I was finally brave enough to learn to drive. It mostly had to do with landing what i thought might be an amazing job. Government work, but doing something i may have done in the private sector. But it is nothing like what i expected... and not the subject of this paragraph.. or post. It's driving. Why i learned. Why i bought the car. My Blue Bitch.
I have had the job since early June. A minor windfall allowed me to get a car. Not an expensive one, i could not afford that. But just under 3 grand, that i could do. And i found it. Shocked me that finding a car for that little was possible. So, in late May, i bought my very first car ever. A 1998 Saturn SL2.
I learned to love her, 'cause i didn't at first. At first, she was just wheels. I hated her, too, when her transmission started to leak. Then, just last week, some nice man told me what the problem was, and for about 30 bucks, she was almost good as new. Yay!
Then, it happened. Life went from being not so bad to unfair. While at a full stop, just doing what i was supposed to be doing as a responsible driver, a less responsible driver plowed into the back of me. I smacked into the car in front of me. And he banged into the poor 20 something year old who was just trying to make a left into his own driveway.
No one was hurt. Not seriously. But i think the dude in front of me is pulling a whiplash.... i got a letter from his insurance company.
I also got the accident report. The 79 year old man was inattentive, it says. To say the least. I think he should have been ticketed with reckless driving, too, since i think he was accelerating to go around me illegally.
Dealing with insurance companies is mindnumbingly frustrating. Of all the drivers, only one was not insured with Allstate. And, of course, they do not want to fight themselves, so they seem to be willing to sacrifice me. The one and only innocent bystander who does not have a car that runs. The other two have dings, but they can drive their cars. Who gives a shit about the stupid old man that was at fault. It is his mistake and he is the one that should suffer from it. Not me. Not the man in front of me. Not the man in front of him.
I did not have collision on my vehicle. Isn't that more or less the norm? Older car, no collision? But, even if i did, the claim would not go through my policy, but the person who is at fault.
I have had the car for less than 6 months.... and they want me to take a grand less than i paid for it? No. I cannot replace it for the price i paid. I just want a car that runs as well...
I wish i could take that amount from the insurance company for them to write off my car. Then, buy a reasonably similar car and sue the stupid old man for the difference... because no matter how you look at it, i am going to be at the very least $2000 poorer trying to find another car. No way my luck would allow me to find 2 decently running cars for $3000 within the same 6 months.
- sigh*
IT sucks to be sure. You might want to luck at what mission motors has. It's run by the city mission, they sell donated cars that have been repaired and check out to benefit the mission. It might not be the height of style, but you could get wheels for the money you are talking and do a little good at the same time.
Sorry I missed your call the other day, back on the chain gang, Monday
Damn. That's really harsh. :( Do you think People's Court might help? I think public opinion would totally be on your side. If its worth a ditch attempt shot (like (e:thecarey) says), you should try Judge Judy.
Ack! (catching up on your last few posts)--I don't envy your situation at all. It sounds so incredibly frustrating and unfair. The stinger is that it has been such a short period of time since getting your car- you barely have driven its worth yet, and then someone else pretty much kills it, and you have to deal with being car-less now. hmph! I haven't a clue on how these issues work. You weren't at fault yet you have to deal with the ramifications of figuring out how to get another car.
The last few cars I have owned have been very old so there wasn't a need for collision either, or with a new car I had once, I eventually dropped collision once it hit high miles--saved tons on insurance.
Seriously, I'm liking the Judge Judy/Peoples Court idea.
sorry lee, this sucks. Hope things pick up in your favor very soon! (hug)
Sorry leetee. I'm sure you can find another!
Meh. What a pisser. What's the blue book value on your car? That's what they have to give you. Keep fighting them!