Car totalled. Would be very appreciative of some guidance

[dflohr]

UPDATED AUGUST 8, 2023


Not my 2021 Taycan thankfully.

Had my factory built 2007 Boxster S in at a local TiresPlus shop simply to replace one of the tire pressure sensors. They drove it around the block to get the sensor registered when a woman in a large SUV decided to make a U-turn from a left turn lane. Boxster was hit, spun, and went over a curb. Pics here and my understanding is that it’s totalled.

Claim filed already with SUV insurer USAA as the police report assigned blame to their driver. TiresPlus (of course) says they have no responsibility.

Looking for some advice and suggestions on dealing with USAA in negotiating compensation as I imagine the game is to pay as little as possible. Also wondering if TiresPlus might have some responsibility since I brought the car in and they obviously did not return it. Incidentally, they didn’t even call me. Four hours after the accident I called them to see when my car would be ready……

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[tchavei]

Jfc man. So sorry ?

I would be pissed at Tiresplus to be honest. They might not have fault in the accident but they didn't have your permission to take the car for a spin I assume?

Besides, for your boxter to spin twice, I don't see that happening unless the suv was doing the U turn at incredible speed OR the boxter wasn't travelling that slow either...

In any case I would be mad. And yeah, that seems "totalled".

Good luck

 

[TDinDC]

Hire an attorney now. The increase in payout that you get will likely more than offset the fees and time wasted on your part. The attorney will likely ask for compensation from both the driver and the shop, and the fact that you are represented will make it easier for both insurance companies (driver and tire shop) to pay out a higher amount.

 

[dflohr]

Hire an attorney now. The increase in payout that you get will likely more than offset the fees and time wasted on your part. The attorney will likely ask for compensation from both the driver and the shop, and the fact that you are represented will make it easier for both insurance companies (driver and tire shop) to pay out a higher amount.

Thank you TDinDC. Starting the ball rolling on that one.

 

[TDinDC]

Thank you TDinDC. Starting the ball rolling on that one.

I wish you the best of luck. As distressing, frustrating and maddening as all of this can be, at least nobody was hurt and you can buy another car . . .

 

[satchurator]

OMG that's not good. +1 on going the attorney route, otherwise nobody involved is looking out for your interests and will be looking to minimize their outlay.

 

[Fsudoles]

Hey, sorry to hear. I got swiped last December while stuck in traffic, awful driver who was in a hurry tried getting around me without enough clearance. No structural damage, and the only part I had to replace was the left rear rim. I didn’t lawyer up, but I was able to get everything paid and after a little legwork (which you can’t do), I was able to to take the car and get an estimate as to diminished value with the cosmetic accident on CarFax. GEICO (the offending party’s insurer) took care of me, they cut me a check for $8000 for diminished value. There should be an estimate available for what the car worth prior to this incident…it’s definitely worth pursuing.

 

[TDinDC]

Hey, sorry to hear. I got swiped last December while stuck in traffic, awful driver who was in a hurry tried getting around me without enough clearance. No structural damage, and the only part I had to replace was the left rear rim. I didn’t lawyer up, but I was able to get everything paid and after a little legwork (which you can’t do), I was able to to take the car and get an estimate as to diminished value with the cosmetic accident on CarFax. GEICO (the offending party’s insurer) took care of me, they cut me a check for $8000 for diminished value. There should be an estimate available for what the car worth prior to this incident…it’s definitely worth pursuing.

To clarify, I am not the type of person to advocate hiring attorneys for everything. My recommendation was based on the involvement of two relevant parties where the OP was not directly involved. This dynamic changes incentives dramatically and materially increases the chances that one party will point to the other party.

it is much easier when you are only dealing with one party and the incentives are simply to settle and move on.

 

[Fsudoles]

To clarify, I am not the type of person to advocate hiring attorneys for everything. My recommendation was based on the involvement of two relevant parties where the OP was not directly involved. This dynamic changes incentives dramatically and materially increases the chances that one party will point to the other party.

it is much easier when you are only dealing with one party and the incentives are simply to settle and move on.

Totally understood, and perhaps I should’ve added that if GEICO wasn’t more than fair during my dealings with them, I was fully prepared to hire counsel, I was just fortunate. And of course, the complexity of this matter (multiple parties) is far different than a simple “fender bender” I dealt with. Thanks for letting me clarify.

 

[TXAG]

Horrible. Just horrible. Multi-person mistakes on multiple levels and I'm so sorry it happened to you, @dflohr .

Definitely get an attorney to go after USAA and TiresPlus. I've heard some attorneys won't charge you unless they win the case. Can anybody compare results from an attorney who charges versus an attorney who only charges upon winning? Also, I suggest not posting any negative reviews about TiresPlus until everything's settled. Good luck.

 

[BigBob]

Better call Saul. You lot over there do like suing each other!!

* sorry about your car btw.

 

[Archimedes]

I got hit by a USAA policy holder a few years back. They were great to work with and paid every dime I was due.

 

[snstevens]

Hire an attorney now. The increase in payout that you get will likely more than offset the fees and time wasted on your part. The attorney will likely ask for compensation from both the driver and the shop, and the fact that you are represented will make it easier for both insurance companies (driver and tire shop) to pay out a higher amount.

Yes, yes, yes. Get an attorney and strategize from there. You have every reason to expect 100% of the pre-accident value of your car plus inconvenience costs and renting a replacement.

You might also have the computer of the car scanned to determine what speed the Porsche was going when it was hit. My guess is that the Tire Plus guy was out for a joy ride. If that is the case then there might be eligible for damages too.

 

[Replika]

Jfc man. So sorry ?

I would be pissed at Tiresplus to be honest. They might not have fault in the accident but they didn't have your permission to take the car for a spin I assume?

Besides, for your boxter to spin twice, I don't see that happening unless the suv was doing the U turn at incredible speed OR the boxter wasn't travelling that slow either...

In any case I would be mad. And yeah, that seems "totalled".

Good luck

Firestone did this to my wife’s sports car too. They were out for 20 minutes driving “for the TPMS” after a repair patch. No permission whatsoever. Absolutely absurd.

 

[Archimedes]

I’ve had three vehicles totaled by other drivers and I’ve never once needed a lawyer involved to get a fair settlement. Doesn’t make financial sense to even consider retaining counsel unless/until you get an offer that’s wayyy too low. Also, if you have collision insurance, you can make your insurance handle it and just get delayed repayment of your deductible.

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