Delivery truck destroyed my parked car — their company is low-balling me bad

Almost the exact same thing happened to me — commercial van, parked car, total loss. The first number they gave me was a joke. I sent them a list of comparable listings in my area, like actual screenshots from car-sale sites, and they bumped the offer up after a couple of back-and-forths. Don't accept the first number. Ever.

"We'll look into the rental" is adjuster-speak for "we're hoping you forget about it." Follow up in writing — email or text so you have a paper trail. Commercial carriers are notorious for slow-walking rentals because every day you're uncomfortable is a day you might just take their lowball offer to make it stop.

I used to work claims for a large carrier and I can tell you the first total-loss offer is almost always based on the lowest defensible number they can generate. They use third-party valuation software that can be pretty easily challenged if you bring your own comps. Pull 5-7 comparable vehicles — same year, similar mileage, your region — and formally dispute the valuation in writing. Most adjusters have room to move, they're just not going to volunteer it.

One thing worth knowing: you generally don't have to file through your own insurance to get a rental when the other party is 100% at fault. You can demand a rental directly from their insurer as part of your loss-of-use claim. If they keep stalling, document every day you're without a vehicle — that loss of use can actually be factored into your claim. Keep all your records.

Not legal advice, but commercial fleet companies typically have experienced claims teams whose job is to close files cheaply and fast. When you have clear liability like this — their driver, your parked car — you're in a stronger position than you might feel right now. It might be worth at least a free consult with a PI attorney before you sign anything. Most won't charge you unless they recover something.

Are you doing okay physically? Sometimes the adrenaline of dealing with the car stuff masks soreness or stiffness that shows up a few days later — especially if you were nearby when it happened or had any kind of jolt. Just flagging it because people sometimes brush off symptoms early and regret it later. Take care of yourself too, not just the car.

Ugh, this is so stressful and so unfair. You did nothing wrong and now you're the one scrambling. I really hope you push back hard — you deserve to be made whole here, not just handed whatever's convenient for them.

What's the gap between their offer and what you think it's worth? Like ballpark percentage? That matters a lot for deciding whether it's worth lawyering up or just negotiating yourself. Also did they give you the valuation report in writing, or just a verbal number?