Dealing with the aftermath of a car wreck can be stressful.
From physical injuries to vehicle damage, getting back on your feet – and back on the road – may seem like a daunting task. But The Mike Hostilo Law Firm can help! Our car accident lawyers can handle your entire auto claim, easing your burden in the days ahead.
With decades of combined experience serving accident victims in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina, our team is well-equipped to handle auto insurance companies in these at-fault states. Contact your trusted car crash lawyer today!
If the other driver is to blame for your accident, their auto insurance company is responsible for paying for repairs. If they deny your auto claim or refuse to offer a fair settlement, you can choose to have your insurance company pay inside – minus your deductible. In this case, your insurer will seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurer, resorting to legal action if they still refuse to cooperate.
Both collision and comprehensive coverage pay for repairs, but there are some major differences between the two. Here’s what you need to know about each type of coverage:
Keep in mind that the lower your deductible, the higher your monthly premium.
After your car wreck, be sure to follow these steps:
STEP 1: Call 911 and report the accident.
Call 911 and wait for emergency responders to arrive. If you are not seriously injured, relocate to a safe spot away from traffic.
STEP 2: EXCHANGE CONTACT INFO.
Swap contact details with the other driver as well as any eyewitnesses – including name, phone number, driver’s license number, insurance company and policy number, license plate number and car make/model.
STEP 3: DOCUMENT THE ACCIDENT SCENE.
If possible, take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage and any injuries you have.
STEP 4: SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT.
If you did not receive emergency medical care immediately following your car accident, be sure to see your doctor as soon as possible. This step is crucial, even if you do not think you are injured. In many cases, we have seen a seemingly minor ache or pain turn into a much more serious concern if left untreated.
STEP 5: CONSULT A TRUSTED CAR ACCIDENT LAWYER.
Contact a qualified car crash lawyer as soon as possible for legal advice. Do not give a statement to the insurance company without first speaking to your attorney.
You may choose where to have your vehicle repaired, but keep in mind that if the estimate is higher than your insurance company’s preferred auto shop, you may have to foot the bill for the difference. Another advantage of choosing your insurer’s recommended repair shop is that they may guarantee any repairs made.
Getting a few estimates is typically a good idea. Ask trusted friends and family members for referrals, and be sure to give the repair shop a copy of your auto insurance company’s estimate. Remember to ask about lifetime warranties too.
What is a Third-Party Property Damage Claim? This type of claim is typically handled by the at-fault driver’s auto insurance company. It is handled separately from a personal injury claim, sometimes by an adjuster who specializes in vehicle damage as opposed to physical injuries.
Here is what you can expect from the claims process:
STEP 1: GET A REPAIR ESTIMATE
While you are not required to get multiple estimates, your auto insurance company may be less likely to dispute the amount if you have a few detailed estimates.
STEP 2: ALLOW THE INSURANCE COMPANY TO INSPECT
Your insurance adjuster may request an inspection of their own. While this is their right, they should schedule their inspection around your schedule to avoid any inconvenience to you.
STEP 3: NEGOTIATE FAIR COMPENSATION
Once the auto insurance company has estimates in hand, they will offer compensation. Now is the time to negotiate, ensuring the offer is fair. An experienced car accident lawyer can help make sure you are not taken advantage of and that you receive the compensation you deserve for vehicle repairs.
Trust our car accident attorneys to handle your auto claim from start to finish. We’ll offer much-needed legal advice each step of the way, taking on the insurance company in pursuit of the damages you deserve.
Car accident lawyer near me? Call The Mike Hostilo Law Firm today!
We are proud to serve car crash victims in the following areas:
GEORGIA LAWYERS
Albany, GA
Atlanta, GA
Augusta, GA
Columbus, GA
Macon, GA
(Park of Commerce) Savannah, GA
(Abercorn) Savannah, GA
Statesboro, GA
Warner Robins, GA
SOUTH CAROLINA LAWYERS
Aiken, SC
Beaufort, SC
North Charleston, SC
ALABAMA LAWYERS
Phenix City, AL
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