Other driver blew a stop sign and totaled my car — what do I do now?

Not legal advice, but generally speaking — when there's a clear police report establishing fault, documented injuries, and property damage, that's exactly the kind of situation where at least consulting with a personal injury attorney makes sense. Most do free consultations and work on contingency, meaning you don't pay unless you recover something. Given that you've already given a recorded statement to your own insurer and the other side is already calling you, it might be worth getting someone in your corner soon rather than later.

Here's what I'd do if I were you: stop talking to any insurance company until you've at least had a free consult with a PI attorney. Write down everything you remember about the accident right now while it's fresh — weather, road conditions, exactly what you saw, what you said to the officer. Take photos of your injuries even if they seem minor. Keep every single receipt and document related to this. You're building a file whether you realize it or not.

Quick question — did the police report explicitly cite the other driver for failure to yield or running the stop sign? And did anyone witness it? Just asking because 'clear fault' can sometimes get murkier than it seems when insurance companies start their own investigation. Not saying that's your situation, just want to make sure you're not assuming something that needs to actually be confirmed in the documentation.

On your specific questions: yes, lost wages are generally recoverable in a personal injury claim — you'd typically need documentation like pay stubs and a letter from your employer confirming missed time. For the gap on your car loan, that's where GAP insurance comes in if you have it, but if not, it can sometimes be part of your claim depending on how things shake out. The recorded statement you already gave your own insurer is usually fine — that's pretty standard. It's the at-fault party's insurer you want to be cautious with.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. The fact that you're dealing with potential nerve damage on top of all the insurance and financial stress sounds genuinely overwhelming. Please make sure you have someone supporting you through this — it's a lot to manage while you're still recovering physically.

I went through almost the exact same thing last year — clear-fault accident, police report, the works. The biggest mistake I made early on was assuming the other driver's insurance would just 'do the right thing.' They dragged everything out and kept low-balling me. Do NOT let them pressure you into a quick settlement before you even know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign anything, that's it.

Please don't skip any of those follow-up appointments, even if you start feeling a little better. Soft tissue injuries and nerve stuff can genuinely feel like they're improving and then flare back up weeks later. Your medical records are also basically your paper trail for the claim — gaps in treatment can actually be used against you. Keep going to your appointments and do what they tell you.