73-87chevytrucks.com
General Site Info => General Discussion => Topic started by: Mike Phillips on December 09, 2009, 09:40:26 pm
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Just was rearended...
Sad but true but my 1975 Jimmy was just rearended...
Was sitting sitting on the road in front of my house waiting for oncoming traffic to pass so I could pull into my driveway and a young man in a 1996 Ford Truck slammed into the back of my Jimmy at I'll guess somewhere between 60 to 80 miles an hour. He hit me like a missile so my guess is he was really driving fast. I'll measure his skid marks tomorrow when it's light but they're pretty long.
He hit the rear passenger side of my truck. The bed of my truck is shoved far enough forward that the passenger door is pushed into the front passenger fender and it won't open and the side of the bed is crumpled. the front passenger side is lightly crumpled.
On the driver's side the rear tailgate is pushed forward into the bed and the driver's door is stuck shut but I think I can get it open in the daylight. My guess is the whole bed is crumpled and bent and shoved forward.
I've owned 4 full convertible Blazer/Jimmy's and this was the nicest, most rust free truck out of all of them.
I honestly don't want to keep it because I don't think it will ever be "nice" again, I think it will always be bent even if they try to un-crumple it.
I'll have to get some estimates from body shops to fix it, I'm hoping they can total it and I can get my Insurance company to cover me for what I purchased it for or for what it will take to replace it. I paid $6000.00 for it and actually still have the webpages from the eBay auction saved somewhere.
Brand new 454 engine, I've only changed the oil 3 times since installing it. Brand new rebuild 700R4 Transmission with shift kit etc. 3/4 ton running gear with disc brakes all the way around.
In a perfect world I'd like to keep the running gear and put it into a 1971 or 1972 Chevy 3/4 Ton 4x4 that's rust free.
It still runs and drives but I need to check out the gas tank, fuel lines and fuel pump in the daylight. It has a Holley Fuel Pump and external fuel filter, the size of an oil filter mounted just in front of the gas tank.
1975 Jimmy 4x4 RIP
1975 - 2009
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/747/JimmysNewTop01.jpg)
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/747/JimmysNewTop02.jpg)
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/747/JimmysNewTop03.jpg)
:(
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That stinks man. sorry to hear that. rip jimmy
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Man! Glad you're ok. I can't believe that. I love that truck! I hope the insurance stuff goes smoothly for you!
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I'd be grabbing my neck. That would put me outta work for about 4 months.
Really, glad you're ok, that's the important thing.
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Glad your ok. I loved that Jimmy!
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Sad news indeed. Hope your ok!
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Well that blows, Yeah I would be at the least getting checked out , cat scan, or something? Getting hit at that speed your lucky you didn't get real hurt.
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Well that blows, Yeah I would be at the least getting checked out , cat scan, or something? Getting hit at that speed your lucky you didn't get real hurt.
I seen him coming in my rear view mirror and grabbed the steering wheel, looked at on coming traffic for an escape route and braced for impact. It was like a slow motion Bumper Car ride. A car coming at me in the other lane just passed by as my Jimmy was hit and I spun 180 degrees swiping through the oncoming lane. My truck ended up pointing 180 degrees the wrong direction in my lane with the engine idling. There wasn't any traffic coming either way so I put it in reverse and backed it into my driveway.
Today I feel fine. I work out in a gym all the time and I can guarantee you in that brief moment before impact I had a firm grip of the steering wheel with my muscle tightened and I was completely prepared for impact.
I just left a Men's Bible study at Church, we were talking about how nothing comes to God as a surprise.
Everything's good.
:)
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Really glad youre ok. Blazers can be replaced. Proof someone is watching.
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My truck ended up pointing 180 degrees the wrong direction in my lane with the engine idling.
gotta love a Chevy
There wasn't any traffic coming either way so I put it in reverse and backed it into my driveway.
I would've stayed right there 'til police can investigate. They usually spray paint where the wheels ended up after the impact to judge how fast the other car was coming. Then a crash team investigation appears to plug in their formulas. I would not have moved it, it is evidence, and, if, God forbid, you had sustained an injury that took a while to notice, because that does happens when you tighten up your muscles, and adrenaline pumps, it would be a crime scene. Something to think about. Now, any defense attorney would have a field day defending his client becaus evidence was tampered with.
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That REALLY sucks! glad you're ok most importantly. If it's totalled at least you have some great parts there. I would get an appraiser to come give you a replacement value of the truck. I'm sure they'll value it somewhere around $12k. Make the insurance company pay or threaten to sue. These trucks are rare and hard to replace. I wouldn't settle for $6k. Do you have pix of the devastation?
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Make the insurance company pay or threaten to sue. These trucks are rare and hard to replace. I wouldn't settle for $6k. Do you have pix of the devastation?
I'll take some pictures and post them today. I'm open to as much advice as I can get on dealing with insurance to get my truck replaced. I want to keep the running gear but I don't want my pride and joy to be a bent truck. I was planning on passing this down to my son in 5 years.
:)
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Glad to hear your O.K.
That was a beautiful truck but I'm sure you will come up with another one.
Hopefully the insurance company will let you buy it back from them so you can grab the drivetrain out of it.
Like Vile said, You should get your own Appraiser to give you a stated value of your truck. You seem to have your build up well documented, that should help your case.
SGTDEL mentioned the Police investigation. This sounds like another area where things are handled differently in different parts on the country. Around my parts the accident investigations are done by the State Police with the assistance of the local police from the town in which the accident took place.
I think unless it's a fatal accident or one involving serious bodily injury( which thankfully was not the case) you would not see an accident reconstruction team responding to the scene.
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I think unless it's a fatal accident or one involving serious bodily injury( which thankfully was not the case) you would not see an accident reconstruction team responding to the scene.
That is correct and what the Police Officer stated last night.
:)
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it must be different, because here, it doesn't matter if it is a fatality or not. They don't reconstruct the accident necessarily, but, they measure the distances of impact versus where the truck ended up, as well as other things to determine speed and such. When it goes to court, the evidence is there, and there is no guess work or he said, she said stuff.
Again, remember, Liam Nessam's (sp?) wife didnt think she was hurt on the ski slopes and later that night the swelling in her brain caused her death. An injury can take a day or two to materialize and if there is little evidence and the scene has been compromised, the defense attorney will love you. I see it all the time in court.
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Again, remember, Liam Nessam's (sp?) wife didnt think she was hurt on the ski slopes and later that night the swelling in her brain caused her death. An injury can take a day or two to materialize and if there is little evidence and the scene has been compromised, the defense attorney will love you. I see it all the time in court.
I don't have a personal injury lawyer do I just pick one out of the phone book?
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Sure, or talk to people you know who can recommend one. Worse case scenario, use the yellow pages. Do you know anyone in the law career? they should be able to recommend someone. Know any deputies? We see every lawyer around as part of our daily duties and strike up relations with some.
DO NOT talk to anyone about the case on the defendants side (lawyer, driver, insurance agent) without a subpoena. They'll try to get you to admit you have no injury. Everything they NEED will be in the accident report. A good atty will advise you of that. If they need more info, THEY can issue a subpoena, which means a court date. Question, did the other driver get cited?
The other driver's insurance or atty will have you try and sign something that you were not injured, etc...by signing, you have given up any chance to sue them. You could start to have back or neck problems next week...you never know.
And, they cannot dictate which doctor you go to either. They'll call you like they are your best friend and such, don't fall for that.
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X2 what SgtDel said. They want out of it as cheap as possible. Then turn around and raise his rates trough the roof. They don't care. they will screw you, and then rape their own client too.
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hate to hear it happened, but at least you are ok. I would definitely pursue more. Finding a 3 year only fulltop in that condition is going to be difficult.
