Property Damage Disagreements After An Auto Accident
After an auto accident in Miami, people breathe a sigh of relief if no one is seriously injured. But that relief can quickly turn into frustration when property damage becomes a sticking point. Even when a vehicle shows little visible damage, repair estimates can vary widely, and that’s often the beginning of disagreements.
If you’re struggling to get a fair resolution after a crash, reach out to a Miami personal injury lawyer. Skilled legal professionals are available to fight for what you’re owed.
Differing Repair Estimates
It’s not uncommon for one body shop to quote a few hundred dollars to fix a bumper while another discovers structural damage that drives the estimate into the thousands. Modern vehicles are packed with sensors, cameras, and safety systems that may be damaged in ways that aren’t obvious at first glance.
Insurance companies often prefer cheaper repairs and may try to direct policyholders to preferred shops. But these shops might not do a full inspection, they may overlook problems that will affect your car’s performance and value over time. This can lead to disputes about what repairs are necessary and who should pay for them.
Beyond basic repairs, there are several other points where disagreements can arise as well.
- Diminished value. Even after repairs, your vehicle may not be worth what it was before the crash. Buyers often shy away from cars with accident histories, and this loss of value is something you may be entitled to recover.
- Rental car coverage. You may need a rental while your vehicle is in the shop, but insurance companies often limit how much they’ll pay per day or how long they’ll provide coverage. Disputes can arise over what cost should be considered reasonable, especially if repairs take longer than expected.
- Total loss designation. If the cost to repair your car comes close to or exceeds its market value, the insurance company may declare it a total loss. Yet their valuation of your car may be lower than fair market value, leaving you short on funds to replace it.
Arguments over vehicle repairs can drag on for weeks or months. In the meantime, you’re stuck without reliable transportation or dealing with an insurance company that seems more interested in saving money than doing what’s right. If the other driver was at fault, you may also be dealing with their insurer, who may be even more reluctant to pay fairly.
Advocating for Proper Repairs
An experienced Miami personal injury lawyer can review estimates and advocate for full repairs. They also have the knowledge to work with mechanics to document diminished value. Negotiating rental car reimbursement and seeking compensation for out-of-pocket costs could also be possible. Talk to an attorney to challenge a lowball settlement offer and push for fair compensation
Is property damage impacting your finances and your peace of mind? You don’t have to handle this process alone. Property damage disputes are often overlooked in the legal system, but the legal team at Spencer Morgan Law has the negotiating talent you need. Call 305-423-3800.