If a car accident in Savannah resulted in your vehicle being a total loss, you could be entitled to compensation. Recovering the compensation you deserve is not always easy, as insurance companies are known for avoiding these claims whenever possible. A Savannah car accident lawyer from Kaine Law could help you hold them accountable.
Fair compensation for a total loss could provide you with the resources you need to replace your vehicle. Before you negotiate a settlement with the insurance company, let an attorney review your case and advise you on your options. Our Savannah total loss lawyer can handle your entire case.
When Is a Vehicle Considered a Total Loss?
An insurance company may determine that a car is a total loss after they weigh whether to offer to repair a vehicle or replace it entirely. There is no formalized way for these companies to reach this conclusion, and each insurer takes a somewhat different approach.
In general, insurance companies will consider a vehicle to be a total loss if the cost of repairing the vehicle is more than replacing it. For example, insurers are like to find a vehicle a total loss if it is worth $10,000 but requires $12,000 in repairs.
Some insurance companies will treat a vehicle as a total loss even when the cost to repair is lower than the cost to replace. These companies usually look at the percentage of a vehicle’s value compared to the cost of repair. For example, an insurance company might total a vehicle if the cost to repair it is 70% of the total value of the vehicle.
For a free legal consultation with a total loss lawyer serving Savannah, call 404-214-2001
Is the Decision of the Insurance Company Final?
When the insurance company tells you that your vehicle is a total loss, it is important to remember that this is only their opinion. Your insurer might believe your vehicle is a total loss, but you still have the right to negotiate for a better outcome. A Savannah personal injury lawyer could pursue a number of options following the insurance company’s decision that your vehicle is a total loss.
Negotiating for Repair Expenses
When insurance companies consider your vehicle a total loss, they will make an offer based on the replacement value of the vehicle. Despite what they might suggest, you are not obligated to accept that offer from the insurance company.
You have the right to negotiate with the insurance company for compensation based on the cost of repairing your vehicle. If your vehicle is worth more to you than market value, it is understandable to disagree with the decision by the insurance company to consider it a total loss. While you can demand the policy benefits needed to repair your vehicle, your insurance company might not agree.
Negotiating for Salvage Title
Another option not everyone is aware of is to negotiate for a salvage title for your vehicle. The vehicle will be marked “salvage,” which impacts its value. However, securing a salvage title means you would receive a reduced settlement but get to keep your vehicle. You could then sell the vehicle as salvage yourself or even repair it.
Demanding a Better Offer
Most of the time, vehicle owners accept the offer for the total value of their vehicle made by the insurance company. However, it is important to treat this like any other offer to settle a claim. You have the ability to reject that offer or even counter with one of your own.
If you agree your vehicle is a total loss, it is possible that you could be entitled to more than what the insurance company is offering. Our firm could help you identify the replacement value of your vehicle and demand that amount from the insurance company.
Savannah Total Loss Lawyer Near Me 404-214-2001
Our Firm Could Protect Your Rights
You have rights as a vehicle owner. A Savannah total loss attorney can help you protect those rights. In fact, our firm is ready to assist you with every aspect of the claims process from beginning to end.
We understand how to deal with insurance companies when it comes to resolving property damage claims. If you were injured in your accident, our attorneys could also pursue those claims as well.
Some of the ways an attorney could assist you with your case include:
Serving as Your Advocate
When you have an attorney, you never have to deal directly with any other party regarding your accident. Our firm could communicate with the insurance company and their lawyers. This could prevent you from unintentionally jeopardizing the case by saying something that could be construed as an admission of fault.
Evaluating Your Vehicle
A major aspect of total loss cases is estimating the replacement value of your vehicle. This can be difficult if you lack experience with the valuation process. Our firm understands what goes into these evaluations, and we are ready to ensure you are aware of what your case is worth.
Negotiating a Settlement
Many total loss cases ultimately settle. Reaching an agreement with the insurance company is never certain, but our attorneys are experienced with negotiating with insurance adjusters. We will never let you be taken advantage of by their bullying tactics.
Pursuing Legal Action
If the insurance company acts in bad faith, our attorneys are ready to hold them accountable. Insurers are required to resolve each claim in good faith, and failing to do so could result in serious consequences.
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You Could Recover the Value of Your Total Loss
No matter the course you take following the total loss of your vehicle, you have the right to have an attorney by your side. Dealing with the insurance company can be difficult on your own, as insurance adjusters are unlikely to treat you fairly.
Let a Savannah total loss lawyer assist you with your case. Reach out to Kaine Law as soon as possible for your free consultation.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
