I crashed my car

[Anonymous]

Title says it. It happened in a crossroads. I am definitely at fault, as I had a stop sign and the oncoming vehicle did not. Looking at google maps I can see how it happened. If that vehicle was traveling through a stand of trees at the same time I checked the road, I wouldn’t have seen it. That vehicle must have been traveling at a high rate of speed, but don’t they all these days?

I talked to the claims adjuster. He said they’re totaling my vehicle because several airbags deployed (at least two, but I seem to recall multiple deployed). He’s not traveling to look at it, and is relying on the tow truck company to send photos. I was driving through a rural area on my way to go for a hike.

My car was in excellent running condition. It was older, but well maintained. The adjuster said the condition of the car doesn’t matter. He said the air bags, and the age of the vehicle are what determines when they total a vehicle.

Is this information correct, or is he trying to pull a fast one on me?

[Anonymous]

Too much damage to fix once the air bags deploy. I'm guessing you've never had to get body work done on a car or mechanical repairs else .

The sucky thing for you is that cars are super expensive now and even with your insurance company writing you a check for your totaled car it won't be remotely close to cover the expense of a new/ certified used car.

[Anonymous]

Fast one how? Sounds like a pretty straightforward case to me.

[Anonymous]

If you really want to u can request the vehicle for salvage and either sell it or fix it but you'd need to negotiate that with the insurance company

[Anonymous]

This is correct OP. He’s not pulling a fast one. In Virginia once the repairs get to 75% of the ACV, the insurance company totals the vehicle. And he’s correct, your maintenance record doesn’t matter.

[Anonymous]

How do you know you are at fault?

[Anonymous]

OP must come to a stop at a stop sign and not proceed until it is clear of oncoming traffic.

[Anonymous]

Are you OK, OP? If the airbags deployed, the force of the crash must have been significant.

Yes, your adjuster is correct. A "totaled" car does not mean a completely destroyed vehicle. It just means the insurance doesn't think it's worthwhile to pay for repairs, and deployed airbags means it will be expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you know you are at fault?

I entered the intersection when a vehicle without a stop sign was also entering the intersection. Not quite sure how that happened, as I'm usually a defensive driver.

[Anonymous]

You’re at fault but still blaming the other driver?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Too much damage to fix once the air bags deploy. I'm guessing you've never had to get body work done on a car or mechanical repairs else .

The sucky thing for you is that cars are super expensive now and even with your insurance company writing you a check for your totaled car it won't be remotely close to cover the expense of a new/ certified used car.

This. Recently happened to my nanny when her car was rear-ended by young woman on her cell at a stop light while she was off. Her car was running well and paid-off. She had to look long and hard to another used vehicle and pay out of pocket for the difference between the insurance reimbursement and the price.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP. Sorry. That is a total bummer.

[Anonymous]

I got t-boned in a 2021 Subaru with like 15000 miles last summer. The airbags deployed and they totaled the car (even with everyone on here saying there’s no way they would total it). I think it’s legit that they are totaling it.

[Anonymous]

He’s correct.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’re at fault but still blaming the other driver?

Sounds like it.