Mazda wrecked my MSP.

[Quik89Si]

I don't think I want a new car from a Mazda dealer. None of the new cars on the lot interest me that much at this point. Plus, I netted so much from the settlement that I can probably afford to buy a car that I REALLY want...like the RSX Type-S!

 

[Matrix]

Are you prohibited from discussing the settlement amount?

I am an attorney, and as happy as you may be with the settlement amount I really think you should have gotten an attorney involved. People don't understand my profession, and hence the bad rep.

There are a hundred million technicalities in situations such as these that attorneys (like myself) are trained to look for and address in the client's best interests. Your insurance rates? The attorney would have taken care of that. Your settlement? I can almost guarantee that an attorney would have gotten you considerably more than whatever it is you got.

Don't get me wrong - I'm glad you're happy with the way things turned out. But people misunderstand and underestimate the roles and importance attorneys serve for their clients. Stories of sharks and shysters are popular and lawyer jokes are funny. To quote Al Pacino, "But when you get into trouble, then who's your daddy?"

 

[pintsized]

Eek! I just saw this today and your pictures made me cry. Poor baby. I hope everything gets settled for you soon. I guess I wont be going to any Mazda dealers in SD for a while. Is there anything else we can all do to help?

 

[jersey_emt]

Um, it was for quite a bit more than I expected. More than what I paid for the car.

Yes, RSX type-S it shall be. My wife wants me to get that car as much as I want to get it.

I was originally going for the MSM, but I read about some problems with them (just like the MSP, not a shocker) not to mention that my wife is worried that I'll get picked up on by men if I drive a Miata...

What sorts of problems?

EVERY car has issues. I love my MSM and highly recommend it...it is unbelievably fun to drive. The problems that it does have are VERY minor and VERY few in number compared to the MSP.

 

[Quik89Si]

What sorts of problems?

EVERY car has issues. I love my MSM and highly recommend it...it is unbelievably fun to drive. The problems that it does have are VERY minor and VERY few in number compared to the MSP.

I guess the main problem is that my wife doesn't want me to get one! Also, I am thinking of the highway stalling issues (the deal with the fuel system, whatever it is) which is a bit scary. Not to mention the not-so-reputable reputation the MSP had. I was always scared that something was going to let go at any minute (LSD, engine, suspension...just minor stuff really, ya know?)

 

[Quik89Si]

Are you prohibited from discussing the settlement amount?

I am an attorney, and as happy as you may be with the settlement amount I really think you should have gotten an attorney involved. People don't understand my profession, and hence the bad rep.

There are a hundred million technicalities in situations such as these that attorneys (like myself) are trained to look for and address in the client's best interests. Your insurance rates? The attorney would have taken care of that. Your settlement? I can almost guarantee that an attorney would have gotten you considerably more than whatever it is you got.

Don't get me wrong - I'm glad you're happy with the way things turned out. But people misunderstand and underestimate the roles and importance attorneys serve for their clients. Stories of sharks and shysters are popular and lawyer jokes are funny. To quote Al Pacino, "But when you get into trouble, then who's your daddy?"

Honestly, I don't know if I have time to get an attorney involved. I don't think I'm prohibited from discussing the settlement amount. My check is good as of today, as the insurance company for Mazda got the Letter of Guarantee from my finance company.

They paid me what they called Actual Cash Value for the car, which, after taxes, came out to a grand total of $19,500 or so. I don't know where they got this figure. This means that I ended up with a check for $10.3k after payoff. I'm happy with that, and quite honestly, I don't see why I should have gotten any more.

Why are insurance rates going up? Because people in America are litigation happy. We always try to get more out of companies during lawsuits, settlements, claims, etc. I have received enough benefit from this event, and I don't think that I need to drag it out any longer than it already did. Mazda messed up, admitted it to me, and their insurance company fixed it and then some.

Sure, I'm not back to where I was before the accident, but no amount of money can turn back time. I'm probably going to put the money in a nice, safe place, and use my 1989 CRX as a daily driver. Screw the RSX. I don't want car payments!

 

[Matrix]

Why are insurance rates going up? Because people in America are litigation happy. We always try to get more out of companies during lawsuits, settlements, claims, etc.

A common mistaken belief. I deal with insurance companies on a daily basis, and you'd be surprised at the scams and lowlife methods they use to try to escape liability for valid claims. Litigation is often MADE necessary by these companies due to the policies and practices they use to try to screw people. I won't get into the issue of reform at the moment. This is an issue that is far more complex than people commonly think.

I never said anything about taking the matter all the way to trial. But there are peripheral issues that the attorney would have taken care of for you. Too numerous to mention, but they're there. Like I said, I'm glad you're happy. In the long run that's what matters.

 

[tiwing]

I think you got a "fair" deal, and are treating this in a respectable manner - you prob would have gotten more, but it would have cost you more money up front and time to do it. If you're happy with what you got, then cool. Put the money aside and enjoy no payments!

 

[Quik89Si]

Haha...Enterprise Rent-A-Car (the one that is located at the dealer, the one whose car I am currently driving) called me today. They informed me that unless I told them who was paying for the rental car, the bill was coming MY way. Oh no you don't! The dumb-ass chick from Enterprise should have done her research before she opened her mouth. I made her conference call the office manager so that she could hear it from her that the dealership is paying for the rental.

The rental goes back tomorrow. The check goes in the bank tomorrow. The excitement is all over tomorrow!!

Thanks for all of the info that you all offered me on this thread!

 

[36Crazyfists]

make sure to rally the rental one last time!!!