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Here's some pictures of the damage...
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy000.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy001.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy002.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy003.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy004.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy005.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy006.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy007.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy008.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy009.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy010.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy011.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy012.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy013.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy014.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy015.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy016.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy017.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy018.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy018a.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy019.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy020.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy021.jpg)
Insurance adjuster is going to come look at it tomorrow...
:)
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On November 30th, just 9 days ago, I rotated the tires to help insure tread on the tires will wear evenly. While I had each wheel off the truck I waxed the wheels, hand polished the lug nuts and dressed the tires. The day before I rotated the tires I used a rotary buffer to machine polish the paint and then used a DA Polisher to wax the paint.
Then I took a few pictures before the sun went down...
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/TakenOnNovember30th001.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/TakenOnNovember30th002.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/TakenOnNovember30th003.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/TakenOnNovember30th004.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/TakenOnNovember30th005.jpg)
:)
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You might be able to keep the truck or get what you want off of it and still get some money for it. I did that with my '78 when it got wrecked. It was technically a total loss, but they cut me a deal and kept it from having a total loss on it's record. They offered me like $4800 to begin with, but then they took it down to $3650 and I could keep the truck. So I don't know what yours is worth, but you should be able to keep it and get less money even if it is a total. Even if you just keep it, you could get what you want and part the rest out. With that quarter Panel to door to fender damage, It'll be a total especially since it's so old.
Good luck man!
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Even though these are different sides, look at how the Bikini Top is drooping after the accident but before the accident it was taunt.
Taken on December 10th
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/WreckedJimmy019.jpg)
Taken September 22nd
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/747/JimmysNewTop01.jpg)
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/747/JimmysNewTop02.jpg)
Taken on November 30th
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/TakenOnNovember30th003.jpg)
Shows that the roll bar/bed/body has been moved forward quite a bit.
:(
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:'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
I am glad you are OK. Man that sucks to see what happened to your Blazer,I hope you get a good lawyer and make the other guy pay for what he has done.
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So I don't know what yours is worth, but you should be able to keep it and get less money even if it is a total.
Well I paid $6000.00 for when I bought it on eBay. There's a thread here about that and actually I pretty much documented everything I've done to the truck on this forum. It came with a 4-speed and a 350 small block and I've installed a 454 and a 700R4 since then. I've almost owned it 2 years.
Good luck man!
Thanks...
:)
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I was expecting more visible damage from a rear end of 60+mph... like your tailgate at your back seat. Guess im used to seeing cheap plastic cars in accidents, good ol american made classics.
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How far are you from New Hampshaa? I think Blazin does body work.
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Glad you are ok. You have quite the history and pics about recent condition. That was one hard hit to jamb the passenger front fender like that. I bet if that roll 4 point roll bar wasn't in place it would have been a whole lot worse.
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Get all the insurance money and fix it. If it were me the guy that hit me would be suing me after I was done with him. What was he doing? Texting?
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Sucks arse for sure, hope you had agreed value insurance?
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just saw this thread, and that really stinks. glad you are ok after that hit!! i hate to see this truck in such bad shape, it was one of my personal favorites! i have loved this truck since i saw your first posts on it, it is basically my childhood dream truck...
i hope you get the insurance money you deserve, and that you can keep the truck!! good luck with everything!
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Get all the insurance money and fix it. If it were me the guy that hit me would be suing me after I was done with him. What was he doing? Texting?
I don't want a bent Jimmy...
One of the reasons I really like this Jimmy was it was straight and rust-free, two things I never had in my other 3 full convertible Blazers.
The Alstate Adjuster came out to look at it today and agreed to Total it and then told me he has to take his accessment and pass it off to the person in charge of dealing with "Totals".
I like your go-get-um attittude but I wanted to pass this down to my son in 5 years and I want to pass down a nice Jimmy, not an un-bent Jimmy.
I really worked hard on this truck and EVERYWHERE I drive it I always have car guys come over and check it out and give me the High-Five.
Last month I pulled into a Cirlce K and had 3 Sherrifs checking it out and they were all car guys and really like it. So I'm a skosh down over it because I've spent almost 2 years since when I first brought it home getting it to the condition it was in and it was far from perfect but it was straight and rust-free.
I always called it
A good start
And it was...
:(
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Man that stinks! Glad your alright, but don't your neck hurt? :o
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Man that stinks! Glad your alright, but don't your neck hurt? :o
I'm more sore today than I was yesterday.
Meant to call a personal lawyer today and just didn't get to it...
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You won't get any real money unless you go to your doctor and tell him you are sore.
Do you know if the driver was cited? Do you know if he had insurance?
pull up every receipt you ever paid on that truck...wheels/tires/engine/engine parts/trans/upholostery/ etc.
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We had to have extra insurance for the wifes show truck to cover all the add-ons we put on it, otherwise, it would just be covered for book value. Your truck shows a high retail of $14900. In my opinion, it should qualify for High reatil due to the condition it was in. Average is $9246. Yours was no where near average. Hopefully they will be honorable, and give you what the truck was worth.
Maybe you can find another, here's one for thought, its not as good as yours, but may be worth a look.
http://www.autotraderclassics.com/find/vehicle/vehicleDetail.xhtml;jsessionid=3FE907C78E235E1A2C119D6ED3B70BDF?adId=198787&actionMethod=find%2Fvehicle%2FvehicleSearchResults.xhtml%3AuShipController.init&conversationId=344509
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Wow that be nice, and then buy it back for the drivetrain
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Actually, that was based off of a 75 Chevy Blazer, the GMCs are considerably higher. Look it up on NADA, and see for yourself. That way you have some ammo if they decide to short you.
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Actually, that was based off of a 75 Chevy Blazer, the GMCs are considerably higher. Look it up on NADA, and see for yourself. That way you have some ammo if they decide to short you.
Yea but the injury lawyer will more than make up for it. better get one of those neck braces too
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Went out and snapped some pictures of the accident scene for posterity. Right or wrong I've sent the link to this thread to the first Allstate Adjuster that looked at and evaluated my truck. I'm going to send it to the guy in charge of their department for totals.
This is looking from the point of view of the guy that hit me.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmyAccidentScene001.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmyAccidentScene002.jpg)
I've walked forward towards where the impact took place
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmyAccidentScene003.jpg)
This is the point of impact. The tire marks going to the right of the white line is where his truck started going into the ditch and swinging around 180 degrees. The tire marks curving around to the left are my tire marks as the impact forced my truck to swing around 180 degrees.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmyAccidentScene005.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmyAccidentScene006.jpg)
These are my tire tracks are crossing the divider line and this is right after a car in oncoming traffic passed by me. Had he hit me a few seconds sooner it would have forced my truck into the driver's side of the oncoming car.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmyAccidentScene007.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmyAccidentScene004.jpg)
These are the impact imprints in the soil to the right side of the road by the truck that hit me.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmyAccidentScene008.jpg)
This again is the impact point, my Bogger Tread is clearly visible being forced over the pavement as I had my brakes on at the point of impact. (4-wheel disc brakes). The tire marks going to the right are some version of Swampers the kid driving the truck that hit me said. He said they had swapped in a Dana 44 Frontend into the 1996 Ford Truck and when they did this it altered the ABS brake system. I remember him saying something about pumping the brakes and not being able to slow the truck down fast enough to avoid hitting me.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmyAccidentScene009.jpg)
This point of view is looking the direction oncoming traffic would see. Down the road a ways there's a traffic signal. I was coming from the side road on the left and then turning right at the light. Before I turned, I looked to my left to see what was coming down the road from the Circle K down at the end of this road at the next intersection and when I turned there were no lights for any vehicles coming from that direction. That's why I think this kid was speeding because not only did he hit me like a missile, he came out of nowhere.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmyAccidentScene010.jpg)
Same point of view as above only from the other side of the road.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmyAccidentScene011.jpg)
I need to go find a replacement lens for the passenger side brake light so I don't get hit again since I only have one rear light right now. I think the truck has a new vibration when I'm driving it, hard to say with 35" Boggers but I'm pretty sensitive to my own truck and just like a lot of you guys, when something's wrong you naturally key in on it.
