Other driver’s insurance won’t accept liability for parked car hit by trailer — what should I do?

Hey everyone, I could really use some advice because this is my first time dealing with something like this and it’s getting confusing.

My car (Miata) was parked on the side of a residential street in front of a friend’s house. I wasn’t in it. A landscaping company truck with a gooseneck trailer was backing up on a narrow road and hit the back of my car.

At first I thought it would be straightforward since my car was literally just parked, but their insurance has been making things complicated.

They sent me a property damage release that basically says they are not accepting liability (or at least not fully?) and that the payment they’re offering would be a final settlement. They also told me they need me to sign that release before they can issue payment.

The problem is my car hasn’t even been repaired yet. The shop hasn’t torn it down, and there haven’t been any final supplements. There’s also a small scratched panel they’re trying to say is “pre-existing,” even though I told them about it and the shop submitted it.

On top of that, I have a rental car through them, but they only extended it to a certain date and keep saying things like it should be covered “within reason,” which doesn’t really make me feel confident.

So right now I feel stuck because:

• They want me to sign something that closes the claim
• Repairs haven’t even started
• I don’t know if they’ll cover additional damage once the car is opened up
• I don’t want to end up paying out of pocket

I do have my own insurance (State Farm), but I was trying to avoid using it.

At this point, I’m not sure what the smartest move is.

What should I actually do here?

• Is it normal for them to ask for a full release before repairs?
• Should I just refuse to sign anything until everything is done?
• Or is this the point where I should just go through my own insurance and let them handle it?

Any advice would seriously help because this feels off but I don’t know how hard to push back.