Experiencing a car accident can be overwhelming and stressful. Even if the damage doesn’t seem severe, there is still a lot of paperwork and details to consider. In some cases, your insurance company may declare that your car is totaled after an accident. This means that the cost of repair surpasses what the car is worth, leaving you without a means of transportation. If this happens, here’s what you need to know about handling a totaled car.
Determining If Your Car Is Totaled
The first step in dealing with a totaled vehicle is determining whether or not it actually qualifies for total loss coverage. The procedure for this varies from state to state, but typically your insurance company will determine if the cost of repairs exceeds the actual cash value (ACV) of the car. Depending on the circumstances, your insurer may decide that it is better to pay out the ACV rather than cover repairs.
Getting Compensation for Your Vehicle
Once it has been determined that your car is a total loss, you will be compensated by your insurance company based on its ACV before it was damaged in the accident. This amount might not be enough to purchase another vehicle outright so you will likely need to finance or lease a replacement vehicle. Keep in mind that while you are entitled to compensation for your totaled car, there might be additional costs associated with purchasing another vehicle such as taxes and registration fees which may not be covered by your insurance policy.
Contacting a Car Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in an auto accident or believe that the at-fault driver should be held accountable for their negligence then it’s important that you consult with a qualified attorney who specializes in car accident law as soon as possible. A car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure that all parties involved are held liable for their actions which may result in additional compensation from an out-of-court settlement or lawsuit depending on the severity of damages sustained by yourself or other parties involved in the crash.
When dealing with a totaled car after an accident, it’s important to remember that recovery can take time and there are many steps involved before you get back behind the wheel again. Be sure to contact your insurer immediately after filing an initial claim so they can properly assess any damages caused during the incident and provide appropriate coverage for any losses incurred due to property damage or injury related expenses. Additionally, having legal representation from a knowledgeable attorney specializing in auto accidents law can help make sure all parties involved are properly held accountable for their negligence and receive just compensation for any damages. So don’t be afraid to reach out!