WHO REPAIRS YOUR CAR AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
After a car accident, your car may need repairs. Whether the accident was due to distracted driving, driver error or some other driving mistake, the fact remains your property needs repairs. Most people that have never been in an accident have no idea where to start.
It can be very stressful when you have to deal with car repairs after an accident. You should have an accident attorney on your side to help you navigate the process. Understanding the process can help to relieve some of the stress.
There are 3 million car accidents every year, people between the age of 21-14 have the most accident-related injuries. More than 97% of accidents result in property damage that requires repairs.
THE ADJUSTER
One of the first people you will hear from after the accident will be the adjuster. You may actually hear from two different insurance adjusters. You may hear from your own insurance company, and you may hear from the other person’s insurance company. Talking to your insurance company is fine.
The adjuster will ask questions about the vehicle like where it is currently located. If your vehicle had to be towed from the scene than the adjuster will make an appointment with you to meet you where ever the vehicle is located.
If your vehicle is drivable after the accident and you made it home, the adjuster will come there, and make his decisions. You should be present if you can to answer any questions about the condition of the car prior to the accident.
In some cases the insurance adjuster will tell you to bring it to a body repair shop and meet them there. You do not have to have the work done at any specific body shop. You can choose the location.
WHAT WILL THE ADJUSTER DO?
The adjuster will take pictures of your vehicle. They will evaluate the damage, and may even ask you if you want to keep the car. They will use a program to come up with the cost of the damage and compare it to the current “book” value of your vehicle. If the numbers do not align the adjuster may “total” the vehicle.
When an adjuster totals the vehicle that means they are not paying to fix it because the insurance company does not feel that the value of the vehicle warrants fixing it. They will give you a check for what they asses the value at.
This is the point you call a Henderson car accident attorney to fight back if you do not agree with the decision.