OT-PARKING IN THE BEDROOM

[29abone]

I was sitting in the living room watching M*A*S*H last night around 12:45 AM and all of a sudden the whole house shook and there was loud noise.  I jumped up and ran outside and there was a Ranger pick-up up against the house.  A couple of young guys who appeared to have been drinking.  Driver had minor injuries (air bag did not deploy), passenger was OK.  No one in the house was injured.  Although the truck did not penetrate, the brick veneer was damaged and there were cracks in the inside walls.

I will be dealing with the trucks insurance company, possibly my home owners insurance company, maybe an attorney,and a structural engineer. What do I have to watch out for and where are the fish hooks?

[phat46]

Dang, glad you're alright! I hope the house is not too badly damaged either, good luck with the ins. compnaies and the lawyers!!!!

[donsrods]

I'm glad too, nobody was hurt. Could have been worse.

Start by getting a copy of the police report, and take lots and lots of pictures. You will probaby be dealing more with your insurance company than theirs, because they are on your side, the other guy's company is on his side.

Get in touch with an Attorney who comes recommended and who specializes in these sorts of things. It may seem like a drastic step, and I am not nuts about using Attorneys either, but sometimes they can get results faster than you. At least sit down with one for the first free visit, and see what you can learn.

The structural engineer should be part of what your insurance company instructs you to do, because they have a vested interest in making sure the house is in good shape for the future, since they will be the guys insuring it after it is repaired.

Document EVERY conversation you have with ANYBODY, be it the Police, his insurance company, your insurance company, etc. Get a 3 ring binder, with pockets in it, and label it "Car wreck into house."  Keep every letter you get and write down every conversation you have with anyone in it. Be  sure to keep names, dates, time of day, and what both of you said.

Finally, DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING, particularly from his insurance company, without your Attorney looking at it first and oking it. They will try to get you to settle for some figure, and you may give up all of your rights if you sign the wrong document.

These are just my views, but you have to remember, you are the only person in this whole scenario who wants to get your house back to where it was. Everybody else, even your own insurance company is looking to cut as many corners as possible to save some money.


Good luck.

Don

[Fift4fe]

If there is a cash settlement offered.  DO NOT accept anyones first offer.  

DO NOT sign off on any settlement that exempts anyone from any future damage that may show up long after the incident (cracked footing, cracked or settling block, bricks, etc)  Good Luck

Good advice -  Get an attorney involved

[Slick 50]

I believe what you want is called a forensic engineer. I have a buddy who does this kind of work. He is a PE and he investigates/evaluates structures and files a report of his findings with the attorney. Sometimes he's called as an "expert" witness.

[BFS57]

Hello;
I hate to be a wet blanket but I am finding that all insurance companies are  for themself!!
If it was me, I'd get someone, (engineer or contractor) to determine the damages and make some sort of estimated cost of repair (replacement) using the cost of todays' materials. Then, I'd see what my insurance company or the other person's insurance company says and if they don't ad up to the cost of replacement, Don't wait, Hire an attorney and start the process!!!
Insurance companies ani't worth a * anymore! They all want to do anything cheap as hell, It doesn't matter if it's your company or the other persons company! they all try to cut corners!!
Just have your own interest covered!!!! Don't be suprised if someone states that you were at fault!!!
Just my recent dealings with insurance companies!
Bruce

[TJ's Dad]

It appears you guys have little faith in Insurance co's .... fortunately here in Oz we seem to get a fair deal ...... recently my 39 Chev Tudor was totalled in an accident .... heres how it went down ...

Monday ... Car smashed

Tuesday ... To shop for quote

Wed ...       Shop says 'write off'

Thurs ..      Insurance assesor checks it out

Fri ...         Insurance Co phones to confirm 'write off '

Mon ..        I phone Ins Co asking them to repair

Tues ...      Re assesed ... again confirm 'write off'

Wed ...       Ins Co phones to say i have excess of $400.00 balance to be
                  paid.

8 Days later ... Cheque arrives ( also get to keep wreck)


 2 weeks later , after looking all over .... i drive 900 kms to Sydney and purchase A Improved Coupe.

I am a long term customer of the company and have 5 cars insured with them , whether this has a bearing i dont know ,but i was impressed with them.

.