2 are ok

 

I am fully covered, so I am not worried about that. I do want to avoid filing a claim against mine, as that will only cause my premiums to rise, and having not caused the accident, not really feeling that I should take any financial hits what so ever.

For that reason, I am waiting for a few days before I talk to anyone inolved. Good to let the head clear and the business head take over.

 

Will- I don't think I understand. You would not be filling a claim "against" your insurance company but rathar a claim "with" your insurance company which will inturn file a claim against the party at fault and his insurance company. Let your insurance co. know as soon as possible.

 

So...what's the plan for a replacement vehicle? an 07? an AP1?

 

quickest way to get things resolved is go through your own insurance and have them pay for your car. don't wait for some other insurance company that does not have a first party obligation with you. your insurance company will give you enough money to replace your USED 06 honda s2000. i'd say anywhere btw 27500-29000 not including tax. you might take a hit on your loan, so hopefully you have gap insurance to cover it. and please do not get an attorney unless you actually need legal assistance. if you do have first party medical coverage or health insurance, go get the treatment you need and have the at fault party's insurance company compensate you for your medical bills and "pain and suffering".

*worst case scenario* the "at fault party" has no insurance or minimum insurance, no personal assets, so please use your insurance to cover your a$$

 

your premium "should" not rise if your found "not at fault"

 

It might if the insurance company sees that the area you drive around is an accident-prone region. They did that to me when I got in accident in my school parking lot. They said it's a dangerous area...damn AAA.