Damn it man, that's bad, I am really sorry about that.
But, I am really glad that you aren't hurt - that is the ULTIMATE reason to buy a Mercedes, they'll really protect you in the way that lesser cars, the Fords, Subarus, could never possibly do.
Those E class W124 cars are awfully hard to beat. It sounds like your budget could handle a
really really nice replacement of one. After all, you know their virtues well, and most likely if you got a really good one, you could drive it comfortably from the git-go.
Fer instance, this one is on sale right here. It's the legendary W124 E500, and is offered by a seller/MShop member with a REALLY plausible reason to be selling it. The price is about $6,000 to $8,000 under market, too, because the seller is really motivated. (Note: I have no personal connection with it)
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=175041
Now, I don't know if you know much about these, but they are a cult car, too with a really devoted following. (see
www.500Ecstacy.com) If you were really lucky, you could buy it, drive it for a couple of years and not put anything into it, have some fun with it, and sell it for a big profit.
Depreciation on these is practically horizontal. Sounds like a no brainer to me. If you like the W124, this little honey looks like a real bargain. And with the '92, the wiring harness problems on them are unlikely.
Nice color on it, too, (black was pretty much the default color on these) and this one has the W140 eight-hole standard S class wheels on it for a nice upscale touch, too.
But be warned, these things are VERY addictive. I have tried them. Their Porsche blood makes them a screaming sports sedan in the truest sense. They are a real sleeper. Enthusiasts love 'em. They accellerate, handle, corner and brake FAR better than some E320, and most other four door sedans - but still have the magic W124 cost-no-object engineering, longevity and build quality and prestige as standard equipment.
I'll go on a a limb, here, and suggest that you'd never find another one this good at the price, thereby making it arguably a possible investment.
Check the comparable prices on them if you don't believe me...
Meantime, take your slow, sweet time with the insurance claims adjusters on settling if your ride was totalled. THEY are having to pay daily storage charges on the car, if it is on a lot. (not so if it is a driveable total loss and you took it home) so they are under pressure to settle in 30 days.
They often try to lowball you on settlements, so be ready with books and records, "comparable" sales figures, and a stubborn nature (which I KNOW you can muster)
Just be sure and recogize that your auto claim and (possible) injury claims are distinct, and each can be settled separately - and IMO should be.
Keep a watch too, though, on your pain. Sometimes, the pain doesn't show up for a day or two. Maybe keep a diary to be sure. If it turns out you have an injury, even if slight, EVERYTHING changes: The WHOLE claim will get bucked over to the BI department, with the really experienced ajusters, who will over allow on a settlement with the car, and hope you will be so ecstatic, that you will UNDER allow yourself a fair "pain & suffering" settlement on the injury.
How do I know they will do that?
Cause a long time ago, I was one of "they".
For the AAA, in fact, known as one of the better insurance companies, too.
(I am assuming you are dealing with the opposing party's insurance adjusters)
People used to ask me, "Oh, you work for the AAA? What are they like?"
I'd always reply, "They are like my old girlfriends: Tight but fair"