:)
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Actually, that was based off of a 75 Chevy Blazer, the GMCs are considerably higher. Look it up on NADA, and see for yourself. That way you have some ammo if they decide to short you.
I'll do this. I'm also putting together as many receipts as I can for the truck. Most of them are back at my house in California and the reality is if I want them I'll have to fly back there and get them. That's okay though as I have to go back for other reasons but I probably won't go back till after Christmas.
I've been looking online and in the Trader type magazines for a similar replacement and there's basically two groups, really nice Blazers and Jimmy's over $8000.00+ and basic to stock units, most with rust, small blocks and the stock 1/2 ton running gear.
Except for adding a new dash pad and upgrading the interior I was used to the idea that I was mostly done with this project.
Ugh....
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He said they had swapped in a Dana 44 Frontend into the 1996 Ford Truck and when they did this it altered the ABS brake system. I remember him saying something about pumping the brakes and not being able to slow the truck down fast enough to avoid hitting me.
Oh my, my, my
He admitted to tampering with the stock version of driveline and therefore hendering the safety equipment, which, in addition to speed, which looks to be excessive, contributed to the accident. Pumping brakes? Altered ABS? When wheels are locked up from brakes, your control of the vehicle goes down to nill. With wheels pulsating, he could've steered to the right of you much easier.
Can you say punitive damages? He should've been cited for defective equipment.
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Pumping the brakes and not being able to stop. Sounds like an excuse as to why he's an idiot. I didnt thing ABS had anything to do with the front brakes in 96 (not sure someone help me), I also thought that if something in the system was wrong, it would revert to regular brakes, and all would lockup (once again, someone tell me if Im wrong, thats how Ive learned) Regaurdless, if he knew it messed with the brake system and still drove it, wouldnt that be operation of an unsafe motor vehicle on public highways, and wreckless endangerment. If you modify a truck, and it substailly makes it hazardous, you did it wrong.
In short, if it is true his brakes failed, he was driving too fast, his vehicle was unsafe, and I dont thinh he was paying attention. Like someone else said, he was on the phone texting.
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Again, at least you're not dead or severely injured but I get so mad seeing this. If someone did this to my 74 I'd paint the town red with blood! :-X It's totally his fault so don't let the insurance company jip you.
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i am with Vile, mad as heck after all that sweat and time, it's junk.
Take how long you've had it, how many hours spent by your own sweat working on it. It seems you have put hundreds of hours working on it. Say, conservatively $40 an hour working on it, times 200 hours, you have $8k right there.
DON'T SETTLE ON ANYTHING WITH THE OTHER INSUR. COMPANY 'TIL YOU'VE SPOKEN WITH AN ATTY. THEN CLAIM ATTY FEES AT COURT. YOU WILL WIN, OBVIOUSLY!
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He was given two citations...
1. Careless Driving
2. Driving while license suspended with knowledge
I'm not a dishonest guy, I don't want more than what's fair but I don't want less. Most of the people in my circles see my truck as an old truck, that's because they all drive brand new cars and trucks. I completely understand that way of thinking. But after living in California and going through their "Smog Program", I told myself I would never own a car newer than 1975 just to avoid the government helping me to keep my cars running good. I like things "I" can work on. I can take that truck apart with a blindfold on, it would be dangerous but I could do it. I can't work on a new car or truck and even though when they are "brand new", new cars and trucks don't need work, but down the road as they get older they just get disposed of at some point. New cars and trucks are not becoming "Classics" that people hold on to. There's exception to that like Viper's Corvettes, maybe Mustangs and the new Camaro's in the future, but seriously, unless it came from the factory with chrome bumpers and glass headlights it's not collectible and I don't care for it.
I like an old truck. I like to be able to pull things and haul things. I like a big block Chevy. This truck was paid for so while my friends don't get how I can pay the gas bill, I don't get how they can pay the car payment. I never spend more in gas than most people spend on their monthly car payment for just one car. Besides all that, it's so much fun to drive ANYTHING with a big block Chevy engine. Heck just idling is fun.
So right now I'm going to be patient and get my ducks in a row. If Allstate comes back and tries to low-ball me then I'll have to look at my options like getting my own appraiser and hiring a lawyer.
:)
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driving while license suspended with knowledge.
man, an atty will love to be on your side. I wonder what this driver did before to get his license suspended, ummm, more wrecks? He doesn't learn his lesson. Make him learn.
Remember, he did this to you while conducting a criminal act. His license was suspended. He is going to jail.
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WOW!!! That really sux, glad to hear you are ok. And as far as what you were saying about california's "smog program" i totally agree with you on that i also love the classics as i have 2. GOOD LUCK
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Hate that this happened, I really enjoyed following the build thread...plus my wife loved the way it looked.
Glad that you are ok and hope everything turns out the best for ya.
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I agree, Im very glad you walked away from this. That is praise worthy in itself, but he did commit vehicular homicide in my eyes......a very nice Jimmy is no longer with us. He should pay. No liscnense, what if you didnt walk away or your kids were with you...he should pay. One mistake, okay, we all have done it, but he lost his liscense for a reason and knew it. To me that reckless endangerment. I agree with Vile as well, he wouldnt have walked away. Id blame it on adrenaline and fear. I think its called post tramatic stress.
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I think its called post tramatic stress
it's called PBTD
Post Blazer Traumatic Disorder
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PBTD. LOL.
Mike it sounds like you were very attatched to your truck...and I like all your reasoning too. That sucks that you had to lose it like that. I have a feeling that my trucks days are numbered. I live near the border and license/insurance is not a common thing around here and people drive like idiots around here.
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Received a voice mail from Tim S. from Allstate and he said he has a value back on the vehicle and we can use that as a starting point and talk about it.
I'm going to guess it's nowhere near what it will cost to buy a Jimmy or Blazer in similar condition.
So I guess I need to find my own appraiser and even look at hiring a lawyer to fight for me.
Are there any discussion forums for things like this?
How does one go about finding an appraiser that deals with classic cars?
:)
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Will his insurance even cover this ? he was willingly driving on the revoke list cant they say sorry not covering ? Dont want to put a damper on this but it seems an out for them.
On the same note (hopefully mommy and daddy have money :) ) you can sue him for the value plus the punitive and still keep it (Lawn ornament ??)
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Will his insurance even cover this ? he was willingly driving on the revoke list cant they say sorry not covering ? Dont want to put a damper on this but it seems an out for them.
On the same note (hopefully mommy and daddy have money :) ) you can sue him for the value plus the punitive and still keep it (Lawn ornament ??)
So far Allstate seems to be accepting the claim. This truck belonged to the kids dad and the dad had insurance on the truck. That's about as much as I know so far.
I'm flying to my house in California for the holidays and will have a chance to get all my reciepts together for my truck. I have the original eBay page and the bill of sale.
Makes me never want to have anything nice again, it will just get hit.
:(
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Sure hope all works out. It was a beauty. Hate to see it gone.
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The Allstate Insurance Adjuster just called and said they would offer me $1300.00 for my truck.
What a joke.
:-\
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The Allstate Insurance Adjuster just called and said they would offer me $1300.00 for my truck.
What a joke.
