Insurance won’t cover all damages due to accident

[Miller M2]

Jurisdiction

Arizona

Accident:



Hello everyone well here I am again but now with a vehicle accident.





On March 12 another vehicle rear ended me going home from work. (Will attach pictures etc to this post.)



While approaching a red light and almost coming to a complete stop another vehicle rear ended me. I felt a really sharp pain on my back and it took the air out of me for a that fast moment. After a few seconds after I gather my toughts I got off of my vehicle and I approached the other driver and asked him if he was ok and he said yes. While I was still in some pain I went ahead and took pictures of the damages (this happened 6:30am) of my and his vehicle. Then I proceed to call 911. After like 25 mins the sheriff arrived and did the report and handed it to me while the sheriff was doing the report I was on the phone with my attorney. Now last summer I was involved in another accident (my first ever accident) I got T boned and my Ford truck was totaled. I got injured from my first accident and we still have that case open as they continue to work on my injuries (back pain, neck and shoulder). So the sheriff before leaving he asked me if my car was drivable and I said yes is just making to much engine noice now inside of the cabinet when in parked mode. And my dashboard got cracked. So I drove it home and later that day I check under the car because I was worried about the loud rumbling sound that is coming trhu. It sounded like the exhaust pipe got bent out r something that the noice level increased! And while I was looking under the. At I noticed a leak oil so I moved the car backwards to see what can of oil it was, and it is engine oil. So the insurance sent me to this shop to get an estimate of the damages and fix it. So I call the shop to take it in and they told me they couldn't accept my car the same day but until Monday morning March 17. So I just didn't moved my car at all because of the oil leak and contacted my insurance to get a rental vehicle which it covers up to $1500. So on Friday I went ahead and got the rental. On Sunday March 16 I checked underneath the car again and there was a big pile of oil on the floor already. So I was like "dam this sucks is leaking pretty bad". Then on Monday the tow truck came and grabbed the vehicle and took it to the shop. And I followed him. As soon as I talked to the guy at the repair shop and explained the whole situation his words was like "the damage on the rear doesn't seem significant in order to affect the dash board or cause the oil leak but i will submit pictures and explained on my report what you just explained to me" and I replied by saying well this accident caused the oil leak and the cracking on my dash board and also the engine noice is so loud that it rumbles and I explain that it could be the exhaust pipe that got pushed in that caused damage to the extent that is now leaking oil and the cracked on the dash board. At that particular moment I was thinking "o God I think they going to deny the damages on the oil leak and dash board and the loud engine noice". So by Friday around 4:30pm the car shop called me and told me the car was ready to go and I asked him if the oil and dash board was fixed and he said. "Well I call your insurance to see if they where going to cover those damages and they say no" so I told him " well I can't drive it like that is not safe to operate plus it must have no oil by now" and his reply was "well is nothing I can do for you bud, you will have to talk to your insurance and let me know the outcome".



So I called my insurance to see what was going on and they requested that I sent pictures of before and after the accident and any documents like services done on the vehicle before the accident. So I did emailed them pictures with date and time stamps of before and after and copies of receipts where it shows my car has been serviced and there is no leaks at all. I did the oil change almost 2 months ago .



So after them reviewing all that information I sent them they replied with the following: "After careful review of this incident, it appears this accident is extremely minor in nature/impact. There is minimal damage to both vehicles involved the body shop has inspected the vehicle and has also concluded that it would be improbable for the oil leak and console/dash damage to have occurred in this impact/accident.

Therefore statefarm will not approve payment for the repair for the oil leak and dashboard/console."



——

So now I'm here thinking what would be my best approach to this situation because now they can say "you must return the rental because the vehicle is fixed" (which is not I can't even drive the freaking car).



So tomorrow Wednesday I need to see what approach I have to take in order to have 1- my car fixed from that oil leak and dash board and 2- to have a car to go to work. So if they take that rental away I'm with no vehicle unless I pay the rental out of my own packet. So I don't know if I should get it fixed myself and take them to court or ask my insurance to get the other insurance to pay for the oil leak and dash board damage or to get a second opinion from another auto shop.



