Automobile Accident FAQ's
 In the event of an accident, it is extremely important to preserve the evidence and have the accident thoroughly investigated. Remember not all insurance policies provide full coverage for your vehicle.
Tampa Automobile Accident Lawyers provide an initial consultation free of charge, and we work on a contingency basis, which means there is no charge to you unless there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Contact us for a consultation and a review of your insurance policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What types of claims are most common with auto accidents?
- How do I know if I am eligible to receive compensation?
- How do I prove what damage was caused by the accident?
- How long can my insurance company take to settle my claim?
- Who decides whether my car is repaired or replaced?
- Can I choose my own repair shop?
- Does my insurance company have to use new parts to repair my car?
1. What types of claims are most common with auto accidents?
The most common claims associated with automobile accidents include vehicle damage, uninsured motorist, medical expenses, serious injury or death, loss of income, pedestrian involvement, and defective or malfunctioning vehicles.
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2. How do I know if I am eligible to receive compensation?
To determine your eligibility for compensation it is necessary to seek legal assistance immediately after the accident. An auto accident attorney can determine the cause of the accident and compile information for the claim. If there is any delay in diagnosis, treatment, or filing of the claim, you may become ineligible to receive compensation. Call a Pinellas Auto Accident Lawyer today to help you with your claim.
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3. How do I prove what damage was caused by the accident?
It is in the best interest of the insurance company to claim that your car had damage prior to the accident. Also, vehicle damage caused by the accident may cause mechanical malfunctions. It is important that you prove the connection between the auto accident and the damage you are claiming. Your auto mechanic and body repairmen can help determine the age of the body damage or the cause of the mechanical failure. They can help you convince the insurance company what damage the auto accident caused.
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4. How long can my insurance company take to settle my claim?
Your insurance company is ordinarily allowed 30 calendar days from the time they receive notice of your loss to settle your first party claim. If they need to conduct an additional investigation, the time may be extended, but the company must provide you with written notice explaining the reason.
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5. Who decides whether my car is repaired or replaced?
The insurance company has the option to repair or replace your car, or reimburse you for the” actual cash value” (ACV) of your car. The “actual cash value”, or “fair market value” is the amount your vehicle would have sold for immediately before the accident. The insurance company may consider your car a” total loss” if the repair costs equals or exceeds the vehicle's ACV on the date of the loss. In many instances an insurance company will total a vehicle if the appraised damages equal 80% of the vehicle's ACV because often, once repairs have begun, additional damages or "hidden damages" are found which would render the vehicle a total loss by definition.
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6. Can I choose my own repair shop?
You can choose your own repair shop provided they are licensed. The insurance company may have your damages estimated by their own repair shop to ensure the accuracy of the estimate by your repair shop. The insurance company will then work with the repair shop of your choice, to get your car repaired.
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7. Does my insurance company have to use new parts to repair my car?
It is not always possible to replace damaged parts with new parts. The insurance company is required to restore your car to the same condition it was before the accident. Depending on the availability of new parts, the mechanic may have to use reconditioned parts, or after-market parts.
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See Also...
If you have a question that was not covered in the above Frequently Asked Questions call our Tampa Automobile Accident Lawyers at Holland and Lamoureux at 1-866-225-4907 or contact us today for additional information.
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