Insurance wants to settle on my car.

#1 03-20-2003, 01:03 PM

What is the name of your state?
California
I was hit by someone who was making an illegal turn. I tried to work with her insurance company but they want to settle for a small amount. Should I take her to small claims court where I can get five thousand?

enjay · #2 03-20-2003, 01:06 PM

What makes you think you'll get $5000?

#3 03-20-2003, 02:47 PM

I talked to a lawyer who said that the most I can get is five thousand. The only thing I don't know is does her insurance come in and pay it or will she have to?

enjay · #4 03-20-2003, 02:57 PM

The most you can get is $5000, but you still have to prove that you deserve $5000. Why do you think you do?

#5 03-20-2003, 03:05 PM

I have a witness and pictures of my car. I have a picture showing where she came out of where there is a sign that says no left hand turn. I have and estimate that is almost five thousand dollars in damages and insurance costs.

spawn_x · #6 03-20-2003, 05:29 PM

get more estimates

spawn_x · #7 03-20-2003, 05:30 PM

oh and yes you can take them to court.

enjay · #8 03-20-2003, 09:06 PM

I'm guessing here, but did the insurance company declare your car totaled? Let's say you have a car that is valued at $2000 and the estimate to have it repaired is $4000. The insurance company is only obligated to reimburse you for the value of the car not for the amount necessary to have it repaired.

#9 03-20-2003, 09:48 PM

Where is YOUR insurance company in this?? Or does everybody in sunny Calif have to fight their own battles in Small Claims Court?
Why does it matter whether the insurance co or the other driver herself has to pay if you prevail in Small Claims Court?
Did the other driver get a citation for the illegal turn?