How Do I Get My Car Fixed After an Accident?

Were you in an auto accident and need to have your vehicle repaired? If so, it’s crucial that you understand the insurance process and your rights after a car accident. At Dawson Law Group we recommend consulting with a Portland personal injury attorney. They will be able to help you work with the insurance companies to receive the compensation you are due including repairs to your car, truck or SUV. Determining who pays for your vehicle to be repaired is dependent upon who was at fault for the accident.

Accidents Where the Other Driver is At-fault

If the other driver is at-fault for the accident it is up to their insurance company to pay for the repairs to your vehicle. The accident was not your fault, and as such, you should not have to pay for your own repairs. The difficult part of this is that the other person’s insurance company will only pay up to its policy limits. If the insurance policy of the at-fault driver is only worth up to $5,000 worth of coverage and the damage your vehicle sustained was $10,000 you will only receive $5,000 in compensation from their insurance company. It is crucial to have a Portland personal injury attorney on your side when dealing with the at-fault party’s insurance company. The insurance company will be seeking to pay out as little as possible and your attorney will fight to ensure that you aren’t taken advantage of.

If the at-fault parties insurance company will not pay for the full repairs to your vehicle, you then have the option to make a claim against your insurance company and receive compensation for the remaining value of your vehicle repairs. Your collision insurance will cover what the other person’s insurance company would not.

Accidents Where You Were At-fault

If you were at-fault for the accident you were in then you will need to file a claim against your own insurance company. Your collision insurance will cover the cost of your repairs. The downside of filing a claim is that your insurance monthly rate will increase. You do have the right to cover the repairs yourself so that your insurance will not go up. If it was decided that you were a- fault for a car accident and you disagree, it’s time to hire a Portland personal injury attorney. They will be able to fight to ensure that fault is not placed unjustly on your shoulders.

Vehicle is a Total Loss

If your vehicle’s repairs are worth more than the car’s overall value then the situation is a bit different. The insurance company will pay you the value of the vehicle and then keep it. You then have the ability to use that money to replace your vehicle. It is important to understand that they will only pay you the value of the car at the time of the accident. The value of your car is determined based upon the condition it was in at the time of the accident and not when you bought the car. We recommend meeting with a Portland car accident attorney to ensure that you receive the full value of the car if your vehicle was determined a total loss.

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At Dawson Law Group we would be honored to represent you and ensure you receive the compensation you are due after your auto accident. Having a qualified Portland personal injury attorney on your side is crucial to the success of your claim. Call Dawson Law Group today, we’ll help you navigate your car accident personal injury case.