Mechanical wear and tear? (insurance, engine, mechanic, accident)

[SRtransam]

My husband got into a car accident on Jan 3rd due to weather. He spun off the freeway and down an embankment. The car had to be towed out of the embankment. The cars serpentine belt was snapped during the accident. He replaced the belt same day. The car drove approximately 30 miles before throwing a rod. This car was his baby and well maintained. Could the engine throw a rod due to damage to the oil pan during the accident? I brought the car to a mechanic that said that there was a hole in the oil pan that most likely was due to the accident. However, the insurance is denying the claim stating wear and tear.They based this all on an oil analysis that was taken from the engine since the oil had all drained from the oil pan.

Is there any mechanics out there that can tell me if the samples would be different on where they pull the sample from?

I appreciate you reading.

[Me007gold]

If he drove with a hole in the oil pan even if it were caused by the accident the insurance company could deny the claim for "failure to mitigate". They would argue that your husband caused the additional damage by continuing to drive after the accident.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by Me007gold

If he drove with a hole in the oil pan even if it were caused by the accident the insurance company could deny the claim for "failure to mitigate". They would argue that your husband caused the additional damage by continuing to drive after the accident.

Yes, this is correct, it should not have been driven after the accident without inspecting for mechanical problems which would have resulted in a new oil pan, paid for by the insurance.