Now let's keep in mind that the shop I took my vehicle in they only do body shop repairs, nothing mechanical. But the guy said they can always bring a mechanic on site to get it fixed. So I will post the before and after pictures with date and time stamps let me know what would be the best approach.



My vehicle is a 2006 Honda Civic the other vehicle was a chevy Malibu same car size.



I already texted my attorney to see if she can give me some guidance (waiting on her response still)…I know for a fact they don't represent me when it comes to the car damages only bodily injuries…I have full coverage of100k,300k,and 100k,. The other drive has insurance (progressive).



So as I type this I have to open claims with my insurance; the one from last year and this recent one. In both claims my attorney is representing me only in bodily injuries. On my truck that got totaled in the other accident they tried to give me a low amount to settle the payment of the truck and I end up getting an appraiser and I got like $2000 more and it costed me $500 so yes it was worth it.



Thanks in advanced! And here are pictures..

 

[Miller M2]

Accident:



Hello everyone well here I am again but now with a vehicle accident.





On March 12 another vehicle rear ended me going home from work. (Will attach pictures etc to this post.)



While approaching a red light and almost coming to a complete stop another vehicle rear ended me. I felt a really sharp pain on my back and it took the air out of me for a that fast moment. After a few seconds after I gather my toughts I got off of my vehicle and I approached the other driver and asked him if he was ok and he said yes. While I was still in some pain I went ahead and took pictures of the damages (this happened 6:30am) of my and his vehicle. Then I proceed to call 911. After like 25 mins the sheriff arrived and did the report and handed it to me while the sheriff was doing the report I was on the phone with my attorney. Now last summer I was involved in another accident (my first ever accident) I got T boned and my Ford truck was totaled. I got injured from my first accident and we still have that case open as they continue to work on my injuries (back pain, neck and shoulder). So the sheriff before leaving he asked me if my car was drivable and I said yes is just making to much engine noice now inside of the cabinet when in parked mode. And my dashboard got cracked. So I drove it home and later that day I check under the car because I was worried about the loud rumbling sound that is coming trhu. It sounded like the exhaust pipe got bent out r something that the noice level increased! And while I was looking under the. At I noticed a leak oil so I moved the car backwards to see what can of oil it was, and it is engine oil. So the insurance sent me to this shop to get an estimate of the damages and fix it. So I call the shop to take it in and they told me they couldn't accept my car the same day but until Monday morning March 17. So I just didn't moved my car at all because of the oil leak and contacted my insurance to get a rental vehicle which it covers up to $1500. So on Friday I went ahead and got the rental. On Sunday March 16 I checked underneath the car again and there was a big pile of oil on the floor already. So I was like "dam this sucks is leaking pretty bad". Then on Monday the tow truck came and grabbed the vehicle and took it to the shop. And I followed him. As soon as I talked to the guy at the repair shop and explained the whole situation his words was like "the damage on the rear doesn't seem significant in order to affect the dash board or cause the oil leak but i will submit pictures and explained on my report what you just explained to me" and I replied by saying well this accident caused the oil leak and the cracking on my dash board and also the engine noice is so loud that it rumbles and I explain that it could be the exhaust pipe that got pushed in that caused damage to the extent that is now leaking oil and the cracked on the dash board. At that particular moment I was thinking "o God I think they going to deny the damages on the oil leak and dash board and the loud engine noice". So by Friday around 4:30pm the car shop called me and told me the car was ready to go and I asked him if the oil and dash board was fixed and he said. "Well I call your insurance to see if they where going to cover those damages and they say no" so I told him " well I can't drive it like that is not safe to operate plus it must have no oil by now" and his reply was "well is nothing I can do for you bud, you will have to talk to your insurance and let me know the outcome".



So I called my insurance to see what was going on and they requested that I sent pictures of before and after the accident and any documents like services done on the vehicle before the accident. So I did emailed them pictures with date and time stamps of before and after and copies of receipts where it shows my car has been serviced and there is no leaks at all. I did the oil change almost 2 months ago .



