Should I go to small claims court to get 100%?

[MikeBlake]

I was driving straight through an intersection and struck a car which made a left turn in front of me on May 5, 2000. Two police officers were on the corner, and witnessed the accident. On the police report, it states that I had the right of way. No traffic tickets were issued. My insurance company paid no money to the other party, which leaves me to try to get my money from the other insurance company (metlife, auto). I have no collision, so I'm trying to get metlife to pay the full damage to my car (total loss value of 967.00). I recieved a mailing from metlife offering me a settlement of 70% of the total loss value (646.00). I think I have enough to go to court with, but I would like any advice on how to bolster my case, or make the insurance company (metlife) take me, and my claim seriously enough to pay the full value. What further evidence can I get besides the police reports? Are there any other things I can sue for and get compensation (no one was injured). Any advice would be appreciated.

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-mike

 

[prairielaw3]

It very common for insurance cos to low ball a victim; they counting on the fact that most will ultimately just accept it and not fight; be sure to have estimates and/or appraisals of value of damage. while laws vary with each state and worthwhile to talk to an attorney in your state, generally a person can only recover what they have lost in out of pocket expenses if there were not personal injuries also; but if had to rent a car while being fixed, etc. those are examples of possible additional damages.
George Senteney