A car accident lawyer plays a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of property damage claims following a collision. Their expertise can significantly ease the burden on the victim, ensuring that all legal procedures are followed precisely and efficiently. Lawyers are adept at assessing the full extent of the property damage, including potential hidden damages that may not be immediately apparent.

By leveraging their knowledge, they can advocate for fair compensation from insurance companies, who often attempt to minimize payouts. Additionally, a lawyer can handle the paperwork, negotiations, and any necessary court appearances, allowing the victim to focus on recovering from the ordeal. Overall, having a car accident lawyer on your side can make a substantial difference in the outcome of your property damage claim.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Handle My Property Damage Claim?

Generally, people DO NOT need an attorney to represent them for their property damage claim. As part of our commitment to providing first-class client service, the personal injury lawyers (e.g., car accident lawyer) at Thompson Law are here to assist with your property damage claim in the following ways:

• Contacting the insurance carrier to provide information needed to expedite your property damage claim.
• Let the adjuster know they may speak to you about fixing the damage to your vehicle only and may not talk to you about your injuries or how the accident happened.
• Answering your questions and helping you understand the property damage claims process so adjusters do not try to underestimate the extent of the damage or provide lowball offers.
• Helping you understand that property damage claims may include other items damaged in a wreck excluding your vehicle, such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and car seats for children.
• Informing you of your duty to mitigate damages, which means protecting the vehicle from additional damage (e.g., if the windows are damaged, covering them so that there is no additional water damage to the interior of the vehicle).
• We will not be talking with the body shop or the property damage adjuster to negotiate for repairs or for the value of your vehicle, but we will help to prepare you for those conversations.

How Fast Can I Get a Rental Car?

• If you have rental car coverage under your own policy, that will typically be the fastest way to get into a rental car.
• If you wait for the at-fault party coverage, then they will first need to investigate the claim, inspect damage, confirm coverage, and accept liability, which can take several weeks.
• You have the option to get a rental car on your own then request reimbursement later. You would need a credit card for the deposit and a driver’s license.
• Let the rental car company know you are renting due to an auto accident, and they may have a discounted rate (we suggest Enterprise or Hertz).
• Rental coverage may only cover a small or compact-sized vehicle and typically does not cover the additional insurance offered by rental companies. If you choose to upgrade to a larger vehicle, you will likely need to pay the difference for the upgrade.
• Save your receipts and we will present them as part of your claim. Be aware that until we locate a source of recovery and clear liability, all rental fees are at your own expense.

How Do I Get My Repair Estimate?

• The insurance company will provide directions on how the repair estimate process works. The adjuster must be able to inspect your vehicle so they can make an estimate for repair or replacement value.
• The insurance estimate is a basic estimate that covers what can be seen at that time. You will take that estimate to a repair shop of your choosing to have the work done.
• The estimate will contain instructions for the repair shop to contact the insurance company regarding any additional work that may be needed.
• You will want to pick a reputable shop that is familiar with the insurance repair process and will prepare the correct documentation to show your vehicle’s damage. Now is not the time to “get a deal” from an inexperienced repair shop.
• Most insurance companies can provide a list of repair shops, and you may find better warranty coverage and faster handling if you use a company from this list.
• If your car is in a tow yard and it is drivable or repairable, you may choose to get the vehicle out and under your control. If you do so, be sure to retain your receipts and forward them to our law firm. Be aware that if you are NOT the titled owner of the vehicle, the titled owner and anyone else (e.g., bank holding the car loan) will be informed it is in a tow yard.

Will My Insurance Premiums Go Up If I report an Accident?

If you’ve been in an accident and are wondering whether to report it to your insurance company, it’s important to understand how doing so may impact your premiums. Many insurance policies require you to report accidents or risk cancellation of the policy, regardless of fault.

• Whether we contact your insurance or not, all major insurance companies report to a central bureau, so they will become aware of the accident. Further, your insurance policy may require you to notify them of a wreck or risk cancellation of the policy, regardless of fault.
• Since your insurance company will become aware anyway, it is in your best interest to take advantage of the coverage that you pay for in your premiums, including your collision, rental, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) and the speed that comes with using those coverages. Engaging your own insurance can also greatly expedite the repair of your vehicle.
• Your insurance company conducts an annual premium review for all insureds. There are many factors that go into how premiums are calculated.
• There is a substantial difference between an accident that you caused versus an accident that you did not cause, and that difference will be reflected in your premium review.
• Your insurance company will pursue reimbursement from the at-fault party for the damages paid, including your deductible.

In summary, it is possible and unavoidable that you may see some premium adjustment arising from the collision, but using the coverage you pay for already may help your property damage claim be handled more quickly.