So after them reviewing all that information I sent them they replied with the following: "After careful review of this incident, it appears this accident is extremely minor in nature/impact. There is minimal damage to both vehicles involved the body shop has inspected the vehicle and has also concluded that it would be improbable for the oil leak and console/dash damage to have occurred in this impact/accident.

Therefore statefarm will not approve payment for the repair for the oil leak and dashboard/console."



——

So now I'm here thinking what would be my best approach to this situation because now they can say "you must return the rental because the vehicle is fixed" (which is not I can't even drive the freaking car).



So tomorrow Wednesday I need to see what approach I have to take in order to have 1- my car fixed from that oil leak and dash board and 2- to have a car to go to work. So if they take that rental away I'm with no vehicle unless I pay the rental out of my own packet. So I don't know if I should get it fixed myself and take them to court or ask my insurance to get the other insurance to pay for the oil leak and dash board damage or to get a second opinion from another auto shop.



Now let's keep in mind that the shop I took my vehicle in they only do body shop repairs, nothing mechanical. But the guy said they can always bring a mechanic on site to get it fixed. So I will post the before and after pictures with date and time stamps let me know what would be the best approach.



My vehicle is a 2006 Honda Civic the other vehicle was a chevy Malibu same car size.



I already texted my attorney to see if she can give me some guidance (waiting on her response still)…I know for a fact they don't represent me when it comes to the car damages only bodily injuries…I have full coverage of100k,300k,and 100k,. The other drive has insurance (progressive).



So as I type this I have to open claims with my insurance; the one from last year and this recent one. In both claims my attorney is representing me only in bodily injuries. On my truck that got totaled in the other accident they tried to give me a low amount to settle the payment of the truck and I end up getting an appraiser and I got like $2000 more and it costed me $500 so yes it was worth it.



Thanks in advanced! And here are pictures..

This is the oil leak around 7pm the same day of the accident sorry I forgot to add it on my original post and I couldn't edit the post.

 

[Zigner]

Your post is way too long. Please repost with the basic facts and a concise question. Thanks.

 

[adjusterjack]

I stopped reading at "sharp pain in my back." If your saga has to do with how much money you can get for an injury, consult a personal injury attorney.

If you have questions about getting paid for your car damage, a short paragraph is all that's necessary.

 

[Miller M2]

Your post is way too long. Please repost with the basic facts and a concise question. Thanks.

No worries Ill just add to this one. Basically my insurance is saying that some of the damages they will not pay for the repairs that they are not related/ caused by the accident, but they are! Damages where done to the trunk, rear bumper also an oil leak from the engine and also damage to the dash board. They oil leak and dash board they say they will not cover it. What can I do in this matter ? By the way I have an attorney when it comes to bodily injuries. I have attached pictures on the beginning of this thread with day and time stamps.

Thanks!

 

[Red Kayak]

Holy huge block of text! Far too many irrelevant details, while omitting relevant facts.

The relevant facts I could glean:
1) At about 6:30 am, while decelerating for a red light, you were rear ended. [Date unknown. March14 or earlier.] Airbags were not deployed.
2) Sheriff came after you called 911. [Unknown whether other party cited.]
3) You called the lawyer you had retained for a previous accident in a different vehicle, in which you had injuries, and has not been settled.
4) Stupidly didn't get medical attention.*
5) Car still runs, so you drove it home. Made observations of other problems with car that you believe are connected to the accident.
6) Made an appointment for March 17 to have the damage evaluated for insurance purposes. Got rental.
7) Car towed to shop on March 17. Insurance adjuster deems the body damage to be minimal, and concludes that damage to the dashboard and under the hood to be unrelated. Will only cover the damage to the rear, which was repaired by March 21. At which point the rental is no longer covered by insurance.

You are wondering how you can get the insurance to cover the lead in front. Well, if it wasn't caused by the accident, they won't. Your car is old. How do you know that the leak isn't coincidental?

