Sent my car to the salvage yard after a fender bender — will it actually be totaled?

I went through almost the exact same thing last year. The silence after drop-off is maddening but honestly pretty normal — at least in my experience. It took about 10 days before anyone called me. That said, I'd still email AND call every other day just so they know you're paying attention. Squeaky wheel and all that.

Former adjuster here. The delay is usually just volume — those facilities process a ton of vehicles and yours is sitting in a queue. As for the total loss question: most carriers use a threshold somewhere between 70-80% of your car's actual cash value. So if repairs would cost, say, 75% or more of what your car is worth on paper, they'll total it. Hidden frame or structural damage almost always pushes repair estimates over that line, which is why adjusters look hard at it. Don't be surprised if it gets totaled even though it seemed minor.

Please don't just accept whatever number they offer if it IS totaled. They will lowball you. They use their own valuation tools that tend to pull comps that are in worse condition or from cheaper markets. You have the right to dispute it and provide your own comparable listings. Do that research NOW so you're ready.

On your question about having say in the payout — yes, you do have options. If they total it, they'll give you an ACV (actual cash value) offer. You can counter with documented comps for similar vehicles in your area. If you still owe money on the car, check whether you have gap insurance because ACV payouts don't always cover what's left on a loan. Also worth noting: you can usually request a copy of the inspection report once it's done.

Call them today. Don't wait for them to reach out. Get a claim number if you don't have one, call the adjuster directly, and ask for a written timeline. Polite but persistent. That's it.

Just want to make sure — are YOU okay? Rear-end impacts can cause soft tissue stuff that doesn't show up for days. Neck stiffness, headaches, shoulder tension. If you haven't seen a doctor yet, please go. Not just for your health but because if symptoms show up later and you haven't documented anything, it gets complicated.

Not legal advice, but I'd flag one thing: once you accept a total loss payout, that typically closes out the property damage portion of the claim. Make absolutely sure any injury or ongoing medical stuff is handled in a completely separate track before you sign anything finalizing the vehicle settlement. Those two things should never get bundled together.

Ugh, the waiting is the worst part. I'd be losing my mind too. Hope you get answers soon — this kind of limbo is so stressful on top of already dealing with an accident that wasn't even your fault.