Sometimes, car accident damage can be extreme, such as in a total loss incident. In a total loss case, repairing the damages to your vehicle would cost more than simply replacing the vehicle.
In these situations, it can be hard to work with the insurance company to ensure you get a fair amount to cover the cost of replacing your vehicle. Working with a Duluth car accident lawyer from Kaine Law may be helpful in your case.
What does “Total Loss” Mean?
Car accidents can cause extensive damage to your vehicle. In some cases, you can repair your vehicle, but in other situations, this is not possible. Your specific damages will depend on how the accident happened and how severe the damage is.
One of the first steps after a motor vehicle accident is contacting the involved insurance companies. The insurance company should inform you if your car is “totaled.” In these situations, it would cost more to repair your car than replace it, or the damages equal a certain percentage of your vehicle’s value.
For a free legal consultation with a total loss lawyer serving Duluth, call 404-214-2001
Payment in a Total Loss Case
If your car is totaled, the insurance company should pay you the fair market value for your car. The fair market value is how much your vehicle was worth just before the accident. Ideally, this payment should give you what you need to purchase a new or used car similar to the one you had.
However, the insurance company may underestimate your vehicle’s true value. In these situations, careful research into your car’s value and help from a Duluth personal injury lawyer may be warranted.
Who Pays in a Total Loss Case?
The person or group responsible for the accident should cover the cost of the damages to your vehicle. In Georgia, under O.C.G.A § 51-12-33, you pay for the percentage of the damages that were your fault, and other drivers pay for the portion of damages they were responsible for.
For example, let’s say your accident involved you and one other driver. If the other driver was responsible for the crash, that driver’s insurance would cover the total loss cost. On the other hand, if you were partially at fault for the accident, your insurance would cover the percentage of damages for which you were responsible.
Additional Damages in a Total Loss Incident
You may have more to deal with than the total loss of your car. An accident severe enough to cause a totaled vehicle can also cause severe physical injury. Perhaps you suffered a head injury, or maybe you have broken bones.
You may be able to pursue compensation for your injuries from those responsible for your accident in a personal injury claim or lawsuit. This compensation would be in addition to whatever you receive for your totaled vehicle.
Duluth Total Loss Lawyer Near Me 404-214-2001
How does Working With a Duluth Total Loss Car Accident Attorney Help Me?
Our Duluth total loss lawyers have experience helping clients in situations like yours. We understand Georgia’s unique laws and regulations that may apply to your case.
We can communicate with the insurance company and review your legal options with you. Ideally, your total loss lawyer will help you negotiate with the insurance companies to reach a satisfying settlement. If you choose to accept, the amount should help you cover the costs of replacing your vehicle.
If the insurance company makes an initial offer, your lawyer can advise you on whether it is wise to accept it. Your Duluth car accident attorney can also assist you with paperwork, help you meet deadlines, and answer your questions about your total loss case.
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What If I Can’t Afford to Work With a Total Loss Lawyer?
We will negotiate on your behalf in your total loss case. We use a contingency-fee structure, so we only charge you for our services if we successfully help you get compensation. You have access to our legal experience and advice all along the way, but you don’t have to worry about paying us until your case is complete.
If you choose to work with our firm, we can take more time to explain how our fee structure works and how much you would owe us based on your case’s outcome.
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Why Work With a Duluth Total Loss Car Accident Lawyer at Kaine Law?
Our legal team at Kaine Law has multiple decades of legal experience. We work in various areas, including helping people in total loss car accident cases. Here’s what just a few of our clients have said after working with us:
- “My first lawyer fired me and said that my case had a $0.00 value. I found Evan Kaine, and he turned $0.00 into $50,000. Mr. Kaine helped me when I was down. He fought for me when no one else would. We need more lawyers like Evan Kaine.” ~ D.G.
- “I fired my old attorney and hired Attorney Evan Kaine because I got to speak with him directly, not just a case manager. Then he got me $50,000 when my old attorney said that my case was dead!” ~ D.L.
- “I didn’t know where to turn until I called Evan and his office went right to work for me. I strongly recommend Attorney Evan Kaine.” ~ M.W.
Begin Your Total Loss Case Today With a Free Consultation
You do not have to handle your total loss case alone. Our team at Kaine Law is ready to help. Your total loss case starts with a free consultation. We will review your case for free and help you understand your options.
We are ready to answer your questions and help you understand what a Duluth total loss lawyer from our firm can do for you. Contact us today to get started.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
