Car Accident FAQs

If a car accident results in a total loss, you are entitled to be reimbursed for the prorated amount of these costs that are unused. The insurance company should reimburse you for:

• About 7 to 8 percent tax on the actual cash value of the car
• The cost of the tag transfer fee
• The prorated amount of your yearly car tax and registration fees

Salvage value is the estimated value of the vehicle damaged in the car accident. If you wish to keep the wrecked car, you may purchase it back from the insurance company for its salvage value. The adjuster can deduct the salvage value from the settlement and you can keep the car.

Most repair costs are hard to recover, but if you’ve recently replaced your car’s tires, transmission or engine, give your adjust the receipts for the work completed. It doesn’t guarantee a refund but it may help add value to your car.

If your car is deemed a total loss, the insurance company must give you market value for your vehicle. Adjusters use Kelley Blue Book or similar vehicle valuation companies to figure out how much the car was worth before the accident. You can dispute the offer by sending documented proof to the insurance adjuster.

The at-fault driver’s insurance company will pay for towing and storage as the vehicle’s value is assessed. If you plan to keep the vehicle, you will have to pay to have it towed to your home or other desired location.

The insurance company will deem a car a total loss if it costs more to repair than replace it. The insurance company has 30 days to process your claim and determine your vehicle’s market value.

You have a right to ask the mechanic to order original manufacturer parts. In some cases, if the car is not new, a mechanic might use refurbished or reconditioned parts.

Insurance companies send out adjusters to look at the damage to your vehicle and assess the cost of repairs. Mechanics at body shops will make their own assessment and can help figure out if the damage or mechanical malfunctions are connected to the accident.

Yes. The insurance company will work with the repair shop of your choice.

Insurance companies and rental car companies work together in accident cases. Ask your adjuster about local partnerships because a discount may be involved. If you have to pay the rental fee upfront, you will be reimbursed later.

Normally, the rental car agreement only covers one driver. You may have to pay extra to cover other family members.

Typically, your insurance carrier will cover you while driving a rental car. It may not be necessary to purchase additional coverage. Check with your insurance company first, since they don’t typically reimburse you for extra coverage.

If someone else caused the accident, the at-fault driver’s insurance is required to cover the rental car costs. If you’re at-fault, coverage may be available through your insurance. It’s important to contact your insurance company to see what kind of rental car coverage you have in the event of an accident.

You should not settle a case until you’ve been cleared by a medical professional and completed your treatment. Some personal injuries require additional treatment. If you settle too quickly, you may not be eligible for additional reimbursements. If you feel pressured to settle, talk to our car accident attorneys in Phoenix about your case at no-cost.

Do not accept payment, or a sign a release, until you’ve been cleared by your doctor. By accepting the check, it may appear you’re settling the case. Insurance companies use many tactics to settle cheap and fast. If your personal injuries require more treatment, you may lose the opportunity to get fair compensation.

A medical authorization allows the at-fault driver’s insurance company to access your health records, which may be used against you in drafting a settlement. Before you disclose privileged and confidential information that could potentially affect your claim, speak to a personal injury lawyer about the best way to document your case.

The information you choose to divulge to the other driver, or their insurance company, may be used against you. After all, the at-fault driver’s insurance company is trying to protect its client’s rights. If you provide a statement, it could be misinterpreted later in the claims process, and you may miss out on compensation.

You may have to turn to your own insurance company for compensation. Some policies offer “underinsured motorist coverage” in situations where an at-fault driver does not have liability insurance. This type of coverage is also used in the event of a hit-and-run accident.

If the at-fault driver is uninsured, you may be able to recover compensation through your insurance or a third party, like the other driver’s employer ”” if they were “on the clock” at the time of the accident. Claiming damages after an auto accident can be a complex process. Know your rights. In Arizona, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

There are various ways damages are assessed after an accident. Every case is different, but typically, you’ll be able to recover monetary losses. For instance, if the auto accident is someone else’s fault, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Property damage
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Towing, storage, etc.

Collect as much evidence from the scene as possible. Photographs of your injuries, property damage and the accident scene (even skid marks) can help our Phoenix personal injury lawyers build a case. Don’t forget to exchange information with other parties involved, request police reports and hospital records, and contact your insurance company to begin the claims process quickly.

Your health is of the upmost importance after a car accident. If you need immediate treatment, the services will be covered by your health insurance. In most cases, after filing a claim, you may be entitled to reimbursement by another party if they are found to be at-fault for the accident.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention following a car accident. Our bodies process shock differently, and some injuries or complications may not surface right away. A doctor’s visit gets you urgent treatment and serves as documentation for your claim.