Dealing With A Vehicle Damage Claim After An Accident
Handling a vehicle damage claim following a car accident can be stressful, especially if you are also dealing with a serious injury. At the Law Offices of James L. O'Rourke, our lawyers will help you deal with the insurance issues you are facing so you can concentrate on getting your health and life back.
As long as our attorneys are representing you in your personal injury case against the at-fault driver, we will help you with your vehicle damage claim at no charge. With offices in Stratford, Shelton , we represent clients throughout the Greater Bridgeport area.
Repairing Vehicle Damage After A Car Accident
After an accident, you can file a property damage claim against the other driver’s insurance company or your own insurance company. If the other driver admits fault, it is usually best to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
The insurance company may pay for a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired. If your car is totaled, then the insurance company must pay you fair market value.
Getting An Estimate
If you choose to repair your vehicle, the insurance company will make an estimate of the damages. Once this estimate is made, you can take the vehicle to the auto body shop of your choice to make the repairs. Note that you do not have to use the shop that the insurance company recommends.
When you schedule the repairs, be sure to show the repair estimate to the technicians. Ask them to complete the work based on that estimate.
Once the repairs are complete, it is important that you examine the vehicle carefully before giving the shop the settlement check. If the repairs have not been done correctly, you can ask that they perform additional work. Once you hand over the check, however, the transaction is complete and you will have little leverage with which to compel the shop to correct any problems.
Assisting You With Your Claim
In most cases, the vehicle repairs portion of your injury claim will be straightforward, especially when fault is firmly established. However, challenges in other parts of the case can also lead to challenges in obtaining fair compensation for vehicle damage. Our attorneys will stand by you throughout the entire claims process, providing insightful advice and, if necessary, negotiating with the insurance company to ensure that you receive fair compensation.
Vehicle repairs will also become more complicated if the at-fault party does not possess insurance. In this situation, you may draw upon your own uninsured/underinsured motor vehicle coverage to pay for the repairs.
Contact Our Connecticut Car Accident Attorneys Today
Our attorneys can assist you with all aspects of your insurance claims after a serious car accident. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact us online or call 800-658-1245. We offer free initial consultations to all clients.