Damage claim

[RECON2278]

Was in a rest area in Florida headed to Tennessee for Christmas and was hit by a semi while properly parked and sleeping. Driver cut to sharp and hit the rear of my travel trailer punching a hole in it and damaging the rear corner post. Driver was cited with a careless driving ticket and insurance has accepted responsibility.(I am a Florida resident as well as Driver who hit me)

What is everyones experience with loss of use and diminished values ? I emailed them and they ignored that part of my concern. I have not found someone to repair the camper yet and recently was told by a shop who will be looking at it it may be 6 months to repair. I have contacted my attorney but have not spoken to him yet. Just seeing what others have experienced

Thanks

 

[mrmom]

Moderators, this might be a good post to move into the General Jayco RV Chat forum where it might be seen by more members. Topic that probably crosses over all platforms.

 

[norty1]

Moderators, this might be a good post to move into the General Jayco RV Chat forum where it might be seen by more members. Topic that probably crosses over all platforms.

Thanks and done!

 

[CAG-JAY]

Was in a rest area in Florida headed to Tennessee for Christmas and was hit by a semi while properly parked and sleeping. Driver cut to sharp and hit the rear of my travel trailer punching a hole in it and damaging the rear corner post. Driver was cited with a careless driving ticket and insurance has accepted responsibility.(I am a Florida resident as well as Driver who hit me)

What is everyones experience with loss of use and diminished values ? I emailed them and they ignored that part of my concern. I have not found someone to repair the camper yet and recently was told by a shop who will be looking at it it may be 6 months to repair. I have contacted my attorney but have not spoken to him yet. Just seeing what others have experienced

Thanks

I had to get an attorney and sue the other insurance company in an accident that did extensive damage to a BMW we had. The other insurance company would not talk about diminished value. They lost. Most insurance companies will not pay without being pressured by court action.

 

[RECON2278]

Thats kinda what I'm afraid of ! Did you have to pay out of pocket for attorney ? I drop the camper off tomorrow morning for another damage assessment from a shop I am going to use for the actual repairs

 

[CAG-JAY]

Thats kinda what I'm afraid of ! Did you have to pay out of pocket for attorney ? I drop the camper off tomorrow morning for another damage assessment from a shop I am going to use for the actual repairs

No most attorneys will take auto crash cases on contingency. Find a local auto injury lawyer. The general fee is 25% and more if they go to trial but that is rare.

 

[Old and soft]

Something to think about. Any monies above the actual repair costs may end up as attorney fees. He likely will want to do repairs and your other losses in one lump sum. You may end up losing money that way.
Last time I went thru something like this, the attorneys cut was 33% if settled out of court. He got their $3500 offer turned into a $18,500 check.
Personal injuries seem to reach higher settlements.

 

[bucko-JAY]

I would not give up on getting a diminished value claim. If you ever sell the RV, the value will be lower due to the accident, so you want to be compensated for that.
It must depend on the insurance company as to them ignoring or not wanting to settle easily for this.

 

[conocean]

Every company is different. You might want to hire an adjuster to hold your hand while the claim is being settled. Much cheaper than an attorney. Adjuster can address diminished value & will likely know what to expect from the insurer. First though I’d find a reputable repair shop & get that scheduled asap! You’ve got to get it repaired no matter who pays for what. Best wishes!

 

[RECON2278]

Thanks For the advice !

 

[RECON2278]

Thank You

 

[conocean]

You’re welcome. Please keep us posted as the situation unfolds.

 

[db7512]

Not a expert but how about contacting your insurance and let them fix your rig and they can then deal with the other person's insurance?

 

[CorpRobinson]

If the insurance company is dragging its feet or giving you the runaround, you might want to get some legal advice. I had a similar issue, and it was a headache dealing with all the back-and-forth. A lawyer can help cut through the nonsense and make sure you're not getting lowballed.