* Aches/pains irrelevant because you did not seek medical attention. You even called your lawyer from scene and the lawyer didn't tell you to get an exam.

 

[Red Kayak]

What can I do in this matter ?

You can get a second opinion. Or third.

 

[zddoodah]

Basically my insurance is saying that some of the damages they will not pay for the repairs that they are not related/ caused by the accident, but they are! Damages where done to the trunk, rear bumper also an oil leak from the engine and also damage to the dash board. They oil leak and dash board they say they will not cover it. What can I do in this matter ?

Since this was a rear end accident, why are you claiming against your own insurance coverage? The other driver's insurer should be covering all damages.

Regardless, if you can't convince either insurer that a particular issue is the result of the accident is as follows: (1) in the case of the other driver's insurance, you'll have to sue the other driver and prove your case to the satisfaction of a judge or jury; (2) in the case of your own insurance, you'll have to sue your insurer and prove your case to the satisfaction of a judge or jury.

 

[army judge]

Basically my insurance is saying that some of the damages they will not pay for the repairs that they are not related/ caused by the accident, but they are! Damages where done to the trunk, rear bumper also an oil leak from the engine and also damage to the dash board.

In my decades living on this planet, I've never observed, been told, or otherwise informed of a rear end collision causing the vehicle rear ended (as in this event, tapped, because the vehicles were slowing to a STOP) to suddenly spring an oil leak. When oil leaks do occur, one or both vehicles were traveling at highway/Interstate speeds!!!

So, I did a little more research.

According to your account of the alleged rear end collision, neither vehicle was traveling at highway speeds when the collision took place. As I understand your reporting, both vehicles were in the process of slowing down, via braking.

How Rear-End Collision Leads To Oil Leakages

1) Oil Gaskets or Pans That Have Been Damaged

Because they are kept at the bottom of the engine, your vehicle's oil pans and gaskets are easily destroyed by rear-end collision. Rough roads can cause a hole, resulting in an oil pan leak. The pan's sealant is reported to suffer from a lot of excessive wear, and it can also become damaged, resulting in an oil gasket leak.

2) Installation Errors

It is possible that one of the gaskets that maintain the oil inside was installed incorrectly. This most commonly occurs when the oil pan gasket or valve cover gasket is retightened. It can also happen if the tightness is not distributed evenly. Another cause could be an improperly attached oil filter, as motor oil constantly flows through it, and if it's loose, you could experience a leak. So when your car collides, installation errors lead to oil leakage

3) Rings or Valve Seals That Have Failed

Leaking chains or cylinder seals can also contribute to your vehicle's oil loss. Nevertheless, if there are no holes in your gaskets, the oil will not be used outside the engine and will be destroyed in the burning process, so you will not start noticing it.

Regardless of the actual cause, it is critical to stop an oil leak as soon as possible, so take your vehicle to a Meineke location. So when rear-end collision takes place, following an oil leak, you may notice the smell of burnt oil, accompanied by dark smoke and, eventually, major engine harm. Do not put off repairing collision damage.

What Other Damages Can Be Caused By Rear-End Collision

The problematic part about rear-end collision damage is that it is frequently difficult to detect with the unaided observer. Even if your vehicle seems to be in perfect condition, there may be issues beneath the surface that will only worsen over time.

Rear-end collision destruction not only enhances the look, features, and value of the vehicle but can also jeopardize your safety. For instance, if your bumper is damaged, it will be unable to take the heat and protect you in the prospective accident.

Can A Rear-End Collision Cause An Oil Leak? - ProTec Collision

A rear-end collision may cause issues beneath the surface that will only worsen over time. If you have an oil leak, get a free estimate!

proteccollision.com

How Does a Fluid Leak Occur After Rear End Collision?

The question can arise in your mind," How can a simple collision result in fluid leakage?"

The force that is exerted on the car during collision results in fluid leakage. Not every jerk needs to cause this leakage. But when your car bumper gets a forceful jerk, it results in leakage. The stronger the jerk is, the higher the chance of causing leakage problems.

