Getting in a car accident in Chattanooga can have many terrible consequences. Even if you come away lucky and uninjured, you may be facing a lot of damage to your vehicle, which can be pretty costly — not to mention unexpected. In some cases, you may not even be able to drive your car again, depending on the damage that’s been done. The right car accident attorney can help get your car back on the road, or at least get you compensation for its value if it’s beyond repair.
Who Holds Liability For Your Vehicle?
Before you can get your car repaired after you’ve been involved in an accident, you have to first determine who is responsible for paying for the repairs. Since Tennessee is a fault state, drivers in and around Chattanooga hold liability when they are found to be the at fault or negligent party involved in a car accident. In order to get damages that are owed to you after a car accident, you must first prove that the other driver was at fault. Your car accident attorney will help you navigate the nuances of the courtroom to help you get the settlement you deserve and get your car repaired after your accident.
Insurance Policy Limits
The insurance company of the liable party will only have to pay for damages up to the limits imposed by the driver’s policy. This means that, if there was extensive damage to your car, the insurance company may not be responsible for paying for the total amount of the repairs needed.
Car Value Limitations
Additionally, the insurance company of the party at fault will never have to pay damages that exceed the value of your car. In cases where the damage exceeds the Blue Book value of your car, the insurance company will likely declare your car a loss and pay you for the amount your vehicle is valued at. This is tricky, because it depends on the value of your car at the time of the accident—not the amount you originally paid for it.
Having the Insurer Cover Repair Costs
The first thing to do if you’ve been involved in a car accident is to report it. The insurer will then inspect the damages, either by sending an inspector or having you drive the car to their inspection station, depending on whether or not your car is drivable. The insurer will provide an estimate, which may or may not cover the entire cost of the repairs.
Remember that, even though the insurer may recommend a mechanic, you are always free to select your own mechanic to make the repairs. If your mechanic accepts the insurer’s estimate, you’re all set! If not, they may be able to work out the cost directly with the adjuster. In some instances, if you can’t settle on an amount with the insurance company, you either have to accept it or file a suit. This is when an experienced car accident attorney will definitely come in handy.
Chattanooga Car Accident Attorney
If you live in Chattanooga and have been involved in a car accident, don’t hesitate to contact McMahan Law Firm, today. We’ll provide a free case evaluation to help set you on the path towards the settlement you deserve.
