Legal Question in Insurance Law in Missouri

My son was in an accident while driving our car, the left front fender was damaged and also the steering. The car is not driveable. It is an 1984 chevy monte carlo, the other driver admitted fault so the insurance company came to look at the car. We asked for a rental car because that is our only vehicle and I have been walking to work and my son fortunately has been able to get a ride. They bluebooked the car at $1,950.00, they said there was $1,375.00 worth of previous damage, they are only offering $575.00 for the car. I paid $1,000 for the car they are not giving us enough to even buy another car and it was their fault. They never asked for estimates to fix the car, which I would have liked since I was wanting to restore the car. The car does not have that much damage on it. Can they just give me $575 and leave me without a vehicle? Can I get my own estimates?


Asked on 5/26/10, 2:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

You can sue the other driver in small claims court. His or her insurance company will take on the defense. They might up the offer. If not, you can testify as to what the fair market value of the car was immediately before the collison and the fair market value of the car immediately afterwards. The difference is the amount of money you are asking the Judge to order the other side to pay you. Good luck.

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Answered on 5/26/10, 8:31 pm


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