The ESHELMAN LEGAL GROUP
We’ll make things right when you’ve been injured as a result of another's negligence. We have been protecting the rights of injured people for over 40 years.
Our practice is limited to the representation of people, not insurance companies. Our years of experience make us a serious force, widely respected by insurance companies. The result is the ability to obtain top dollar settlements for our clients. We can help if you or someone you love is hurt due to:
- Car, Motorcycle, Van, SUV, Truck Accidents
- Work Related Injury
- Vehicle Accident Settlement
- Slip & Fall Injury
- Vicious Animal Bites
- Medical Malpractice
- Nursing Home Abuse
- Defective Drugs - Medicines
Getting the Proper Help
Before you talk to any insurance adjuster, CALL "The Eshelman Legal Group"...Without legal representation, you could settle your claim too cheaply or make statements to the adjuster that could defeat your case.
Call Toll Free: 1.800.365.0001
Helping Injured People for Over 40 Years
"We'll Make Things Right"
Vehicle Damage Settlement Guide
After an accident, what happens with your car now?
This document will give you some guidance on how to handle the damages to your vehicle if you were involved in an accident.
What Is My Situation?
- • Is My Vehicle Drivable?
- • Is My Vehicle Repairable?
- • Is My Vehicle A Total Loss?
What If My Car Is Drivable
Obtain at least two estimates from reputable body shops where you would want to take your car for repairs.
Take these estimates to the insurance company for payment of repairs to your vehicle. If they feel the estimate is too high, the insurance adjuster will arrive at an agreed upon repair price for the damages to your vehicle.
What If My Car Is Not Drivable But Repairable
The insurance adjuster should come to where your vehicle is located to complete an estimate for repairs.
You will need to take your vehicle to a body shop of your choice for repairs. The insurance adjuster should arrive at an agreed price to repair all damages to your vehicle.
If additional repairs are discovered that were due to the cause of the accident after the original repairs have begun, the insurance company should make an adjustment from the original repair estimate.
As a general rule, prior damage to your vehicle such as rust not relating to the accident is not the responsibility of the insurance company. If you want repairs made that are unrelated to the accident, you will have to pay fr these yourself.
What Can I Do If My Car Is A Total Loss
If the cost of your vehicles repairs exceeds the fair market value less the salvage value, the insurance company will consider the vehicle to be a Total Loss.
As a general rule, the insurance company pays the fair market value regardless of the balance of any existing auto loans. Fair market value is what a willing buyer will pay a willing seller. Sometimes the loan value exceeds the fair market value of the vehicle.
Rental Cars
If your vehicle is repairable, the insurance company should provide you a rental vehicle for the reasonable period of time it takes to repair your damaged vehicle.
If you do not have insurance, you may not be able to receive a rental vehicle unless you pay the rental car company a daily fee for insurance and you may be required to pay a cash deposit or credit card deposit.
If your vehicle is a total loss, the insurance company should provide you a rental vehicle until they can make you an offer for settlement. Some insurance companies will not approve any rental if your vehicle is a total loss.
Storage For A Total Loss vehicle
If your vehicle is being stored at a tow yard or storage facility, you will be charged a daily fee for the time it is there. You are the primarily responsible for the storage charges, although you do have the right for recovery against the party who may be at fault for the accident.
Inspect Your Vehicle After Repairs Are Made
Be sure to thoroughly inspect your vehicle's repairs when you pick it up. Make sure all repairs have been performed to your satisfaction and done correctly including matching of paint etc. You do not have to accept your vehicle if the repairs have not been done correctly. They should make the necessary changes if your findings are justified and reasonable.
The Eshelman Legal Group
The attorneys at the Eshelman Legal Group specialize in auto accident injuries and are well versed in the various Ohio transportation laws. They also know how to deal with insurance and healthcare companies. If you visit our website at EshelmanLegalGroup.com, you can see that not only do our attorneys have a proven track record, but your first consultation with us is FREE and you do not pay until you get paid.
The longer you wait, you could risk your case being jeopardized. We encourage you to get expert legal advice to evaluate your individual case. Call the experts at the Eshelman Legal Group in Akron, Ohio for a no obligation no cost first initial consultation.
Call: 1.800.365.0001
With over forty years experience, a vast knowledge of Ohio transportation laws, auto insurance and the healthcare industry along with a proven track record in auto accident claims, the Eshelman Legal Group has been helping the injured for over 40 years.
The attorneys at the Eshelman Legal Group in Akron, Ohio understand that no matter how cautious you are, others may not be so careful, and accidents do happen. So we hope you don’t need to, but if you are in a situation where you need the advice of an injury attorney, the Eshelman Legal Group is here to help you. For over 40 years we have been assisting accident victims, and we are here to assist you too... because “We’ll make things right.” .
Ask yourself this question…who does the adjuster work for? The adjuster works for the insurance company, they do not work for you.