How the Vehicle Damage Assessment Could Reduce Your Car Accident Claim Settlement

A vehicle damage assessment is among the factors that are considered when reaching a settlement for a car accident claim. In some cases, this assessment could result in the settlement being less than expected.

Unless it’s a minor accident with little or no damage and without injuries, it may generally be in the victim’s best interest to seek legal counsel in Colorado with a car accident lawyer in Aurora. This could help fight back against any unfair or deceptive tactics the insurance company may try to use in order to diminish the value of a car accident claim.

Impact of a Vehicle Damage Assessment on a Car Accident Claim

It’s important to realize that an insurance adjuster will be responsible for assessing the damage to the vehicle. The adjuster then comes up with an estimated amount of how much it will cost to fix the vehicle, or if it should be replaced, which is why many accident victims in Colorado may seek representation from a car accident lawyer in Aurora during the claims process.

Keep in mind that the damage from the accident won’t be the only consideration. What may also be factored into the assessment is the condition it was in before the accident, how many miles it has, etc. Since the insurance company has to pay the claim, it will likely try to keep the value low.

Needless to say, a claimant could end up being offered an amount that is much less than what it will actually cost to fix it. If the claim has already been settled and later the owner finds out it’s going to be a lot more for additional repairs related to the accident, there may be nothing that can be done.

So it’s important to not settle too quickly. And if negotiations hit a standstill or the vehicle damage assessment is unfair, it may be a good idea to seek legal representation with a Colorado car accident lawyer in Aurora. At the same time, there are some important things to keep in mind when negotiating with the insurance company.

Negotiating a Car Accident Claim Settlement & Contacting a Colorado Car Accident Lawyer in Aurora

Expect the insurance adjuster to lowball the value of the claim or vehicle damage assessment. At the same time, efforts will likely be made to get the case settled as fast as possible.

Despite the tough financial situation a person might be in after an accident, it could be detrimental to agree to a settlement offer too quickly. It would be advantageous to do some research into what other professionals believe the amount of damage to be.

Also be sure to know the value of the vehicle before talking to the insurance company. The Kelly Blue Book is one example of a resource that may help accident victims assess the value of their vehicle.

Of course, it’s just as important to know the value of other damages that will be included in the settlement, such as medical bills and lost wages. But there could be compensation available for other losses such as pain and suffering.

Finally, consider hiring an attorney. Accident victims in Colorado can contact a car accident lawyer in Aurora at the Law Office of D.J. Banovitz. Call 303-300-5060 to set up a consultation to discuss a vehicle damage assessment or other aspects of the car accident claim settlement process.