If your car sustained damage in an accident due to another party’s wrongful actions, you could be eligible for compensation for any repair or replacement costs. But before negotiating a fair settlement for property damage to your car, it is essential to know your rights and the tactics a claims adjuster could use to minimize your compensation.
A Sacramento car accident lawyer at Demas Law Group can explain the challenges you might face when making a property damage claim after a crash. Our experienced lawyers can protect your rights and oversee the negotiation process so you don’t settle for less than you deserve. Here’s what you need to know about negotiating a fair settlement for property damage in California.
Know What You Want from the Insurance Company
The first step in negotiating a full settlement is knowing what you want from the car insurance company. Do some research to understand the extent and cost of the damage to your car, and gather estimates from reputable auto body shops. Ensure you know the current market value of your vehicle, accounting for its:
- Make
- Model
- Year
- Mileage
- Pre-accident condition
- Post-accident condition
This information will help you negotiate a settlement that accurately reflects the damage to your car and eliminates the need for out-of-pocket payments.
Ask to See How the Insurer Valued Your Car
Insurance companies often use valuation tools and databases to determine the value of your car, but these might not always reflect its actual market value. When the insurance adjuster provides an estimate for your property damage claim, ask them to include a detailed explanation of how they calculated your car’s value, including any comparable vehicles or market data they considered.
Review this information carefully and identify any discrepancies or inaccuracies that could affect your settlement. If an insurance adjuster refuses to share their calculations with you, an experienced car accident attorney can help you obtain the necessary information.
Don’t Accept a Lowball Settlement Offer
An insurance adjuster’s main job is to minimize the insurance company’s payout by offering the lowest possible settlement amount. Be prepared for tactics they might use to devalue your claim, such as emphasizing pre-existing damage or arguing the repair costs are too high.
Insurers often start with lowball settlement offers, hoping you will be desperate enough to accept without negotiation. Never accept an offer that doesn’t fully compensate you for the damage to your car. Remember that you have the right to negotiate and should not feel pressured to accept an unsatisfactory settlement. Be patient, persistent, and ready to present evidence supporting your counteroffer. If you feel unsure of what a full and fair settlement offer may be, seek guidance from an experienced car accident lawyer.
Emphasize the Points in Your Favor
When negotiating with the insurance adjuster, continually bring up the strengths of your case. Discuss the damage to your car, the repair estimates from respected shops, and any other factors that support your claim for a higher settlement. By consistently focusing on these points, you will demonstrate to the insurance adjuster that you have done your homework and will not accept an unfair offer. Hiring a skilled car accident attorney to handle these negotiations can significantly increase your chances of a satisfactory final settlement.
Document Everything Throughout the Process
Maintaining thorough documentation of your claim is essential for successful negotiations. Keep records of all your communications with the insurance company, including emails, phone calls, and written correspondence. Collect copies of repair estimates, receipts, and invoices for any expenses related to the accident, plus any other relevant supporting documentation. This evidence will be critical in demonstrating the extent of the damage to your vehicle and the merits of your claim.
Know When to Escalate the Situation
If negotiations with the insurance adjuster stall or you cannot reach an acceptable settlement, it’s good to know when to escalate the situation. A car accident attorney can provide guidance on the appropriate next steps, which could include filing a lawsuit or pursuing alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods like mediation or arbitration. These options can provide additional leverage in negotiations and help you obtain a fair settlement since insurance companies try to avoid going to court whenever possible.
Consider Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer for a Fair Settlement
We rely on our cars to go to work, shop, take kids to school, and perform most daily activities. If a car accident leaves you without a vehicle or requires expensive repairs, the insurance company should pay you for the property damage. With the right information, preparation, and legal support, you can demand a settlement that accurately compensates you for your losses.
While it is possible to negotiate a settlement on your own, hiring a car accident lawyer increases your chances of success. A skilled attorney has experience dealing with insurance companies and can provide valuable advice on countering their tactics. Additionally, an attorney can help you gather evidence, handle paperwork, and communicate with insurers so you are appropriately compensated.
Compensation is Possible If You Were Injured
Did you or a loved one suffer injuries in the accident? The insurance company could also be responsible for paying for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. A personal injury attorney can assist you with fighting for compensation for those losses.
Talk to Demas Law Group About Your Property Damage Claim in Sacramento
Property damage is one of the most common results of a car accident. In California, you have three years from the date the damage occurred to file a claim in most cases. But if you’re like most people, you need the damage repaired — and you need it now.
At Demas Law Group, our attorneys will develop a customized strategy to fight for the money that accounts for the full extent of your property damage after a crash. If you were hurt in the collision, our firm also includes a team of proven personal injury attorneys who will demand compensation for your injuries.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case with a member of our trusted legal team.
