If you’ve been in a car crash in Atlanta, Georgia, and your vehicle is a total loss, Our Atlanta Total Loss Lawyer at Kaine Law can help you obtain the relief you are entitled to from auto insurers and negligent parties. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can review your case, let you know your options, and help you recover any other possible damages from your accident.
What Determines if a Car Is a Total Loss?
If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, you will be reimbursed for only the fair market value of the vehicle. Keep in mind that while it depends on each car insurance company’s formula, if the cost to repair the vehicle to its pre-accident condition is greater than the vehicle’s fair market value, most insurance companies will deem your car a total loss.
For a free legal consultation with a total loss accident lawyer serving Atlanta, call 404-214-2001
What if I Don’t Agree That My Car Is a Total Loss?
If your vehicle holds sentimental value to you and you do not want it to be junked, you should know that you could have the option to reject their decision to total it.
The feasibility of this option will depend on your insurance company and financial resources. Typically, as stated earlier, when a car is totaled, that means the cost of fixing it is more than it is worth. If you want to keep the car, the insurance company may offer you a settlement, but it may not be enough to cover the cost of the car’s repairs. This could lead to you paying money out of pocket. An Atlanta personal injury lawyer can present to you all your options through this process.
What Happens to My Car if I Agree It Is a Total Loss?
However, let’s say that you let the insurance company deem your car a total loss. When the insurance company totals your car, they pay the car’s fair market value to you. The car is then sent to a salvage yard, and it is auctioned off, usually for parts. This way, the insurance company recuperates some of their money. This is something that our Atlanta Total Loss Lawyer can help you with.
What Is a Salvage Title?
If your car is damaged but still roadworthy or safe to operate, and the insurance company determines that it’s a total loss, you can sometimes obtain a salvage title of the vehicle. A salvage title allows you to keep the vehicle and receive a reduced total loss payment from the insurance company. You can then repair the vehicle on your own, but your title is marked “salvage,” which will affect the future value of the vehicle when it’s sold.
The Salvaged Car’s Value
If you decide to fight the insurance company’s decision to total your car and choose to repair it yourself, keep in mind that the insurance won’t pay more money than the car is worth. It’s up to you to decide if what they are offering to pay is enough to cover the cost to repair the car.
You will receive a check for the car’s actual cash value, minus any necessary deductible, and minus what the company would have gotten for it at an auction.
If you owe more than the car is worth, or if you are “upside-down” on your loan, and your car is totaled, you should read about gap insurance.
The Rental Car Period
If an insurance company provides you with a rental car while your property damage is being appraised, your rental period ends approximately 24-hours after the insurance company makes you a total loss offer. Generally, the insurance company will not extend your rental period to give you extra time while you search for another vehicle.
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How Our Georgia Law Firm Can Serve You
Our Atlanta Total Loss Lawyer team at Kaine Law understands how to keep the claims process moving smoothly. If you were recently in an accident and your car was totaled, the claims adjuster may be hesitant to pay out your claim.
We can deal with the insurance company on your behalf by:
- Defending you against bad faith insurance practices
- Looking up your car’s Kelley Blue Book value and account for its reduced resale value
- Determining the cost of your repairs, if you want to repair the vehicle
- Evaluating the liable policy
- Providing the insurer will necessary information
- Managing all emails, phone calls, and text messages
You could be dealing with serious injuries in addition to having a totaled vehicle. If so, our team can also handle your personal injury claim. You recoup damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among others.
Contact an Atlanta Accident Lawyer for Help Obtaining Relief When Your Vehicle Is a Total Loss
If you’ve been in a car crash in Georgia and your vehicle is a total loss, an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you obtain the relief you are entitled to from auto insurers and negligent parties. To discuss your case, call us or contact us online.
Our firm has four offices to serve you, located in Atlanta, Conyers, Lawrenceville, and Stockbridge. Hablamos Español.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
