Vehicle Repair
You may not need a car accident lawyer for your property damage claim
During a property claim investigation, an insurance company can drag its heels as long as it is investigating your accident. There is not a legal mechanism to compel them to expedite your claim, even if their insured driver was ticketed. While they are investigating, they have no obligation to pay for any of your expenses, including rental cars or taxis. If they do pay for a rental car, it is perfectly within their rights to cancel the rental if you don't accept their offer on your vehicle.
The insurance company will typically pay for reasonable storage and towing fees. However, if they do not immediately accept liability for your loss, they may notify you that you must remove your car from storage. In this case, you will be responsible for paying all accrued towing and storage fees. If you fail to do so, the insurance company is not likely to pay for additional storage, and there is no means of compelling them to do so.
Communication is crucial. You have suffered damages, and you have the right to call the adjusters involved and get answers to your questions and explanations of their procedures.
Getting Estimates
You have the right to obtain independent estimates if you choose. You also have the right to a written copy of the insurance estimate. The insurance company cannot force you to get more than two independent estimates.
Diminution of Value
If your vehicle repair costs exceed 25% of the vehicle's fair market value, you may have a diminution of value claim after the car is repaired. You may take the car to a dealership or a local appraisal group to evaluate the diminution of value claim; be warned, however, that an appraisal generally will cost $200 or more.
Mitigating Damage
You are required by law to do everything reasonable to mitigate property damages. This means you cannot leave your damaged car in storage for an extended period of time, or receive a rental car for an extended period of time, even if you think your insurance adjuster is offering too little value for your loss.
Car Accident Case Review
Once we receive your information, we will route your inquiry to our car accident injury team. Every effort will be made to contact you within one business day. You will never be obligated to hire a car accident lawyer. For immediate help call us now, toll-free, at 1-866-780-3551.
