The average amount of property damaged caused in each crash in the US is about $7,500, and considering Texas alone has over 400,000 crashes every year, you can image the massive impact that property damage has on our lives (and wallets) annually. Facing these costs, especially while dealing with the pain, medical treatments, missed work, and other stresses that come with serious accidents, is daunting. It can feel like there are too many huge decisions to make in too short a time. Hopefully our auto repair guide will help answer some of your questions.
There are some key points after an accident at which you have the opportunity and power to make decisions around your auto repairs. Once you have determined your choices for these important decisions, the service providers you have selected can guide you through the right process. And as always, Thompson Law is here to help you have the best outcome possible after your accident, and provide advice through our auto repair guide.
The first decision to be made is if you want to go through your insurance or the at-fault party’s insurance for your repairs. You only have this option if you are not at fault for the accident. If you are at-fault for an accident, filing through your own insurance is the only option. Additionally, this consideration is only helpful if the at-fault party has adequate insurance. If they are uninsured motorist or under-insured motorist, you may need to file through your own insurance in order to recoup an amount that covers the value of your losses.
It seems counter-intuitive to file against your own insurance when you did not cause the accident, especially if the at-fault party does have adequate coverage. However, even at the minimum level of auto insurance coverage by Texas law standards ($25,000 minimum for property damage) does not cover the full value of many vehicles on the road today. It is worth considering the benefit of receiving a higher payout through your own insurer, even if it potentially means higher future premiums for you.
After you’ve made your decision about the insurance filing, the next thing you need to do is find the repair shop you would like to do the work. Insurance providers typically have repair shop networks that they prefer you to select. There can be a benefit in moving forward with these preferred shops, as the relationship shared by the shop and the insurer can expedite the process of communicating and handling your property damage claim.
Some people are understandably skeptical of these network providers, and worry the relationship is benefiting the insurer & shop more than their needs as the customer. This is a very understandable instinct, and one thing you can do to ensure you are getting a fair analysis of the damage and good service at the shop is to vet the businesses you are considering. Using review forums like Google, Yelp, Angi, Autobody Review, and more can provide you with valuable information from previous customers.
In addition to checking these sites for reviews of good workmanship, fair pricing, honest practices, and good customer service, ask your real life network of friends and family for their experiences and recommendations. It never hurts to gather more information for local auto repairs so you can make an informed choice for your car, truck, motorcycle or other vehicle repair! Finally, don’t forget to take your own needs into consideration.
The most important thing a repair shop can do is provide good, fairly-priced work, and serve as your auto repair guide throughout the process. But, do not undervalue considerations like the shop’s distance from your home or work. Choosing a convenient location, if you have the option, can make a huge impact on the amount of time and level of inconvenience that comes with having your source of transportation out of commission.
Property damage claims can be tricky and take more time and patience than seems reasonable. If you have reached a point where you feel you can’t make a decision or don’t know how best to move forward, Thompson Law is here for you. Our legal experts really have seen it all when it comes to motor vehicle accidents and property damage. They can certainly provide recommendations and guidance on the options you have and the considerations to make. Please contact us for the help you need after your serious accident.
We have written a few articles over the years about the trickster tactics employed by insurance adjusters in medical claims (like this one dealing with Progressive, or this one dealing with GEICO, … or even this one dealing with Allstate), so it likely comes as no surprise that the insurance companies are also prepared to cut corners in their customers’ cases of property damage. The following are other options available to you that are sometimes left unclear or avoided altogether by the insurance companies as they try to minimize their responsibility to a claim. Just remember, you are in the driver’s seat! Do not be afraid to stand up for what you are owed.
Thompson Law is a personal injury law firm, so the focus of our practice is securing justice and fighting for deserved compensation in cases of bodily injury through error or negligence. However, our work frequently intersects with property damage situations, including cases like car accidents, truck wrecks, boating accidents, and more. So, our experienced team is able to be your auto repair guide in assisting with property damage questions if you are the victim of an injury accident. We can help you to understand the scope of coverage an insurance policy offers and advise you of the route to take on the big decisions discussed above.
What our auto repair guides can’t do is negotiate a property damage claim on your behalf. At Thompson Law, we want you to have the absolute best outcome possible. We are here to help you through your healing and recovery and fight for the compensation you deserve. It is in your best interest to take ownership of the property damage claim, so that you receive the highest settlement possible without any legal fees – just free, friendly auto repair guidance while we handle your injury claim process. Or if you have a knack for fixing cars, you can look at free auto repair manuals online.
But, as we help you through your personal injury case, we are here to answer questions and help you any way we can. Call THE FOURS LAWYERS in Dallas at 214-444-4444 or Fort Worth at 817-444-4444, or toll free at the phone number below if you need a Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Garland, McKinney, Waco, or San Antonio car wreck lawyer, or if you live elsewhere in Texas.
Call (844) 308-8180
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Thompson Law receives an attorney fee and you pay no legal fees as our client unless we pay you. Thompson Law has 350 years of combined experience in legal representation and has won over $1.8 billion dollars in cash settlements for our clients. We master the art of managing client cases with empathy, compassion, respect and, of course, prodigious skill. Contact us today for a free, risk-free consultation to discuss your accident and your options.
State law limits the time you have to file a claim after an auto accident. If you have been injured in an accident, call now to get the help you need.
