[Pauto.com]

Doesn't a salvage title come from a car that has been totaled? A totaled vehicle happens when the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds the value of it. Then the title is branded or salvaged. Correct? I'm not a title expert by any means.

Aren't auto check & carfax reports, etc based on the vin number, which doesn't change, therefore wouldn't a significant accident in another state show up on the report regardless?

Visit a reputable dealer and they will treat you right when it comes to the title status. They have their reputation at stake and, believe it or not, there are some that care about such things.