:-\
He missed at least one 0 right ??
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Ask him to find a comparable for that price. 1973-1975 Blazers are not that easy to find in that condition, and they demand well over 5x what they offered. The drivetrain alone is worth more than that MINUS the motor, body and wheels. JUST a body tub for one would cost you more than $1300..
What a JOKE. Total up the number of insurance payments you have made on the truck, I guarantee it will be more than $1300!, get that and tell him you just want your money back with standard bank interest.
I would get EVERY receipt you have along with the ebay listing and and then tell him you are going to talk to a lawyer and you will be getting back with him. FIGHT this, he is low balling you hoping you will settle.
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What a ripoff! When I went to Title my son's 1979, I had to pay sales tax on NADA book value because it was over 25 years old, even with a bill of sale for $900. I'd like to say the Mass RMV valued it at $2000 sight unseen. Right now, average retail for my 1979 1/2 ton Chevy shortbed is $4750 according to NADA.
For your truck (using my zip, don't know yours) NADA states: $6,825 (low retail), $13,910 (average retail), $17,875 (high retail). This is with the 30% premium for having a 454 engine. So tell him to p!$$ in his hat and get a good attorney.
FWIW, I'd consider yours high retail.
Mike, you seem like an honest guy who only wants a fair shake, but I beg of you to try and get a good legal team on your side and take this kid and his family for everything they own. My wife was rear-ended while waiting for a school bus by a guy who said "the sun was in his eyes" (heading north, don't think so!). She was putting herself through college at the time, in her senior year, and working 40 hours a week to pay the bills. The scumbag group of lawyers she used switched the attorneys handling her case mid-way through and botched the whole thing up. She ended up taking a very low-ball settlement so that she could buy another car and get on with her life.
Fast forward 5 years later and she develops arthritis in her neck, which leads to a host of physical problems aside from constant headaches and back pain. That's when she quit working. I've watched her suffer with chronic pain for ten years, she still can't work, she can't sleep at night, and she doesn't qualify for disability (we've been down that road 5 times or more). This woman used to unload trucks for a large grocery store and work as an EMT on an ambulance lifting half of 250+ lbs all day long. She wasn't frail by any means, but now she's crippled by pain some days. Taking Ibuprofin for 10 years straight (doctor's prescription) has rotted her stomach and esophagus so much she can't take that anymore to take the edge off. As a comparison, she's delivered 2 kids and said she would take the pain of labor any day over what she lives with constantly.
My point is, you don't know what this accident might have done to your body, and you may not find out until years later. Get what you can now, even if you think you're being a pig (which you are not). Once a settlement is reached the road ends, you don't get to go back for more. Get what you can now! There isn't a day that goes by where I don't want to find the dirtbag that hit my wife and get the rest of what he owes her out of him with a crowbar.
Find a GOOD personal injury attorney. They will have their own group of preferred doctors for you to see, and they will build your case around their findings. I really, sincerely hope that you have no lasting effects from this accident. But the fact that your truck didn't crumple means your body took most of the force. My wife's little Ford Escort was in similar condition, he hit the passenger corner and popped the hatch glass out (which broke across her head) but the car was otherwise drivable and looked like it was just in a fender-bender and not a 35 mph collision.
Good luck Mike! I hope you get what is just and fair, and hopefully more to cover the unforeseen down the road.
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you don't have to settle. take 'em to court. When you file the Warrant in Debt, it'll ask what you are asking for (monetarily) so add up 33% atty fees, add up all receipts, add up rental car price for a couple of months, add up your labor hours, add up everything and put the grand finally on the warrant in debt. You wont know the atty fees, just write in, "plus atty fees".
This is not your fault. You should not have to take a financial loss over this.
You are short a vehicle. Whether you have extra cars or whatever does not matter. You are entitled to a rental car. Call up Hertz or Enterprise and get a quote on a truck and add that to it.
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Tell them to keep the $1300 and just replace the truck with an identical one. You buy insurance so it will replace what is lost, so just let them try to find an equal replacement for it and they can keep the $1300. Then find another insurance company.
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Please say you are now suing!
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Since it is his insurance, that driver's daddy is gonna wish his son was never born to drive illegally if it were me.
If the kid is under 18, you can civilly sue his daddy too for the criminal acts of his son.
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This is NADA for Birmingham AL
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Those numbers are more like it Chris
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Get three appraisals from appraisers who work with unique vehicles and submit that to the insurance co and remind them the driver had a suspended operators license
.
good info....
http://accident-law.freeadvice.com/auto/
http://www.farzamlaw.com/TrafficAccidents.html#rental-car
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Definitely, this truck is a classic or Antique as far as age goes, it turn 35 next year!
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Since it is his insurance, that driver's daddy is gonna wish his son was never born to drive illegally if it were me.
If the kid is under 18, you can civilly sue his daddy too for the criminal acts of his son.
On the Police Report, his birthday is listed as 8/7/75 that would make him 34 years old. To me he looked like he was in his early 20's, I mean this kid looked young, definitely not 34.
When I spoke with Tim S. the Senior Claims Adjuster for Allstate he said right now they're waiting to see if Allstate is going to accept the claim. I guess this is where it comes down to if Allstate is liable for the accident or not. My guess is that since it's his dad's truck that the dad had insurance on the truck. Is there a technical loophole that gets Allstate out of liability since the dad wasn't driving the truck and the kids license was suspended?
If so, then my insurance will have to cover and I'll get to start this process all over again, so for right now I'm going to wait and see what Allstate says.
Regardless of whose at fault, once I find out I'm thinking I'll make a YouTube video of the truck before, then after and include the skid marks. I can probably get pictures of the Ford truck that hit me. Whoever will end up being responsible for replacing my truck will get the entire cyber world watching how they handle this claim.
Thanks for all the ideas and support guys...
Lucky for me I'm in no hurry to solve this and my lawyer told me the statue of limitations lasts for 4 years. Statistically, the longer it drags out teh more it will cost and if it has to go to court then the price will just go higher.
I would settle for a similar replacement and so far everything I've seen with a big block and 3/4 ton running gear that's in decent to good shape on eBay is over $10,000.00
The Senior Claims Adjuster, Tim S. told me he received the link to this thread but he didn't specifically say he read it. Since he's passing this off to the Totals Claim Adjuster and he didn't know who that would be he said he couldn't forward my e-mail to him to the new guy.
Once I find out if Allstate is going to accept the claim and then find out who the new guy is I'll be sure that he gets this link.
As already stated, this accident wasn't my fault and I was dang happy with my truck.
In a holding pattern....
>:(
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Get three appraisals from appraisers who work with unique vehicles and submit that to the insurance co and remind them the driver had a suspended operators license
Thanks for the help and the links. I looked in the Stuart, Florida Yellow Pages for any kind of Auto Appraiser and all I found was real-estate appraisers.
I haven't done a Google search yet but can do that later tonight.
:)-
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keep us posted Mike, when it comes down remind them yours is a 3 year only bodystyle with full removable roof...
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http://www.autoappraisalnetwork.com/local/Miami.html
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Since it is his insurance, that driver's daddy is gonna wish his son was never born to drive illegally if it were me.
If the kid is under 18, you can civilly sue his daddy too for the criminal acts of his son.
In Mass you could sue the owner for letting an unlicensed driver operate the vehicle on a public way.
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the trouble with suing the owner of the vehicle is that you must prove the owner knew an unlicensed driver driver was driving. But if you can, i am sure in most if not all states, you could then civilly sue the owner.
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My now ex girlfriends son was borrowing my 91 Camry I paid $400 for alomst 5 years ago. His girl friend was rearended on it. I ended up with $1,255 for it, plus $200 for not taking a rental car, plus got to keep the car. It was a rusted out beater with almost 200,000 miles!!
