If you have been involved in a car accident and your car suffered serious damage, you are probably wondering if your car is totaled.
Several things come into play when determining if a car is totaled after a crash. An insurance adjuster will examine the vehicle and an auto body repair shop will assess the damages.
Using a special computer program, the insurance adjuster will determine whether your car will be considered totaled or if it can be repaired. State laws are considered when determining if a vehicle is repairable or totaled. The insurance adjuster will notify you of your vehicle’s repairability status after examining your car.
When is a Car Totaled?
The cash value of your car and the amount of damage the vehicle suffered are used to determine whether your vehicle is a total loss or whether it will be repaired. The insurance adjuster will use a special program to determine if the damages on your car exceed a state specified amount, which is usually 70% to 75% of the vehicle’s total cash value.
As an example, if your vehicle is worth $8,000, it will most likely be totaled if the estimates for repairing it exceed $6,000. When your car is totaled, the maximum payout for that property damage is usually the cash value of the vehicle.
So, in this case, you would receive $8,000. If you still owe on the vehicle and you owe more than the cash value, you could be stuck with some of the bill if you don’t have a special insurance that covers that “gap” in what you owe and what your car is worth.
The safety of your vehicle is also considered. The insurance company wants to be sure your vehicle will be safe to operate after the repairs are made.
Damages Suffered In A Car Accident Where Your Car Might Be Totaled
If you have been involved in a car accident, you have most likely suffered additional damages into the property damage involving your vehicle.
Other common damages include medical expenses, future medical costs, lost wages, future loss of earnings, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent scarring and disfigurement, long-term disabilities, and others.
A personal injury attorney will determine which damages you suffered because of the crash. You will need to claim all your damages at once in the personal injury claim.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney After a Car Accident
If you have been involved in a car accident, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney will review all the evidence and investigate your accident to determine which damages you suffered.
An accident injury lawyer can estimate a fair value for your claim. Working on a contingency basis, your personal injury lawyer will not be paid until you are compensated for your damages through a settlement or judgment for your damages.
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