I’m in Connecticut and was recently in a not-at-fault accident where my financed vehicle was totaled. The other driver’s insurance paid the actual cash value directly to my lender, but it still left me owing a few thousand on the loan because I didn’t have GAP coverage.

I currently have bad credit, no savings for a down payment, and at the time of the accident I was unemployed, so I had no cushion built up. I do have a bodily injury lawsuit pending, but I know that could take months or longer before any money comes through.

Right now I’m mainly trying to figure out realistic transportation options because I need to get to work and school. I’m not trying to jump into another terrible loan just because I’m desperate.

Given my situation, what would someone realistically qualify for right now? Is there any path to getting into a temporary vehicle without digging an even deeper hole financially?