Coverage on rental car

[Loree6765]

What is the name of your state? Ohio

I was in an accident through no fault of my own. I was travelling southbound and the other party, a minor, northbound. She lost control in a curve on wet roads and swung around in front of me. I hit her in the rear passenger side of her car. I'm not sure what she was cited for, but I do know she has a court case pending because of this accident.

She and I both carried liability insurance coverage. Her insurance assigned a claims adjuster to my claim and I've been sent a rental car. When the rental car representative delivered the car, I was told that my liability coverage would pay for any damage I cause to another's property or person, but that I would be responsible for the value of the car unless I purchased full coverage. The cost of the coverage is $15.95 a day, which I cannot afford. I called the adjuster and was told that they do not owe me for any coverage that I didn't previously carry.

How can they put me at such financial risk? I thought that any direct cost to me as a result of this accident was their responsibility. Am I wrong?

[Loree6765]

(Ohio)
I have another question.

It's only been 10 days since the accident, but I haven't been able to enjoy my hobbies of drawing and scrapbooking since. My right (dominant) wrist has been diagnosed with a soft-tissue injury that, as my physician stated, may take a while to recoup and may eventually need therapy. Can I include this in my settlement? How?

I didn't say it before, and I apologize, but thank you so much in advance for any advice any of you would be willing to give. The service you are offering is VERY appreciated!! Thank you.

Loree6765

[racer72]

The insurance coverage only has to place you where you were before the accident, ie, a vehicle to drive with minimum coverage. You chose to accept the risk with your own vehicle, it is your choice to accept the risk with the rental.

As far as your second question, that will be up to you and your lawyer, if you choose to use one, to negotiate with the insurance company.

[Loree6765]

I agree with your assessment, Racer, but where I was before the accident was not at risk of becoming indebted over an accident through my fault. If I were to be at fault under my liability coverage in my own car, my coverage would pay property and personal damage to the other party and I would suffer the loss of my car. If I were to be at fault under my liability while driving a car belonging to someone else, ie the rental company, my coverage would pay for property and personal damages, but I would be responsible for the value of the car. How is that "where I was before the accident"? Especially since they've put me in a rental worth more than my car under which I made those prior choices.

Thank you for discussing this with me. I'm seriously not just looking for an angle, I'm trying to figure out a way I can feel comfortable getting behind the wheel of the car sitting in my driveway that is of no use to me at this point. I am, essentially, still stuck without a car because of someone else's mistakes.

Respectfully,
Loree6765

[longneck]

it's the equivelant because you'd have to buy a new car to get you back to where you were before.

[Loree6765]

Why do I have to buy a new car?(<rhetorical question) I've never bought a new car in my life and don't plan to start now. I'm a tightwad, always have been. I will buy another used car and I will put liability insurance on it too. So, being forced to carry full coverage is contrary to my normal lifestyle habits.

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but I don't see how I can be forced to incur these abnormal costs. Isn't there anything I can do?

My apologies if I'm pushing it.

Thanks again!
Loree6765