If you are the owner of an expensive vehicle, you may be worried about what should you do if it is heavily damaged in a car crash. Many people assume that their insurance will cover the cost of repairing or replacing their car, but this is not always the case. In some cases, the damages may be so extensive that the vehicle is considered a total loss. If this happens, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company and hope for the best.
Document Everything
There are a few things that you can do to help ensure that you get the best possible outcome from your insurance claim. The first thing is to document everything. Take photos of the damage to your vehicle and keep any receipts or estimates that you receive. This will give your insurance adjuster a good idea of the extent of the damages and will help them process your claim more quickly. Some common car accident injuries in Roanoke include whiplash, broken bones, and head injuries. If you were injured in the accident, be sure to keep all of your medical records and bills as well.
These will be necessary when you file your personal injury claim. You may have the right to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Take Your Car to an Authorized Service Center or Body Shop
The next thing you need to do is take your car to an authorized service center or body shop. Your insurance company will likely have a list of preferred vendors that you can use. If not, you can find a reputable body shop in your area and get an estimate for the repairs.
Once you have the estimate, you can submit it to your insurance company for reimbursement. In some cases, your insurance company may decide that it is cheaper to replace your car than to repair it. If this happens, they will give you a check for the value of your vehicle minus any deductibles that you owe.
Keep in mind that if your vehicle is declared a total loss, you will only be compensated for the actual value of the vehicle, not what you paid for it. If you have a loan on the vehicle, you will still be responsible for paying off the loan even though you no longer have the car.
Get Multiple Estimates for the Repairs od Replacements
The second thing that you can do is to get multiple estimates for the repairs or replacement of your vehicle. Your insurance company will likely have its own estimate of the damages, but it is always a good idea to get a second opinion. This way, you can be sure that you are getting a fair settlement from your insurer.
Another thing to keep in mind is that most insurance companies have a deductible for collision coverage. This means that you will be responsible for paying a certain amount out of pocket before your insurance policy kicks in. If the damages to your vehicle exceed the deductible, then you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. Be sure to keep all documentation related to the accident and the repairs so that you can get the full amount of your claim.
Contact an Attorney
If you are having difficulty getting a fair settlement from your insurance company, you may want to contact an attorney. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you get the compensation that you deserve. In some cases, it may even be necessary to file a lawsuit against your insurer.
However, this should always be a last resort. Before filing a lawsuit, be sure to speak with an attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options. Your legal rights are important, all people must abide by the law and you should not have to suffer because of someone else’s negligence.
No one ever thinks of being involved in a car accident. However, they happen every day. If you happen to be in this situation, it is important to know what to do. By following the steps above, you can be sure that you are taking the right steps to get the best possible outcome for your case.
If you have any questions or need help with your claim, be sure to contact an experienced car accident lawyer today. They will be able to answer any questions that you have and help you get the compensation that you deserve. Don’t let someone else’s negligence ruin your life – take action today!