Crash--Long and OT--Sorry!
First of all, do not let the other insurance company bully you into ANYTHING. They KNOW they owe you much more and that's exactly why they are pressuring you to take their money and go away with a quickie settlement. DO get some legal advice. I can't believe your own insurance company isn't being more helpful. That sounds a bit suspect to me. If you have a personal agent you buy from, talk to that person, not somebody at their toll free number. Speak to who you know personally.
Give yourself into the week to get advice and not make rash decisions. That insurance company can't force you to do a thing this weekend, unless you LET them! If they call again, just tell them you'll be in touch after speaking with your attorney first of the week. Maybe that will encourage them to up the ante. I'll bet if you do some searching around, you'll find some advice online when it comes to situations like this, at least enough to tide you over until you speak to someone yourself. The mere fact you and the police witnessed this driver have a SECOND wreck should count for something!
I'm SOOOO glad you are OK. Now, go get 'em!!!!
If my vehicle is damaged by another driver, what is the responsibility of other driver’s insurance company for my property damage?
ANSWER: When a motor vehicle is damaged due to the negligence of another driver, the amount which can be recovered under North Carolina law is generally the difference between the fair market value of the car immediately before the collision and the fair market value of that car immediately after the collision. Although the cost of repair of the car is some evidence of the measure of damages, the cost of repair is not conclusive or determinative. Property damages also may include loss of value which the damaged vehicle may still have after the repair. If it can be demonstrated that the resale value of the car is decreased due to the wreck, North Carolina law provides that the owner of the damaged vehicle may be entitled to recover this loss of value as well.
Suzanne: I am SO sorry for the accident you had. I have never quite understood how when someone has an accident and it is not their own fault how come the innocent victim has to suffer because of it. I mean you didn't ask for any of this to happen and then are going to have get a repacment car now and shouldn't have to pay more out of your pocket to be able to drive something comparable to your old car. Make sense? I agree that you should perhaps talk to someone about your best option here. I can't offer much advice other than say don't be bullied into settling right yet. I agree you should wait. You aren't being ungreatful just cautious and smart about it. Glad you are OK though.
Lisa