A serious accident in Indiana can create significant financial burden resulting from bodily injuries as well as vehicle repairs. Compensation for your vehicle repairs after an accident may come from your own insurer through collision coverage, or, because Indiana is a fault-based insurance state, from an at-fault driver’s insurer through property damage liability coverage.
To know if your car repair estimate has to come from the insurance company or can come from a repair shop of your choice, ask the insurer. Some may require you visit a certain shop, but you can still receive other estimates from repair shops of your choice.
Obtaining an Estimate for Repair Costs to Your Vehicle
It’s important to get estimates as quickly as possible so that necessary repairs can be made and you can get your wheels back on the road. But if relying solely upon the other driver’s insurance company, it could be a wait. In fact, some insurance companies might even intentionally delay the process.
Contact your insurer and, if someone else is at fault, that of the at-fault driver right away. The insurer may then send an adjuster to examine the vehicle and provide an estimate of damages.
But it’s usually a good idea to get two or three estimates from repair shops you choose. It’s important that any estimates you receive come from a reliable source. Make sure you take the vehicle to auto body shops or a dealership you trust to perform the repairs.
If the insurance company’s estimate is too low, you may have to negotiate and present repair estimates from other shops to make sure you receive adequate compensation for your repairs so they’re done right.
In some cases, insurers may attempt to lowball you on vehicle repairs or get the work done for as cheap as possible by requiring you get repairs at a shop performing low-quality work or that won’t perform the proper repairs to save the insurer money.
In these cases, you may have to seek help from an attorney to help you negotiate a fair settlement for your vehicle repairs not to mention other damages you’ve experienced as a result of the accident.
How an Attorney Can Help When Negotiating a Settlement
If you cannot recover fair value for your extensive vehicle repairs or if the accident caused not only vehicle damage but serious injuries, an attorney can help you recover an amount that is fair. This may include not just compensation for the repair costs, but for your bodily injuries and other damages as well.
If negotiations do not produce a fair settlement offer, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit, especially if your financial and emotional damages are significant. An attorney understands the importance of getting your life back after an accident. This includes receiving necessary medical treatment to aid in physical healing but also getting your vehicle fixed.
So don’t hesitate to seek legal advice when injured in a serious car accident in Indiana. Call Hensley Legal Group at (317) 472-3333 or contact us online to set up a free consultation with an attorney.