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Since it is his insurance, that driver's daddy is gonna wish his son was never born to drive illegally if it were me.
If the kid is under 18, you can civilly sue his daddy too for the criminal acts of his son.
In Mass you could sue the owner for letting an unlicensed driver operate the vehicle on a public way.
You can sue the 'son' too, but it will probably be akin to getting blood from a stone. If he's 34 and still driving daddy's stuff, and has no license, I doubt he has much for money/assets to go after.
Pathetic. I'm 32 with two kids, house, car payment, etc. and doing it all on a single income. And I have a license!
I stopped letting daddy hold my hand when I was 6 or 7. I stopped using cars titled in his name when I moved out of the house after college at 22.
Judging by the Captain's NADA post for the values down south, I think you need to move up here for the claim. Prices skyrocket in the northeast apparently.
Let us know how this shakes out Mike.
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I'd be willing to bet that cheap ford had to get towed home??? haha ford suck i drive an 84 chevy k5 blazer sequoia special and i tell you what somebody ever hit my truck haha they better have good healthcare coverage....Cause they aint limpin away... but hey if ya want a good rust free blazer let me know there all over down here in cheyenne wyoming
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Here's anew one for ya http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1974-Chevy-blazer-4x4-full-convertible-rare-classic-350_W0QQitemZ250555132942QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item3a563fec0e
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NICE!
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There you go, just have them buy this one and call it even. Thats what you bought insurance for isnt it.
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That other Blazer is nice. No front driveshaft though.
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That looks so much like mine. The biggest differences would be I have the 454 Big Block, 3//4 ton running gear, 4-wheel disc brakes and the 700R4 Automatic with all the Corvette and heavy duty upgrades and shift kit by Dana Sniff.
Other than that they're kissing cousins.
I have not heard back from Allstate as to whether they're going to accept the claim or not but will check with them tomorrow. I am back in Apple Valley, California and I have found the original bill of sale and the pages I printed off of eBay after I won the bid at $6000.00 and I took this by my Insurance agents office and had them make copies of them. $6000.00 was before the big block and the 700R4 and NP208 upgrade plus all the other things, headers, carb, MSD, Alum Radiator, new wheels and tires, roll bar, bikini top, etc.
I talk to my real-estate lawyer tomorrow and I'm going to ask him about what's involved with suing either of the insurance companies if they won't give me a fair value to replace what is now wrecked.
:)
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Show them the buy it now on that truck....
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you're doing the right thing it sounds. That '74 blazer sure looks nice. Print that out too after it ends...i see you can end the auction at $12k.
Buy it and keep your wrecked one and switch the engines and suspension. That would be ideal. Bill them the laobr hours too!
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***Update***
I spoke with a Mr. C. V. Gaddy at the Allstate office in Coconut Creek, Florida today. He asked me for my recorded testimony on what happened the night of the accident. I spoke with my Attorney first and he said go ahead and give him you honest account of the accident so i did that today.
Afterwards Mr. C.V. Gaddy said that they would accept responsibility for the claim. Next he asked me about what Mr. Tim Seymour, the Senior Claims Adjuster has done for me so far and I told him he insulted me with an offer of $1300.00 to offset my wrecked Jimmy.
So I'm here in California getting as many receipts as I can for the truck. I have the original bill of sale and the print-out from when I won the eBay auction. I also have my engine receipt, transmission and t-case receipts. Also wheels and tires, roll bar, (it's bent and rare).
When I get back to Florida I'll compile a listing of similar trucks like mine and do my best to work with Mr. Tim Seymour from Allstate but after his insult of $1300.00 I don't have any respect for the person or his profession.
Mike
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dont forget to tack on your labor costs on the hours you put that truck together.
Also, the money for a rental. It doesn't matter if you have alternate transportation or not, you are out a vehicle, they must pay for it.
They may not pay for the complete costs of these two things (without going to court--then they would) but, they can be used as a bargaining chip. If the quotes still come back low, thow the above at them and they will up the price. Remember, they do not want to go to court! They would then have to pay more on their side for atty fees and YOUR atty fees. They will do whatever to stay out of court. Play hardball like they are and it is not your fault. Stay firm.
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wow. 1300 bucks? thats it? rediculous.
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That's why I have stated value insurance. You and the insurance agree on a value before they take you on as a customer - something happens, then there is no question about the payoff.
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That's why I have stated value insurance. You and the insurance agree on a value before they take you on as a customer - something happens, then there is no question about the payoff.
I'll be going this route with the next truck.
:)
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What I need to do and everyone here is welcome to help is to start finding comparable trucks for sale and document them.
For example, this 1974 Blazer someone already posted to this thread is kind of comparable except that it has a small block and 1/2 running gear and a full time front axle. It would be more valuable if it had a big block and my 3/4 ton running gear and transmission and transfercase.
http://tinyurl.com/yjruygs
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/1974BlazereBay.jpg)
The insurance is to replace my truck with something comparable at current market value. This will be a little tough as they only built this model for 3 years and it's going to be hard to find one with a lift kit and a big block and 3/4 ton running gear plus the 700R4 Overdrive Automatic transmission rebuild with a shift kit already installed.
I'm confident most Insurance appraisers don't understand all the car guy talk about the specifics, but you guys certainly understand.
So I'm looking for full convertible Blazers or Jimmy's in comparable condition to mine before it was wrecked so I can start printing the ads out to give to the appraiser.
Just to recap, here's what mine looked like before the accident.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmysNewTop01.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmysNewTop02.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/JimmysNewTop03.jpg)
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Maybe I should start a new, dedicated thread where anyone could post a link and picture to a comparable truck to mine and we can create a list of trucks and I can send the link to Tim Seymour, the Senior Claims Adjuster for him to see just what these truck sell for?
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The replacement cost of the motor, not including the Air Gap intake manifold, the MSD Ignition system, the 750 Holley Carburetor, the Hedman Headers, the brand new power steering pump, the brand new water pump the brand new alternator, the brand new aluminum radiator, is $6,295.00 not including shipping to my door.
link removed per vendor request
I have changed the oil 3 times since firing it up, it's still brand new and so is everything related to it. I wrote the mileage down before I started the engine so I can dig that up and come up with how many miles are actually on the running gear.
Talked to a good friend of mine today who has to deal with insurance companies and he told me it doesn't matter what I paid for the engine, in fact someone could have given it to me for free, the point is what will it take to replace my wrecked Jimmy with something comparable and my Jimmy has the exact motor pictured above only with all of the bolt-on parts I also listed.
Holley Carburetor: $650.00
MSD 7AL-2 Plus Ignition: $532.00
MSD Distributor: $222.00
MSD HVC-2 Coil: $173.00
MSD Wires: $90.00
Air Gap Intake: $260.00
69288 - Hedman Hedders Elite Headers: $413.00
New Aluminum Radiator: $250.00
New Power steering pump NAPA: $80.00
New Alternator NAPA: $120.00
The comparable truck needs to have the above to be comparable.
:)
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That's why I have stated value insurance. You and the insurance agree on a value before they take you on as a customer - something happens, then there is no question about the payoff.
I agree that stated value insurance is a good idea but it is not problem free. My 69 camaro has stated value insurance but when it got hit lightly in the nose it was still a nightmare. The insurance company insisted on using aftermarket parts because the car was more than 1 year old and not a "new" car. I told them I could produce receipts showing that the damaged bumper was a GM part purchased less than 1 year ago. Turned into a battle.
