Any Decatur accident attorney will tell you that your health should be your main priority after a car accident. However, that doesn’t make it any easier to accept the fact that your vehicle has been destroyed. The good news is that your car accident lawyer in Decatur will make sure you’re fairly compensated for this loss.
If You’re Involved in a Car Wreck, You’re Bound to Suffer Damage to Your Vehicle
It doesn’t matter how minor your car accident is. When another vehicle smashes into your vehicle, there is bound to be significant damage. If you’re involved in a rear-end collision, you may end up with a lot of damage to the back of your car.
There are other times when the accident is so serious, your car isn’t worth saving. When this happens, your car will be declared totaled, and your Decatur accident attorney will demand compensation from the other driver.
Will It Cost More Than Your Deductible to Repair Your Car or SUV?
One of the first things your accident attorney in Decatur will do is review your insurance policy. When you purchased your policy, you decided how much you wanted your deductible to me.
When you find out what it will cost to fix your car, it may be less than your deductible. If that’s the case, it makes more sense to get it fixed on your own and then demand reimbursement from the defendant.
If, on the other hand, it’ll cost much more than your deductible, it makes more sense to submit a claim to the insurance company. This way, as long as your Decatur accident attorney can prove fault, the defendant will have to pay to get it fixed.
Who Determines How Much Damage Your Vehicle Sustained in the Crash?
Once your attorney has a chance to review the estimate for repairs, they’ll have a better idea of what your damages will be. The defendant will only be responsible for the damage caused in the crash.
For example, if you already needed a new transmission, you can’t expect the defendant to pay for that. However, as long as the mechanic who examines your vehicle after the crash confirms that it was related to the accident, it should be covered.
Your Accident Attorney in Decatur Will Deal with the Insurance Company
One of the benefits of hiring an experienced accident attorney in Decatur is that they’ll deal with the insurance company. This is often the one thing our clients complain about after their crash.
Like it or not, the insurance adjuster is going to try to take advantage of you. If they know you don’t have an attorney, they’ll be more likely to deny your claim. Or they’ll only approve part of your claim.
Once they learn that you’ve retained an accident attorney in Decatur, they will change the way they handle your claim. Your lawyer will make sure your claim is handled properly from the start.
Will the Insurance Adjuster Determine That Your Vehicle Is Totaled?
When it comes to determining whether your car has been totaled, you will be at the mercy of the insurance company. They will review the mechanic’s report. If they choose, they can get their own assessment done as well.
The key to designating a vehicle totaled is determining that it will cost more to fix the car or SUV than it is worth. The value used for this determination is the fair market value of your vehicle at the time of the accident.
What Happens if Your Vehicle Is Declared Totaled After the Accident?
If your car or SUV is deemed totaled, the insurance company will issue you a check for the fair market value. They will also give you the vehicle with a salvage title. With a salvage title, you will not be able to trade the car into a dealership or sell it privately.
You will have the option of using the money to fix the car. Or you can allow the car to be taken to a junkyard or sell it for parts. Then you can use your insurance proceeds to put a down payment on a new vehicle.
Your Decatur Accident Attorney Will Demand Fair Market Value for Your Car or SUV
If your car is declared totaled and the insurance company will not pay your claim, your accident attorney in Decatur will demand damages for your vehicle. They can only demand the fair market value for your car or SUV.
One way to get this value is to go onto a site like Kelley Blue Book. This is a tool that a lot of insurance companies use. Or you can have it appraised by an independent agency. Just know that the insurance company, and the court, will take the lower estimated value.
For example, if Kelley Blue Book has one value for great condition and one for fair condition, you can bet the insurance company will only approve the fair value.
Your accident attorney in Decatur will push for the higher amount. This is one of the issues that is usually resolved during settlement negotiations.
There’s Still a Good Chance Your Accident Attorney in Decatur Will Settle Your Case
Some people assume that, just because the insurance company deems their vehicle totaled, their claim will be paid. That isn’t the case. One doesn’t really have to do with the other.
Whether your claim is paid depends on who the insurance carrier believes was at fault. Just because your car was totaled, that doesn’t mean they believe the other driver was liable.
Call Our Office Today to Schedule Your Free Case Review!
We understand that a lot of people aren’t sure what to do after a car accident. Deep down, you’re hoping the insurance company will do the right thing. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know for sure if that’ll happen. That’s why you should call our Decatur accident attorneys.
We offer all new clients a free case review. All you have to do is contact us directly at (770) HELP-NOW. Select a time to come into the office and meet with one of our associates. If you prefer, you can contact us through our website instead.
