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+1; people like to complain about lawyers, "experts", etc. (and for some good reasons), until they need one. Sucks that it's so expensive, but it's akin to maintaining our trucks -- gotta pay to play. If it were me, it'd be worth it just for the peace of mind of knowing just what happened to my poor truck; not knowing would probably eat at my gut for the rest of my life.
Who knows, maybe the insurance company's purse-strings might loosen up when they get wind of lawyer/investigator involvement...
It's also very likely that YOUR insurance company's lawyers will fight this for you, especially if you have comprehensive coverage (fire, theft, vandalism, etc.), which should cover this. They don't want to pay for the truck either, so they will go after the shop with everything they have.
That' really sucks. I hope that they get slammed and you're happier then before with a new truck.
Same thing happened with my KTM dirt bike I took it in for valve adjust and rode it for 4 hours it blew up. They wouldn't give me a dime back on replacement. They lost mine and all my friends business that day.
I just saw this, I'm sick for you! Walk in there with a recording device and ask them to reconsider there decision. 'Take a hike' on tape will go alone way!
It's also very likely that YOUR insurance company's lawyers will fight this for you, especially if you have comprehensive coverage (fire, theft, vandalism, etc.), which should cover this. They don't want to pay for the truck either, so they will go after the shop with everything they have.
Any insurance agent types here explain this stuff? I get a headache just thinking about it. I do know if ya can't afford to lose something, better have it insured.
From what I'm reading (generally) anything under 5k and no comp/collision, small claims court. Over 5k, "superior" court - bring lawyers, etc. Bad deal either way.
So OP, what eventually happened here? I see you have a truck for sale in the classifieds after buying another one you wanted more. How'd this all shake out?
It is not done yet but to answer your question. I sued the guy via Small Claims Court which here is limited to $7500. There is mandatory mediation which he continued twice and then did not show on March 2 so I got a default judgement which I now have to try to collect. The guy who sued him before me is still working on collecting his $7500 so I will be working on this awhile.
As far as the trucks go, the 1995 that is for sale I bought late last year because the racing season was starting and I needed a vehicle. In the meantime, I had been trying to buy a 1996 Centurion (like them or hate them) with only 134k on it in Denver but the guy was jerking me around and wouldn't commit to the sale. I finally was able to do that deal and am currently getting it fixed up. So yes, at the moment I am out $24k but am slowly getting back to where I was with my trucks. Here is the one I am keeping (as we drove back from Colorado).
08-21-2014, 11:45 AM