I also ran into problems because i wanted to have the body man that restored my car do the insurance work. The insurance company refused to work with him because he was not a registered body shop. It's a legit shop that specializes in selling GM sheetmetal and parts. This was the owners car that he restored for himself, I made him an offer on the car and he accepted it. Because it technically was not a body shop the insurance adjuster refused to deal with them.
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it technically was not a body shop the insurance adjuster refused to deal with them.
In Va, it is state law, the insurance company cannot dictate which body shop to use. And, all that is required is one estimate.
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Show em some of the barret jackson stuff
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/archivecarlist.aspx
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http://autos.yahoo.com/articles/autos_content_landing_pages/1224/10-things-your-auto-insurer-wont-tell-you/
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Sorry like everyone else to see/ hear about your Jimmy. That is a vehicle that's not made anymore and now it's distroyed. It's just a good thing no one was seriously injured by that punk who thinks he can just do whatever he wants regardless of the concequense. Like he's the only one out there!!!!!!
Just keep in mind your dealing with an insurance company. There in it for themselves and not you. As far as going to court???? remember they have a legal team just for this very reason and they legally have to defend their client the Dad (who by the way should have done something about this punks attitude a long time ago) This being said you have to stick up for yourself so fight fight fight! Keep your demands within reason but to your benefit. I'm guessing the stuff you have added to the jimmy like engine, trans, axles, MSD, carb, etc. are not damaged? How about forcing them to pay for a replacement rust free Blazer/Jimmy, anything that was damaged in the crash and some labor and keep your Jimmy and switch everything over?
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found this on the jackson site, other than the audio, i think it is somewhat comparable to yours...
http://www.barrett-jackson.com/application/onlinesubmission/lotdetails.aspx?aid=54&ln=82.1&pop=0&it=1
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Fitz, any updates? I tried searching, didnt find anything new.
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Fitz, any updates? I tried searching, didnt find anything new.
No updates as of today. I've been kind of busy with work. I'm hoping to make an appointment for next week with a specialty car appraiser.
Here's what I've been working on, note the calender for the schedule for when the commercials will air on Two Guys Garage. Also, a new video going up to day, about 15 minutes long on using the Cyclo Polisher and a new video supposed to go up tomorrow on how to use the Porter Cable.
http://www.autogeek.net/showcargarage.html
:)
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I've learned to insure my truck for it's replacement value so if this happens again in the future I won't have to go through this kind of hassle again. On the bright side, I've bought a really nice Ovation 128 Shallow Body Acoustic Guitar.
I'll post a picture of it later.
:)
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I've learned to insure my truck for it's replacement value so if this happens again in the future I won't have to go through this kind of hassle again.
it won't be your insurance that is involved. It is the law that the whomever's fault it was, THEIR insurance MUST pay for replacement cost. If it doesn't, a case at your local courthouse will be in order. I am sure you have your documentation.
But, something I think we have all learned from your ordeal is, for anyone who thinks their vehicle is worth more than bluebook value, get it appraised now and keep a record of it. It cannot be disputed if it is a licensed appraiser.
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Fitz, any updates? I tried searching, didnt find anything new.
???
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But, something I think we have all learned from your ordeal is, for anyone who thinks their vehicle is worth more than bluebook value, get it appraised now and keep a record of it. It cannot be disputed if it is a licensed appraiser.
Thank you for stating that so well and I'll add this recommendation to my education site for Allstate.
Here's my new Ovation Acoustic Guitar, it's a Birthday Present to myself.
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/OvationJimmy001.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/OvationJimmy002.jpg)
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/OvationJimmy003.jpg)
:)
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Fitz, any updates? I tried searching, didnt find anything new.
???
There wasn't any updates on this topic about his insurance battle, and I didnt find any new topics he could have posted with updated info.
Sweet guitar!
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Why'd you ask fitz though? This is Mike Phillips truck.
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I dont know what happened. Was reading one of Mikes posts but must have looked at the wrong name. Sorry Mike!
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***Update***
Had my 1975 Jimmy appraised today by T Willhite from Auto Appraisal Network.
http://www.autoappraisalnetwork.com/
From what I observed he did a very thorough job of inspecting my truck inside and out. I supplied him with a list of all the modifications which included links to websites where you could either get more information on the component or check the price. I also supplied him with copies of as many receipts as I could assemble plus a copy of my Bill of Sale
I gave him print-outs of 6 Jimmy's or Blazers that sold on eBay or AutoTraderClassics.com that were "comparable" to mine or comparable with my notes that show how they were different, usually the differences were no big block or the truck didn't have 3/4 ton running gear, or no rear disc brakes, etc.
He said he would send me my appraisal within about a week.
Charge was $295.00
If you have a classic car or truck, I would recommend getting a professional appraisal performed and if you don't already, create a file with all your receipts and documentation for your investments or modifications.
:)
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Keep us informed!
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Fitz, any updates? I tried searching, didnt find anything new.
Just had to go check on my truck, all is well.
Hopefully Mike gets his $$ soon to start on his next project.
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here is a rough estimate, regarding a 1/2 ton running gear and a 454 this might give you a ballpark figure on what to expect after you figure in the upgrades prolly can tag on another 10 grand
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If you have a classic car or truck, I would recommend getting a professional appraisal performed and if you don't already, create a file with all your receipts and documentation for your investments or modifications.
great advice Mike. That's not something we think about often because it always happens to the "other" guy. Well, you never know.
Fitz, I'm glad your truck is fine. LOL ;D
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Here's one to add to your list of considerations if interested>
http://odessa.craigslist.org/cto/1597246699.html
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mike take a look at this.... its a pricing guide for a 76 jimmy with the 1/2 ton running gear and a 454... i dunno give ya something to give ya an estimate http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-22-1-5013-0-0-0&l=1&w=22&p=1&f=5014&y=1976&m=1071&d=80&c=10&o=3663~3664&vi=92337&z=82009&da=-1
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Funny that is listed since you could never get a BBC in a Blazer...
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Here's one to add to your list of considerations if interested>
http://odessa.craigslist.org/cto/1597246699.html
That looks like a good start to me...
Just in the waiting mode right now. The Appraiser sent his appraisal in today not sure how long it will take from here forward. I'll call him tomorrow and ask him.
Thanks for the link...
:)
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mike take a look at this.... its a pricing guide for a 76 jimmy with the 1/2 ton running gear and a 454... i dunno give ya something to give ya an estimate http://www.nadaguides.com/default.aspx?LI=1-22-1-5013-0-0-0&l=1&w=22&p=1&f=5014&y=1976&m=1071&d=80&c=10&o=3663~3664&vi=92337&z=82009&da=-1
Thanks!
I'm pretty sure the classic car appraiser would know about this site and page but I"m going to send it to him tomorrow anyways.
I like the values presented, they seem "Real World"
:)
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I called my Insurance Rep today and asked them to give me the mileage off the Odometer as it was recorded right after I got the Jimmy running and the exhaust hooked up to be quiet and legal, that was in a day of getting the engine fired up, timed and ready to drive.
Compared it to the mileage on the Odometer as of yesterday and I have approximately 4000 miles on EVERYTHING, that is the engine, carb, headers, transmission rebuild, and so on and so on.
I've changed the oil a total of 4 times since firing up the motor and will change it again this weekend. (Cheap insurance).
I also called my classic car appraiser and informed him of this today also as I didn't have this data when he was here on Monday, February 22nd
:)
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Found out from a friend that's a claims adjuster that here in Florida, if the Insurance company totals my truck, and that's what they're doing as of the last time I talked to them, if I accept their offer to settle then a tow truck will come get my truck and haul it away to ? I don't know where?
But at some point in time it will go up for auction and if I want it back I'll have to bid for it and win.
