I had a similar experience with my '88 a few years back. But, I eventually came out real good with the insurance company. They totaled the car, but I was able to buy it back from them very inexpensively (don't remember the exact numbers). Then I took the money I got and went to a local Pick 'n Pull and found all the body parts I needed. I was lucky enough to find a car the same color as mine -- black -- so that literally the only painting I had to have done was essentially touch up.

I did some of the work, and a body shop did what I could not do. Yes, you might have problems later selling a "salvage" vehicle, but, if you are like me, you may keep the car til it dies from something else. My accident was over five years ago, and the 254k car continues to sit in my driveway. I am about to turn it over to my 16 year old son, so if he wrecks it, as long as he is okay, I haven't lost much. Come to think of it, that Pick 'n Pull is still out there . . .