Jerk results in shockwaves through your vehicle. These shockwaves are not visible, but they can create havoc on your car's internal system.

1. Engine Oil Leakage After Rear End Collision:

First of all, let us discuss the most essential oil of the vehicle, Engine oil. This golden liquid helps the engine to move the car smoothly. When your vehicle collides from the rear end, it does not seem like a big problem. The exerted force can even damage the engine internally by leaking this fluid.

Detection:

How can you diagnose this issue? First, you should keep checking whether any dark liquid is dripping out of the car. When you move your car from its place, you must notice if there's a liquid present over there.

Interestingly, you can detect engine oil leakage immediately using your sense of smell. If there is an odor of oil in the car or near the vehicle, do not ignore it. Do sort it out by calling your mechanic.

Source: Auto Deal

How to fix it?

First, you have to check which part of the engine is causing the leakage. It can be a defective seal, faulty oil filter, damaged oil pan, or broken valve cover gasket. Normally, you can fix the engine oil leakage issue by the replacement of these parts, or adding a reliable lubricant can prevent your engine from further damage.

Can A Rear-End Collision Cause An Oil Leak? 5 Hidden Damages

If you drive a car, it is common to have a collision with another vehicle or some massive object. Here is a serious call to you! This is not a big deal, just

spareprtz.com

 

[Miller M2]

Holy huge block of text! Far too many irrelevant details, while omitting relevant facts.

The relevant facts I could glean:
1) At about 6:30 am, while decelerating for a red light, you were rear ended. [Date unknown. March14 or earlier.] Airbags were not deployed.
2) Sheriff came after you called 911. [Unknown whether other party cited.]
3) You called the lawyer you had retained for a previous accident in a different vehicle, in which you had injuries, and has not been settled.
4) Stupidly didn't get medical attention.*
5) Car still runs, so you drove it home. Made observations of other problems with car that you believe are connected to the accident.
6) Made an appointment for March 17 to have the damage evaluated for insurance purposes. Got rental.
7) Car towed to shop on March 17. Insurance adjuster deems the body damage to be minimal, and concludes that damage to the dashboard and under the hood to be unrelated. Will only cover the damage to the rear, which was repaired by March 21. At which point the rental is no longer covered by insurance.

You are wondering how you can get the insurance to cover the lead in front. Well, if it wasn't caused by the accident, they won't. Your car is old. How do you know that the leak isn't coincidental?

* Aches/pains irrelevant because you did not seek medical attention. You even called your lawyer from scene and the lawyer didn't tell you to get an exam.

Thanks for your reply. Yes I'm getting medical attention. I have documents that supports the vehicle has been serviced, and last time the oil change was done they did not find any oil leaks. Pictures prove the oil leak when it started was very minimal then 3-4 days later you can see on the pictures the oil is all over the place. Is an old car but we'll maintain.

 

[Miller M2]

In my decades living on this planet, I've never observed, been told, or otherwise informed of a rear end collision causing the vehicle rear ended (as in this event, tapped, because the vehicles were slowing to a STOP) to suddenly spring an oil leak. When oil leaks do occur, one or both vehicles were traveling at highway/Interstate speeds!!!

So, I did a little more research.

According to your account of the alleged rear end collision, neither vehicle was traveling at highway speeds when the collision took place. As I understand your reporting, both vehicles were in the process of slowing down, via braking.

How Rear-End Collision Leads To Oil Leakages

1) Oil Gaskets or Pans That Have Been Damaged

Because they are kept at the bottom of the engine, your vehicle's oil pans and gaskets are easily destroyed by rear-end collision. Rough roads can cause a hole, resulting in an oil pan leak. The pan's sealant is reported to suffer from a lot of excessive wear, and it can also become damaged, resulting in an oil gasket leak.