My friend has a 1971 or 1972 Chevy 4x4 1/2 ton Stepside shorty that he's been saving for I think he said 10 or 15 years. He said it's complete and rust free and he would sell it to me.
At this point I'm open to a cool project truck to build, it doesn't have to be a Blazer but that would be best since everything I have will bolt right in. If I could pick a truck I would like to find a 1957 Chevy 4x4, 3/4 ton long bed stepside if they were ever built. That would be pretty cool. That or a 1971 or 1972 Chevy 3/4 ton LWB 4x4
I want to go with 44" tires and for this reason I want something longer than a Blazer or 1/2 ton truck for a divorced Transmission/Transfercase set-up for the ability to drop the T-case a little to help with drive-line angles.
Kind of wouldn't mind getting rid of the NP208/700R4 system and just go with a Short Shaft Turbo 400 and a NP205 or maybe an Atlas.
Just some random thoughts... a 1957 Monster Truck in black with a fresh Pirate Flag would be pretty cool, oh yeah...
10" or 12" I-Beam Bumpers for sure this time and an appraisal after it's running, ASAP
:)
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if I accept their offer to settle then a tow truck will come get my truck and haul it away to ? I don't know where?
everything's negotiable. Don't accept unless.....(whatever).
You are in the driver's seat.
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This is beautiful...
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/beautiful.jpg)
This is just cool...
(http://www.showcargarage.com/gallery/files/1/CoolConceptVan.jpg)
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That red truck is beautiful...your welcome for the nada guides and i do hope you get most if not all the money back on your truck...its always a shame when a nice blazer/jimmy get reuined.. im proud to drive one and im never gonna get rid of it as long as truck is around lol
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Received an e-mail pdf copy of the appraisal, it's very complete. Here's the pertinent sentence,
The Fair Market Value of this vehicle, prior to the noted loss date was; $10,7000.00
I forwarded the pdf file to the lady handling my case and she e-mailed back they would evaluate it.
Mike
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I hope you got a lawyer. You need to be compensated for your time, losses and their stalling
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yeah that wont even cover all the add ons the engine nor the original price you paid on ebay... gotta love insurance adjusters and there hoyty toyty attitude i'd come up with some story of back pains and go to the e.r. and rack up another 20,000 lol
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yeah that wont even cover all the add ons the engine nor the original price you paid on ebay...
To be honest, the figure by the specialty car appraiser is close to what I was expecting and hoping for and that was $1,3000.00 to $1,4000.00 but happy to see it come in at least over $10,000.00
If Allstate waivers then I won't accept and will instead launch plan B, which won't be fun or pretty but all the pieces are in place.
If the agree I'll settle and then gut the truck to the point that it's just a carcass that rolls and then start from scratch. A buddy of mine has offered me a 1971 Chevy stepside, shorty that he says while it's a project truck it's complete and in good shape.
At this point I have so many other things going on in life right now that this entire debacle is now on the "B-List" of priorities.
If you have a nice, classic truck or car of any type and you drive it, which means you put it at risk at being hit in an accident, schedule an appraisal today, get the value of your vehicle documented in some concrete way so that if there is an accident you don't have to go through this, you just take your check to the bank and go shopping.
:)
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stand firm. They don't want to spend thousands of $$ going thru the court system paying their atty fees and such. They will settle w/ what you ask ref that appraisal. You may still have to go to the court to lodge a warrant in debt if the insur company still plays games. If it comes to that, make it worth your while by tacking on rental truck fees and the filing fee and time missed from work dealing w/ this crap. That is all fair game in a judgement.
if you do the above, make it in the agreement that you get the old truck back and you will waiive the rental vehicle fees. There will be a quick response from them, and in your favor--they will know they cant play anymore.
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Here's the e-mail I just recieved from Julie Ringeisen
Hello Mike,
I have reviewed the appraisal that Mr. Willhite completed on your vehicle. One thing I noted was that our mileage reading on the vehicle was 135197 as actual and your appraiser says the odometer is 36,888. Due to the large discrepancy in this and also our original value and your appraised value, I am going to contact an appraisal company that we use to contact you to inspect and appraise your vehicle. Once we have our appraisal done, I will have our appraiser contact your appraiser and allow them to come to an amicable agreement. You will be contacted by a company called FIA appraisals to make arrangements to inspect your 1975 GMC. Thank you. Julie
Julie Ringeisen
Sr. Claim Service Adjuster
Tampa Bay Auto
Allstate Insurance Company
PO Box 42035
St. Petersburg, FL 33742
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Here's what I sent her back,
LOL
Your appraiser ADDED the digit for the one hundred thousand miles point on his own because the odometer doesn't go that high. It's assumed it's turned over at least once in the truck's lifetime.
He wrote this down 135197
But on the odometer, the first digit doesn't show up, he assumed the truck has over one hundred thousand miles and added it on his own. Most people do this. My appraiser should have added the 1 also so then it would have been, 136888
That means, since your appraiser looked at my truck the new appraiser looked at my truck if you do simple math
136888.0
- 135197.0
______________
1,691.0 Miles that I've driven since the first appraiser wrote down the mileage and the second appraiser wrote down the mileage.
I just double checked, there's only 6 rotating numbers on the odometer and one of them shows .10ths of a mile, (that's the one on the far right that spins over the fastest as you drive)
You appraiser called a new car dealership and got estimates of $1100.00 that's a HUGE discrepancy.
I'm was really hoping it wouldn't come to putting the PR campaign into effect but at the same time I don't have anything to lose and I'm the victim in this case. So you do what you want because I won't settle for anything less than the amount in the appraisal I turned in. I've already made up my mind. I'll keep building the PR campaign behind the scenes and when you're finally done doing whatever it is you want to do I put it into effect. I'm pretty good at this Internet thing. LOL
At this point, I don't have anything to lose.
Mike
End of e-mail
~~~~~~~~~~
I also copied the first appraiser that appraised my truck at $1,100.00 and the new guy so EVERYONE is on the same page.
Seriously, at this point I have nothing to lose and I've been building websites for this incident like nobody's business. That's called Plan B. It would have been the least costly to have settled with me the first time I offered to take $9000.00 and keep the truck.
:)
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Man this is turning into a Soap Opera, got a book deal yet?
(Sucks for you to go through this)
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On top of the fact that approx 4000 people watched you build the truck on this forum and document every change. Hard to avoid that fact. So right now it is 4002 to about what, 10.
This is the reason I HATE insurance. I still say add up the total amount you paid for this insurance since you bought it and tell them you want all of that back with THEIR interest also. Bet it is more than $1100.
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It's kind of weird in that I'm just so over any frustration over the ordeal. I'm lucky in that I wasn't hurt and no one else was hurt either. My truck still runs and drives like a Bat-out-of-heck, and I have a classic 1974 Datsun 620 to drive also if I feel like shipping it from California to Florida, which I might as sooner or later I'll need a parts chaser.
I told Allstate I don't have anything to lose and I really don't, so I can drag this out as long as they want to drag it out and behind the scenes I'm building Plan B and while I hope I don't have to launch Plan B it just gets bigger and better every time I have any kind of communication with anyone from Allstate. What they don't understand is I'm pretty good at this "Internet thingy". And, I've been posting to "Car Guy" forums since 1994, that's about the time Al Gore invented the Internet. Type Mike Phillips into Google and add the words Car Wax or Meguiar's and see if you pull up any links.
I've made a Kazillion friends all around the world that are all "Car Guys" and many of them buy insurance and I'm sure everyone knows how viral things can get on the Internet. But like I said, I don't want to put Plan B into action, I just want a fair deal from Allstate, that's all.
