Return to where I was

[JulsieH]

I have a question for you. On March 7, 2002, my family and I were hit while driving on the beltway in Maryland by a man going at least 50 mph; he didn’t even attempt to put the brakes on. He slammed into the back of our minivan (1998 Ford Windstar), which was totaled. His insurance company has already paid off our van (we had paid off about $8K, but still owed about $11K on it). We have since bought another van (1999 Windstar, and it cost nearly the same as what we paid: $17K). But now, we are back to being $17 in debt instead of being $11K in debt. The insurance company is refusing to pay the difference. I am simply asking to be returned to the same financial condition that we were in before this guy hit us. Is this at all possible? Thank you for your assistance.

 

[vrzirn]

No. You have a newer vehicle, less mileage and the difference iin depreciation.
Had you purchased the same model year with same mileage you would be where you were before the accident.

 

[JulsieH]

No, if I had only 1 1/2 years left to pay off my car, and if my son wasn't in therapy for his violent nightmares, and if I didn't have panic attacks when driving on the highway, then I would be back to where I was before the accident. I was not going to ask the insurance company for any medical payment, but I suppose that's the route I must take now to recover the loss.