2) Installation Errors

It is possible that one of the gaskets that maintain the oil inside was installed incorrectly. This most commonly occurs when the oil pan gasket or valve cover gasket is retightened. It can also happen if the tightness is not distributed evenly. Another cause could be an improperly attached oil filter, as motor oil constantly flows through it, and if it's loose, you could experience a leak. So when your car collides, installation errors lead to oil leakage

3) Rings or Valve Seals That Have Failed

Leaking chains or cylinder seals can also contribute to your vehicle's oil loss. Nevertheless, if there are no holes in your gaskets, the oil will not be used outside the engine and will be destroyed in the burning process, so you will not start noticing it.

Regardless of the actual cause, it is critical to stop an oil leak as soon as possible, so take your vehicle to a Meineke location. So when rear-end collision takes place, following an oil leak, you may notice the smell of burnt oil, accompanied by dark smoke and, eventually, major engine harm. Do not put off repairing collision damage.

What Other Damages Can Be Caused By Rear-End Collision

The problematic part about rear-end collision damage is that it is frequently difficult to detect with the unaided observer. Even if your vehicle seems to be in perfect condition, there may be issues beneath the surface that will only worsen over time.

Rear-end collision destruction not only enhances the look, features, and value of the vehicle but can also jeopardize your safety. For instance, if your bumper is damaged, it will be unable to take the heat and protect you in the prospective accident.

Can A Rear-End Collision Cause An Oil Leak? - ProTec Collision

A rear-end collision may cause issues beneath the surface that will only worsen over time. If you have an oil leak, get a free estimate!

proteccollision.com

How Does a Fluid Leak Occur After Rear End Collision?

The question can arise in your mind," How can a simple collision result in fluid leakage?"

The force that is exerted on the car during collision results in fluid leakage. Not every jerk needs to cause this leakage. But when your car bumper gets a forceful jerk, it results in leakage. The stronger the jerk is, the higher the chance of causing leakage problems.

Jerk results in shockwaves through your vehicle. These shockwaves are not visible, but they can create havoc on your car's internal system.

1. Engine Oil Leakage After Rear End Collision:

First of all, let us discuss the most essential oil of the vehicle, Engine oil. This golden liquid helps the engine to move the car smoothly. When your vehicle collides from the rear end, it does not seem like a big problem. The exerted force can even damage the engine internally by leaking this fluid.

Detection:

How can you diagnose this issue? First, you should keep checking whether any dark liquid is dripping out of the car. When you move your car from its place, you must notice if there's a liquid present over there.

Interestingly, you can detect engine oil leakage immediately using your sense of smell. If there is an odor of oil in the car or near the vehicle, do not ignore it. Do sort it out by calling your mechanic.

Source: Auto Deal

How to fix it?

First, you have to check which part of the engine is causing the leakage. It can be a defective seal, faulty oil filter, damaged oil pan, or broken valve cover gasket. Normally, you can fix the engine oil leakage issue by the replacement of these parts, or adding a reliable lubricant can prevent your engine from further damage.

Can A Rear-End Collision Cause An Oil Leak? 5 Hidden Damages

If you drive a car, it is common to have a collision with another vehicle or some massive object. Here is a serious call to you! This is not a big deal, just

spareprtz.com

Thanks for your reply. I don't believe the other driver was coming to a stop or slowing down. He hit me hard when I was almost coming to a complete stop. By the way should be a good option to get a second opinion at a different shop? Because I think the body shop just decided to write "not related to the accident and sent the report to the insurance "..

 

[Miller M2]

Since this was a rear end accident, why are you claiming against your own insurance coverage? The other driver's insurer should be covering all damages.

Regardless, if you can't convince either insurer that a particular issue is the result of the accident is as follows: (1) in the case of the other driver's insurance, you'll have to sue the other driver and prove your case to the satisfaction of a judge or jury; (2) in the case of your own insurance, you'll have to sue your insurer and prove your case to the satisfaction of a judge or jury.

Thanks for your reply, I'm going step by step with this accident, as I described earlier I am already being represented by an attorney when it come to my bodily injuries. And yes I have that option in mind To contact the other drivers insurance. And to tow the vehicle and get a second opinion on those particular damages since they already fixed the bumper and the trunk. I'm just a little over the place making long post sorry.