Besides all that, I'm so lucky to have a great job that I really love and it keeps me plenty busy, here's an example, in a few hours and all day tomorrow I'll be sanding this 1969 El Camino down and then buffing it out for a brand new how-to video.
I love these old El Camino's...
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/836/redelcamino_012.jpg)
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/836/redelcamino_015.jpg)
:)
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Mike, was just wondering where is the Blazer now? Is it in your possesion? I assume when this mess gets settled you want it back for the drivetrain. Not to add insult to injury but if it's sitting in a tow yard or insurance yard somewhere parts have been known to disappear.
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Fitz, I think you missed this part
My truck still runs and drives like a Bat-out-of-heck, and I have a classic 1974 Datsun 620 to drive also if I feel like shipping it from California to Florida, which I might as sooner or later I'll need a parts chaser.
and this....
Found out from a friend that's a claims adjuster that here in Florida, if the Insurance company totals my truck, and that's what they're doing as of the last time I talked to them, if I accept their offer to settle then a tow truck will come get my truck and haul it away to ? I don't know where?
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I told Allstate I don't have anything to lose and I really don't, so I can drag this out as long as they want to drag it out and behind the scenes I'm building Plan B and
I am curious to hear what the "other" appraiser, hired by Allstate says.
I will have our appraiser contact your appraiser and allow them to come to an amicable agreement.
read between the lines. Julie already knows their appraisal will be lower and then "they" can come to an amicable agreement. There is a reason she thinks the new appraisal will be lower....they are hiring the company to give an appraisal.
let them pay for one. Then, when Julie contacts you again, simply tell her you are taking them to court. You will have to pay about a $48 court filing fee (that will be added to the judgement). Tack on attorney costs, rental costs--since you don't feel safe driving that, and time off work to handle the court cases.
Once she hears that she will have to pay the original appraisal amt (10,000 +-) and 30 % atty fees ($3,000) and rental costs til "they" give you your judgement (perhaps $1,000) and loss of work (? hundreds more), not to mention Allstate's attys for a defense team (corporate lawyers aren't cheap), you will be amazed how quickly Allstate settles. I've said it before, they don't want to pay for their attorneys to go to court AND pay for yours AND pay for rental vehicle AND pay for you loss work. The court system knows this is not your fault and you are entitled to all the above!
So, they will not argue over a little bit of money knowing you are serious about the court thing. They figure giving you your price is better than paying both teams worth of attorneys. TRUST ME! DO IT! I see it everyday at work. They will settle. After you hear from the "new" appraisal and then from Allstate, tell Julie forget it, I'm letting the judge decide and will tack on atty fees, loss of work, rental vehicle, etc...she'll stop dead in her tracks.
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***Update***
Last week I reminded Julie Ringeisen, the Julie Ringeisen Sr. Claim Service Adjuster Tampa Bay Auto Allstate Insurance Company in St. Petersburg, Florida, that in one of her e-mails to me she wrote that if I hired my own appraiser that they would reimburse me for the fee. I sent her a copy of the cashed check and bill for the appraisal plus a copy of the e-mail where she wrote they would reimburse me and she told me the reimbursement check was written and being sent to me. This last Saturday, I received the check, note the wording Allstate used on the form and directly on the check, it says nothing about being a reimbursement check but specifically states,
IN PAYMENT OF LOSS ON 12/9/2009
I've taken pictures of this form check and am using them on one of websites I'm building for this issue,
(http://www.david-versus-goliath.com/index_files/AllstateRipOffCheck001.jpg)
(http://www.david-versus-goliath.com/index_files/AllstateRipOffCheck002.jpg)
(http://www.david-versus-goliath.com/index_files/AllstateRipOffCheck004.jpg)
(http://www.david-versus-goliath.com/index_files/AllstateRipOffCheck001.jpg)
(http://www.david-versus-goliath.com/index_files/AllstateSignaturesOnCheck001.jpg)
I'm building a series of websites to document all the communications between myself and Allstate, these will be the one I'm working on right now, http://www.david-versus-goliath.com
I'm re-creating it right now and adding these photos and many more and then linking this site to the other 27 domain names I've purchased for Allstate so far. This David versus Goliath website is nowhere near finished but should be by the time this day is over.
You can see Julie's website here, I'm confident she's just doing her job, the blame lies at the feet of the head of the orginization.
http://www.julieringeisen.com/
And the two people that signed off on the check,
http://www.catherinesbrune.com/
http://www.samuelhpilch.com/
:)
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Sounds like they want you to cash that check as an acceptance for your damages. I hope you are suing the living you know what out of them. I wouldn't deposit that check until you talk to your lawyer
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Sounds like they want you to cash that check as an acceptance for your damages. I hope you are suing the living you know what out of them. I wouldn't deposit that check until you talk to your lawyer
If I try to sue anyone it always ends up being lawyers against lawyers and it's tied up in court and the edge goes to the person or company that had the deepest pockets. Instead of working through the law courts, I'm taking this to the "Court of Public Opinion".
All I'm going to do is show the world how Allstate operates with their own documents and let the world decide if they want to do business with Allstate. If the President and CEO Thomas J. Wilson wants to protect all the people for whom I've purchased their .com domain names then I'll be open to offers as I don't really have any interest in owning their domain names. After the purchase is made they can change all the content on the 30 websites I'm building to reflect positively on their practices or take them down all together.
:)
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I wouldn't cash/deposit that on a bet. I don't know if wording was done like that on purpose or not, being an insurance company, nothing would surprise me. You're doing a lot of work that could someday help a lot of people, thank you for that. I've had Allstate for over 25 years, tomorrow I'm going to get rate quotes from other companies, It's been long enough.
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I wouldn't cash/deposit that on a bet. I don't know if wording was done like that on purpose or not, being an insurance company, nothing would surprise me. You're doing a lot of work that could someday help a lot of people, thank you for that. I've had Allstate for over 25 years, tomorrow I'm going to get rate quotes from other companies, It's been long enough.
I've updated this page and now I'm building all the satellite websites that will link off this main site.
http://www.david-versus-goliath.com
Next will come the eBay auctions...
:)
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You're safe depositing this check. It says no where that by depositing/cashing the check that you relieve allstate of any further legal action or responsibility. It cannot be implied. It must be spelled out that that will satisfy you from any further action. They must pay for any expense you incur as a result of the incident that you were not responsible for.
The date is on there just because it is based on that one incident for their accounting purposes.
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well if thats how allstate treats there customers on a cherry 76 jimmy then me and my 84 k5 are gonna find a different insurance co.
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Don't know if any of you are near Stuart, Florida but next weekend is Detail Fest where Representatives from all the different companies in the car detailing world will converge at our facilities and answer questions and put on demonstrations. I'll be teaching two classes on machine polishing and machine sanding paint. We're opening a brand new Studio for video production which also doubles as our Training Center for car detailing.
I took some pictures of my 1975 Jimmy as well as the Meguiar's Mobile Training Center, this was painted by Rich Evans of Huntington Beach Bodyworks in SoCal and a team of Meguiar's employees including myself sanded and buffed this truck and it's twin flat and then buffed it to a high gloss.
Just put a new Pirate's Flag on my Jimmy too...
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/839/DetailFestSetup005.jpg)
Look at how carefully Rich Evans flowed the flames and graphics into the door.(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/839/DetailFestSetup006.jpg)
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/824/BigJimmyMegsTruck01.jpg)
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/BigJimmy005.jpg)
(http://www.autogeekonline.net/gallery/data/715/BigJimmy006.jpg)
:D
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All state is a joke! A girl I work with just got rear ended on the highway. Is she in good hands?
(http://theaffirmationspot.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/allstate.jpg)
Nope
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I prefer....Like a Good Neighbor....State Farm is there. No problems whatsoever.