Was Your Car Damaged In An Accident?
There are many details that are assessed when an insurance company is determining the worth of a claim following a car accident. An insurance adjuster is tasked with landing on a figure that correlates to the amount of damage as a result of the crash. If a car was damaged before an accident, an adjuster could attempt to deny or reduce a claim.
But there are ways to secure a settlement amount for damages, even when a car or truck was damaged going into the event. Talk to a Florida car accident attorney to learn about what options are available. It’s important to connect with a lawyer sooner than later as there is a four year statute of limitations in the state of Florida.
Damage Claims and Compensation
The terms existing damage or pre-existing damage are often used to describe vehicles that are involved in accidents but had some damage before the accident occurred. Naturally, this is a common situation. If this is true for you, it is important to be honest about what damage is new or old. Repair auto experts can determine which dents and scratches are fresh, so it can negatively impact a claim when a person is not completely honest about the condition of their vehicle prior to the accident.
Determining a fair compensation amount can be complex when there is new damage on top of existing damage. An insurance company could suggest they are nor responsible for the full cost of the repair. There are a few different ways car claims can be settled.
- Collision repair settlement
- Write off or total loss
- Verification of diminished vehicle value
Negotiations can be nuanced when a car was damaged prior to a Florida crash. Don’t hesitate to contact a car accident attorney who knows how to navigate car claim complexities.
Research, Details, and Legal Experience
There are a variety of expenses that are possible after a car accident, some go far beyond damage to the vehicle. If anyone was injured, there could be compensation for medical appointments, physical therapy fees, and income loss. Injuries are not always immediately clear. Some car accident victims walk away from wrecks believing they are fine only to have health concerns pop up later. It is in your best interests to see a doctor after a crash to have your health assessed properly.
A car accident attorney can take care of the details of your case and do the research needed to strengthen your claim. Because personal injury lawyers are experienced in negotiating claims involving pre-existing vehicular damage, having a legal professional on your side means securing a claim or winning a lawsuit may be possible.
Was your damaged vehicle involved in a Florida car wreck? You may be juggling medical care expenses, vehicle damages, and lost income. Talk to an experienced personal injury lawyer to understand your rights. The attorneys at Roman & Roman have over 100 years of combined experience. Schedule your free consultation today in Clearwater, Hudson, or Tampa.