You just survived a car accident. While recovering, another problem shows up: your car sits in a tow lot and the fees grow every day.
You also may notice something frustrating. Many well-known law firms advertise everywhere but mainly focus on injury cases. Meanwhile, they often leave you to deal with the insurance company about car damage, repairs, and rental cars.
The double battle after a crash
After a wreck, you usually face two separate problems:
- Injuries and medical bills
- Damaged or totaled vehicle
Unfortunately, most large firms handle only the injury claim. As a result, you face the property damage on your own. That means you must talk to insurance adjusters, arrange towing, choose a repair shop and find a rental car. At the same time, you may feel hurt, stressed and overwhelmed.
For non-citizens, this situation can feel even more stressful. You might worry that an insurance claim involves court or could affect your residency status. But property damage claims usually end through settlements. In other words, you do not need to step inside a courtroom to repair or replace your car. Also, U.S. civil laws protect your property rights no matter your citizenship status.
Immediate problems involving your vehicle
While you are trying to mend your body, your vehicle issues cannot just wait. Everyday without a solution can cost you more money. For example:
- Your car is sitting somewhere in the crash site waiting to be towed
- Storage is not free with the fees rising every day
- Without any mode of transportation you are left to spend more to get to work and to medical appointments
Having experienced attorney that can step in quickly and manage these urgent tasks makes healing your primary focus.
How insurance companies may undervalue your vehicle
When a car has major damage insurance adjusters often try to pay as little as possible. They may use their own appraisers and those appraisers can miss hidden damage.
In Tennessee, state law controls how insurance companies oversee repairs and “total loss” decisions. A vehicle becomes a total loss if repair costs hit the 75% threshold. Insurance companies should base ACV on local market prices, not on what you originally paid.
In addition, the rules help protect you from low-quality repairs. Insurers can use aftermarket parts but must list them clearly on your written estimate. Also, any replacement parts listed on an estimate must match the original parts in fit, quality and safety.
What you deserve in your case
When one attorney manages everything, you face less stress and fewer delays. Having a dedicated lawyer can:
- Help you get a rental car for temporary use
- Push for fair repair costs
- Fight for a fair payout
- Function as your spokesperson and take over calls, emails and paperwork which is especially beneficial for you if language makes communication difficult
Most importantly, your immigration status does not block you from recovering what you deserve for your property damage.