How to Get Your Car Fixed After A Crash

If you’ve recently been in a car accident, the emotional stress and steps that come after can be overwhelming. One of your first thoughts is likely going to be about how to get your vehicle repaired, and who is responsible for repairing your car. Here at The Henry Law Firm, we are well-versed in the various ways surrounding how you can get your car fixed. We encourage you to contact an experienced car crash attorney to help you navigate the process of getting your car repaired following a car accident.

Did you know that 1.35 million people die each year in road accidents globally? Additionally, it’s believed that all non-fatal auto accidents will cost the world economy an estimated $1.8 trillion between 2010 and 2030. With car accidents on the rise, it’s vital that you know how to get your car fixed after a crash. It may seem like a tiresome and challenging process, but with the assistance of a talented Ohio lawyer, you can get your vehicle repaired quickly and without too much difficulty. 

Our legal team has decided to share some of our knowledge with you as we have years of experience working with cases revolving around car accidents. We encourage you to read this blog to learn more about what you need to do. Let’s get started.

How to Get Your Car Fixed: Who Fixes Your Car After an Accident?

In most instances, the driver’s insurance company that caused the accident will be responsible for fixing your car after the accident. Yet, to ensure they pay for your damages, you will need to contact them promptly and report your claim so that they can arrange an inspection. We encourage you to follow these steps after your accident:

1. Should the at-fault driver have failed to provide you with the information, you need to contact their car insurance that can be found in the police report.
2. After you have managed to report your claim, an insurance adjuster will contact you and tell you how they get an initial estimate.
3. You should not look at the initial estimate as if it is a final estimate.

You must remember not to divulge any incriminating information or admit any fault during this stage. An adjuster will try various tactics to lessen the amount they pay you, so it’s best to be conscious of that. 

Should the at-fault driver’s insurance company accept that their driver did indeed cause the accident you were involved in, payment for the initial cost of repairs will be made to you. Yet, you need to note that it’s likely you will receive a supplemental estimate when your vehicle is in for repairs at the auto shop. 

Fear not, as it won’t be your responsibility to cover these costs. You will be written a second check for additional fees.

How the Inspection and Damage Estimate Work

As you now know, once you have reported the accident and initiated a claim, the insurance adjuster of the at-fault driver will need to inspect your vehicle to determine the damage. 

Should your car be drivable, the adjuster will likely have you drive it to a repair shop of their choosing. However, you should note that you are not required to use their repair shop as you have the right to use one of your choosing. 

If your vehicle is not drivable, the insurance adjuster will likely send an inspector to the location of where your damaged car is situated. Or, an adjuster will arrange to have your vehicle towed to their nearest approved auto shop or the auto shop of your choice. 

Once the inspection and evaluation of the loss have been completed, the insurance company will give you an estimate of the damage and who they believe will be responsible for making up the total cost of your vehicle damage repairs. 

If you decide that you would ultimately like to dispute the insurance company’s final estimate, you could have to seek additional help from an attorney.

What You Can Do If The At-Fault Driver Has No Insurance To Fix Your Car

It’s unfortunate, but there are times when an at-fault driver does not have insurance and, therefore, cannot fix your car. Or it might be the situation where you cannot determine the identity of the other driver’s insurance company. If this is the case after your accident, you will have to use your insurance. 

When checking if your insurance will cover an accident you were involved in whereby the other driver has no insurance, check if your policy includes collision coverage or uninsured motorist coverage. You will likely owe your deductible to fix your car if you go this route and use your insurance. (You may be able to have your deductible reimbursed later if the at-fault driver is found to have insurance). This concept can be confusing so let’s break it down. 

• If you have $10,000 in damage to your car, but your collision coverage or uninsured motorist coverage has a $1,000 deductible, you would only owe $1,000 to repair your vehicle. That $1,000 deductible is usually withheld from the check issues to you or the repair shop – meaning you will get a check for $9,000 instead. However, if you have no uninsured motorist or collision coverage, you will be responsible for having to pay the entire $10,000 to have your car repaired.

Choosing to Go Through Insurance to Fix Your Car

Although most drivers prefer to get their car fixed by the at-fault driver’s insurance company, you can choose to have your insurance cover the costs of your vehicle’s repair. If you feel more comfortable going through your insurance, there is no law in place that stipulates you cannot. 

If you choose to go through your insurance, you will have to use your collision coverage. In some instances, if the other driver’s insurance company accepted responsibility for their driver causing your accident, you might be fortunate enough to have your insurance company waive your deductible.

Contact an Ohio Lawyer to Discuss How to Get Your Car Fixed

It’s often best to speak with an Ohio attorney if you have been in a car accident and need compensation from an at-fault driver’s insurance company. An experienced personal injury attorney from The Henry Law Firm can help you determine how to fix your car and guide you through the insurance company proceedings. 
We don’t want you to be taken advantage of by an insurance company which is why we recommend seeking legal counsel. Our goal is to ensure our clients get the best possible resolution for their claims. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.