[ChiBoothStu]

Originally Posted by exl_ent_v6

If you purchased this car (vs. lease) you ABSOLUTELY need to go after them for diminished value. You'll probably need to find a local attorney but it's worth it. Also make sure that attorney specializes in this and never take the first offer.

Don't worry too much about the BMW repair shop. I had some incidents with my car and the Certified repair shop did a crappy job!! Installed cameras wrong, allowed me to drive away with a blown headlight, and left over-spray all over my car!!!

Thanks for the advice! I had no idea this was possible. I did purchase my car outright, so I will definitely pursue this. I talked to the body shop about what to do. They recommended that I pursue this as well. They kind of walked me through the best way to get this done and come out on top, since they've dealt with these kinds of claims before.

I was told that I should:

1) Make copies of the paperwork I received when I bought the car -- i.e. the car's bill of sale/original purchase price, and the initial appraisal done by the dealership where I bought the car.

2) Return the car to my dealership and ask for another appraisal of the vehicle post-accident.

3) File a claim with the insurance company (the other drivers insurance company) regarding the difference in value. According to the body shop, since I just bought the car 6 weeks ago, this should be pretty cut and dry. There shouldn't be much for the insurance company to argue with me on since the car was purchased and appraised so recently.

Does any of this sound about right to you?

[ChiBoothStu]

Originally Posted by Luminous

Really sorry about the accident!

Was the intoxicated driver arrested?

I didn't stick around to find out. I believe the other driver refused a breathalyzer, though.

[jd_perspective]

Originally Posted by ChiBoothStu

Thanks for the advice! I had no idea this was possible. I did purchase my car outright, so I will definitely pursue this. I talked to the body shop about what to do. They recommended that I pursue this as well. They kind of walked me through the best way to get this done and come out on top, since they've dealt with these kinds of claims before.

I was told that I should:

1) Make copies of the paperwork I received when I bought the car -- i.e. the car's bill of sale/original purchase price, and the initial appraisal done by the dealership where I bought the car.

2) Return the car to my dealership and ask for another appraisal of the vehicle post-accident.

3) File a claim with the insurance company (the other drivers insurance company) regarding the difference in value. According to the body shop, since I just bought the car 6 weeks ago, this should be pretty cut and dry. There shouldn't be much for the insurance company to argue with me on since the car was purchased and appraised so recently.

Does any of this sound about right to you?

Yes, just expect to be rejected by their insurance company. I would try this route, and see how it goes. You likely will have to seek legal council. This should not cost you money it should be legal fees + winnings/settlement. (from what I hear) but obviously direct route is quicker. You can always threaten a lawsuit if they lowball (I'm sure they will)

You should get (1) depreciation and (2) loss of use if it takes a while to fix

[bily]

The challenge will be the car depreciates as soon as it is titled. That being said you will easily take a $5-10k hit. There are some great DV companies out there. IM me if you need one. But you can searc on line for a car with similar equipment and see what they are going for vs what someone will give you. If you have car ax by you get one of those too. They always low ball.

[greekcs]

Get some LCI tail lights out of the deal.

[madmortar]

You sure you were not hurt? I would go check checked out and xrays to make sure your spine and neck are not out of wack. Sometimes you cant tell but issues will pop up years later and by then you have no recourse.

Get xrays, if issues, file a body claim, hire a lawyer, make sure you are taken care of and dont sign SHIT until you are 100% and you feel 100% happy with the offer.

[ChiBoothStu]

So I got my car back 2 weeks ago. I decided to give it a few weeks before reposting. Seems to be as good as new. Thoughts?

[Gearhog]

Glad to hear your back up and running. Car looks good. Are you happy with the repairs?

[RedKloud]

Looks great!

[metallicpea]

Looks great. Glad to hear it went well.