Five Steps to Take If Your Car Has Been Totaled

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JEFFERSON, Texas. If you’ve been in a serious accident in Jefferson, Texas, a car accident adjuster might declare your vehicle a total loss. What does this mean? And what steps can you take to protect yourself so that you get the best possible settlement if this happens?

Cars are declared totaled if the cost to repair the vehicle exceeds the cost to replace the vehicle. Texas laws require that the cost to repair your vehicle must exceed 100% of the car’s current value. However, you won’t receive money to cover the cost of a new car. Instead, the insurance adjuster’s job is to determine how much your make, model, and year vehicle in a similar condition would be worth on the market, and give you a fair replacement value. This is where disputes can arise between individuals who have lost their cars in crashes and insurance companies. If your car has been declared totaled, here are five steps you can take to protect your rights.

1. Look at Craigslist and Classifieds for Used Cars. U.S. News & World Report notes that the value of cars can vary from city to city and state to state. While Kelley Blue Book is a good starting point and reference, to get a good idea of what your model car was worth before your accident, you’ll need to look at what’s available near your neighborhood. If you can show a classified advertisement selling your car for a higher amount than your insurance adjuster is offering, you might be able to negotiate a better settlement.
2. Provide the Insurance Adjuster with Accurate Information. Insurance adjusters might use a “bare bones” model of your vehicle when they estimate the pre-accident value of your car. However, if your car had special features, like reversing cameras, power windows, and Bluetooth, you might be able to get a higher settlement.
3. Gather Maintenance Records. It is important to show insurance adjusters that you kept your car in the best possible condition. This shows that when purchasing a replacement, you will be looking for a vehicle that has been similarly maintained. Furthermore, if you just put new tires on the car, that could also increase the vehicle’s value.
4. Make an Offer on a Car with Similar Mileage, Make, and Model. If you just want to replace your car, present your insurance company with an accepted offer to buy a car near you with similar mileage, make, and model. Your insurance company’s responsibility is to make you whole after an accident, and you may be able to reach a settlement if your offer is fair.
5. Talk to a Car Accident Attorney Near You. The Cooper Law Firm are car accident attorneys in Jefferson, Texas who may be able to help you if you are having trouble with an insurance claim. Our firm can help you gather necessary documentation, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and fight for your rights, either inside or outside court. Visit us at https://www.cooper-law-firm.com/ to learn more.

It can be stressful to learn that your car has been declared a total loss. While you won’t receive a settlement to buy a new car, you should be able to receive a settlement to pay for a similar replacement. If you want to learn more about your rights after your car has been declared a total loss, visit the Cooper Law Firm today.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037

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