Claim that engine "blew up" and caused accident

A local insurance adjuster asked us to inspect a vehicle that had crashed and was a total loss. The driver reported that the engine "blew up" and stopped running, causing the power steering to fail, which caused the accident.

When I inspected the vehicle at the auto salvage yard, it was found that this vehicle did not have power steering. In spite of extensive body damage, I was able to start the engine, and photograph evidence of the engine running, including exhaust from the tailpipe.

The insurance carrier has referred additional business to us.