If a car is in an accident twice, can it be totaled twice and how does the insurance company pay

by Lori
(Raleigh)

In Nov. I was hit. The other driver was at fault. The car was considered by damages a total loss as of Jan 2010.

I bought the car back. It's now considered a salvage car on the title. On March 23, 2010 I was hit in the back.

If the adjuster says the damages are more than the value of the car, Can they total loss it again? Do I have to buy it back again? How does this whole process work?

The claim for the first accident is still ongoing as far as the bodily injury.


Answer:

Hello Lori,

I am sorry to hear about your accident. There are few things here.

Regarding the total loss. Unfortunately, you already totaled vehicle is consider "a salvaged car" which means it's value is considered "scrap." The insurance company will likely offer you substantially less as they will consider damages made to "scrap."

This may or may not be the case depending on how nice your car is and/or if you had repair it before.

The injury claim (from the first accident) will probably be affected also. The second impact could have re injured you (something the first insurance company will argue they do not owe for).

This can create a few problems for you. You may want to contact a local attorney for that. Please see: http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/find-a-lawyer.html



Good Luck,
Auto Insurance Claim Advice
Spokane Washington