After experiencing a car accident, you have a lot of things on your mind, many of them centered around how to get your car back on the road. Getting the funding you need to repair your car can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, sometimes having to fight both your insurance company and the at fault driver’s insurer to get the payout that you need.
When trying to get your car repaired after an accident, it’s important that you get all the information possible so that you can return your car to working order and get back to your life. Here are a few tips to help you get your car repaired and information about when you might need to hire a car accident attorney to help with your case.
What Type of State Do You Live In?
How you get funding for your car repairs will rest almost entirely on the state in which your accident occurs. Many states require proof of fault before your insurer will grant a payout, meaning you will have to show that the other driver, and not you, caused your accident.
Some states, however, are known as no-fault states. In these states, your insurer will cover your damages no matter who was at fault in your accident, making it much easier for you to get the car repairs that you need.
Your first step in getting your car repaired after an accident is to learn the insurance rules in your state to find out whether or not you need to prove fault before getting a settlement.
The Cost of Repairs vs. the Value of Your Car
Another factor in getting your car repaired after a car accident will be the extent of your damages and the overall costs to fix your vehicle. There are two factors that can limit the amount of money you can get from your insurer for repairs: Your policy level and the value of your car.
An insurer is only required to give you as much money as your policy dictates. If your policy only covers $10,000 worth of repairs and your car suffered $20,000 worth of damages, you’ll have to cover the remainder yourself.
Additionally, if your car is declared a “total loss” — meaning the cost of repairs are more than the cars value — your insurer only has to give you fair market value for your car, which can be particularly difficult if your car’s value does not cover the amount still due on your auto loan.
Using Your Insurance
Depending on the facts of your accident, there are two types of insurance you can take advantage of to fix your car.
If the accident occurred while driving and the other driver’s insurance will not cover all of your damages, you can use your own collision insurance to make up the difference. On the other hand, if your car was struck while parked, your comprehensive insurance policy may cover the damages if the other driver was uninsured or underinsured.
Dealing with Your Insurer
Finally, if you were at fault for the damage to your car, your insurance may still cover your damages. However, it’s important to note that it might be unwise to make a claim against your insurance for minor damages resulting from a single car accident, as it may raise your rates and make it more difficult to cover future damages.
Consult a Car Accident Attorney
If you’re having trouble getting the payout that you need to repair your car, then it can be a good idea to get legal help. Get the settlement you need by hiring a car accident attorney from Heuser & Heuser, LLP. Our legal team is ready, willing and able to help you fight for your payout so that you can get back on the road. Contact us today.
