Should I trust my hitch?

I believe reasonable, rationale and calm explanations can yield results from insurance companies. I've done it once, but that was like, 30 years ago.

Having said that, I doubt the ambulance chasing law firms will take a case for a $200 receiver replacement, so the recommendations on hiring a lawyer for something like that just doesn't pass the giggle test.

Just have a reasonable discussion with the adjuster, and if that doesn't work, ask your insurance company for advice. Maybe a call from one adjuster to another will clear it up. In two accidents that were not my fault, my company told me if Im not happy and want their involvement, just ask. Both times I was fine with the resolution, so no need. But, nice to know they are there.

Otherwise, if it becomes a big drawn out deal, I'd just replace it myself and move on.

Mike

Life is short, money is cheap compared to lives so even if insurance doesn't cover it.....replace it. If you do, you will never look back and you will know you did the right thing. Better safe than sorry....

My brand new 5th wheel was rear ended 16 mile from the dealer. State Farm had no problem replacing the hitch. It was the cheapest part!

Grit dog wrote:
You just killed the last ford escort on the road?

:B So true!!!

You just killed the last ford escort on the road?

Thanks for the replies. I'm still waiting on a call from the adjuster. After further inspecting the TT the rear wall and side walls are pushed upwards an inch or two from the Escort going under the back bumper. It ripped the rear sliding storage tray off from under the trailer and bent the rear jacks. It also bent the frame behind the rear bumper. I was very surprised at the strength of the rear bumper as it creased the hood of the Escort really good.

Most insurance companies will insist on replacing the hitch if it was touched in any way.

I have pushed back on several claims and got what I asked for,

91 Chevy conversion van, totaled in head on accident, got an additional $$ for my recent rebuild on front end (had receipts).

98 Yukon with trailer (one I mentioned in earlier post), got new stinger and medical paid.

84 Fiero totaled (my daughter was hit), I met with adjuster and showed them that the car was all original and complete, with custom wheels. Doubled the amount paid and got the car back. Daughter got a lawyer to help with medical, she got full medical paid, plus a nice amount extra (even after lawyer took his cut).

I have found that a rational calm response, not demanding anything but just some basic discussion pointing out additional items that were missed in determining claim amount works. I also indicated that I was not going to get an ambulance chaser lawyer, but just wanted a fair settlement.

Sure you have the right to contest the claim, but it's you, John Q. Nobody vs. person who does this for a living. How many people out of 100 can present an organized, convincing case on their own that will rival an "industry expert" without hiring a lawyer? Not many, with BenK being one clear exception. Most will need a lawyer, simple as that.

The most a judge is going to award you is enough to make you "whole," then the lawyer is going to take 35-40% of that. In most cases the lowball settlement is comparable to what you'd end up with in this scenario, and the adjusters know this. So it's a question of take the money, or subject yourself to the lawyer and all the associated headaches, and end up with the same money.

rdhetrick wrote:
This forum cracks me up sometimes. Send the insurance company a letter putting them on notice? Yeah, that'll scare them into doing the right thing.

From my experience, it boils down to the luck of the draw with the adjuster they assign to your case. Sure you can argue with them, point things out, tell them they're wrong, etc. but you'll end up losing.

Be nice, point out your concerns to the adjuster, and take what they give you. Unless you want to spend thousands hiring a lawyer trying to be made "whole."

I'm sorry you were in an accident, accept it, move on, get camping again, and enjoy life.

This is wrong, dead wrong! This is exactly what insurance companies want you to believe. The majority of cases end just like this. The adjuster low balls the injured. They complain but end up settling to take their money and go home.

In our state you have the right to contest the claim. You don't need a lawyer but you do need to state your case. My wife was rear ended and her car smashed into the one ahead of her. It was a total loss. The adjuster said so and said they would pay $X. I said I didn't agree. Wrote up my explanation and ended up getting about twice what they originally offered. I was not out of line and backed up my figures with facts. Simple

You do not have to go get a lawyer right off the bat.