Emergency Car Repair

The aftermath of a car accident can be stressful and confusing. You may wonder how to make the necessary emergency car repairs to get back on the road again. Unfortunately, the vehicle repair process after an accident can be complex. While state laws can differ, the driver who caused the accident and their insurer are generally responsible for your damages, including car repair or replacement. However, your own car insurance may also cover repairs.

A car accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help you understand what you could be entitled to after a car accident. Our tenacious lawyers can fight hard to recover the compensation you need to pay for car repair and other damages, such as medical bills and wage loss. Morgan & Morgan wants you to get back on your feet as soon as possible after a crash. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to identify your next best steps.  

Handling Car Repair After a Crash

Knowing how to handle car repairs after an accident can be crucial to getting your car back on the road as soon as possible. The steps for handling collision repairs include:

Gather Evidence of Car Damage

Try to take pictures of the car accident scene and all vehicles involved. Photographs can help to establish fault and identify the individual responsible for your damages. Pay particular attention to your car, and snap photos from all sides, covering all damaged areas.  

Contact the Insurance Company

Immediately after the car accident, exchange contact details and insurance information with the other drivers, as you may be able to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer. Contact your car insurance company immediately and ask to begin the process of filing a claim. Your insurer will probably send an adjuster to assess the car damage and start the repair process. The sooner you contact your car insurance and get clear on your next best steps, the sooner you can get your car fixed.  

Choose a Repair Shop

Insurers typically have a list of their preferred repair shops and mechanics. In many circumstances, using the insurance’s recommended repair shop cuts down on red tape and can help get emergency repairs done. However, if you want to use your own trusted car mechanic, check with the relevant insurer, as you typically have the right to choose where to get your car repaired.

Consult a Car Accident Lawyer

Depending on the laws of your state, your car insurer or the insurance company covering the at-fault driver may be responsible for paying for your car repairs and other damages. However, if either insurer refuses to cover repair costs or only partially covers your losses, you could have legal options for pursuing adequate compensation.

An attorney from Morgan & Morgan can help identify your opportunities for recovering what you deserve.

Ways to Get Around While Waiting for Your Car

Unfortunately, even emergency car repair is unlikely to be instant. Depending on the damage, the repair shop may have to order replacement parts and schedule mechanics to work on your car. If the damage is severe, the repair could take a considerable time. You may even have to replace your car entirely and shop around for a replacement.

However, you do not have to put your life on hold while waiting for your car. Options for getting around can include:

• Using public transit
• Renting a car
• Loaning a car from a dealership
• Using taxis or a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft
• Carpooling with friends and family members

Waiting for your car can be frustrating, especially if you live in a remote area and public transport or rideshares are not an option. However, if you have to spend a lot of money on rental cars or taxis to get to important appointments or to work, you could qualify for reimbursement. If another driver caused your accident, their insurance might have to pay for such costs.

Compensation You Could Receive After an Auto Accident

If another party, such as another driver or negligent car manufacturer, is responsible for your accident and car damage, they should pay to repair your vehicle. However, if you suffered injuries and other expenses due to the collision, you could be entitled to various damages in addition to emergency car repair, such as:

Healthcare Expenses

Medical bills from car accident injuries can be astronomical, especially if an injury is permanent or requires ongoing care, such as physical therapy. Victims could pursue all medical costs resulting from a crash injury, including but not limited to:

• Medications
• Hospital stays
• Medical devices
• Diagnostic testing
• Specialist appointments

You could also qualify for counseling expenses and other damages if you suffered emotional distress due to an accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Loss of Wages

A car crash victim with significant or disabling injuries may not return to work for a long time, if ever. If another caused your accident, you are usually entitled to seek compensation for loss of wages from their insurer. You may also qualify for an amount for estimated future loss of earnings.

Other Potential Losses and Costs

Most victims understand that car repair, medical bills, and income losses can impact them considerably after an accident. However, individuals may also qualify for other damages. If someone else is liable for your accident, you could be entitled to reimbursement for the following:

• Transportation costs
• Expenses for a home health aide or household assistance
• Property damaged in the accident, such as a cell phone, laptop, etc.
• Out-of-pocket costs

Non-Economic Damages

Car crash victims suffering severe injuries could also receive non-economic damages intended to compensate them for any pain and loss of life enjoyment experienced due to an accident injury. Such damages can include the following:

• Physical pain and anguish
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of a limb
• Permanent scarring
• Loss of life enjoyment

Do You Need a Car Accident Lawyer?

You may be able to handle a claim with minor car damage and no injuries on your own. However, if your car is severely damaged or a write-off or if you suffered significant injuries, hiring an attorney to represent you could help you recover the total value of your accident claim. An experienced attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you with all aspects of your case, such as:

• Provide legal advice and guidance
• Investigate your crash thoroughly
• Identify all liable parties
• File the required paperwork on your behalf
• Negotiate with an insurer and progress your claim
• Gather the evidence to prove your claim
• Fight vigorously for your best interests at trial, if necessary

Our dedicated attorneys can negotiate powerfully with insurers, help you get emergency car repair, and fight for the best outcome of your car accident case.

I Live in a No-Fault State; Who Pays for My Car Repairs?

In no-fault states like Florida and New York, your insurer is primarily responsible for paying for your car repair, even if another driver is responsible for the accident. Therefore, if you live in a no-fault state, your first step after a crash is to file a claim with your insurance company. However, if the damages exceed your coverage, you would go after the at-fault party’s insurance party to recover your additional losses.

Depending on the facts of your accident, you could also hold third parties to account for your accident. Examples of third parties include:  

• A local government entity that failed to fix a broken road or traffic signal  
• A car manufacturer if your accident happened due to a car defect
• A negligent mechanic installing a faulty part or making a mistake when repairing your car

Knowing who is responsible for your accident and damages can be challenging. However, our car accident lawyers can analyze your accident with the help of professional investigators to get to the bottom of who is liable. 

Do I Have a Say in the Car Repair Process?

You do have some say in the car repair process. However, you may have to assert your rights to get what you deserve and ensure your car is repaired as fast as possible. Make sure you state the urgency of the job and that you need emergency car repair when dropping off your vehicle at the repair shop. Other points that you could negotiate with the repair shop and your insurance company include:

• The type and extent of work to be completed
• Whether to use new or repair old car parts
• Whether to use authentic manufacturer parts or lower-value aftermarket car parts
• The overall cost of the labor

It is vital to understand that insurers often try to get away as cheaply as possible when fixing your car or reimbursing you for damages. However, you do not have to stand for this. If you feel that an insurer is shortchanging you or that the repairs are substandard, consult with a car accident lawyer who can advocate for you.

Should I Give a Recorded Statement to the At-Fault Party’s Insurance Company?

Some insurance companies approach claimants and ask them to give a recorded statement. However, providing such a statement to the at-fault party’s insurer can negatively impact your claim. Insurance companies are usually looking for ways to minimize or refuse a payout. Anything you say in a recorded statement could be used against you. As there is no legal requirement to give a recorded statement, you can refuse to do so.  

However, the best thing to do when an insurer is trying to pressure you into giving a recorded statement is to get an experienced car accident attorney on your side as soon as possible. A car accident lawyer can protect your rights and handle all communication and negotiation with the insurer.

How Do I Know Whether Another Is Liable for My Damages?

Sometimes, knowing who or what is to blame for an accident can be tricky. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that most crashes occur due to driver errors. If another driver drove carelessly or recklessly, they could be responsible for your damages, such as car repair costs. Negligent driving behaviors include:

Speeding

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), speeding was responsible for almost 30 percent of all traffic accident fatalities in 2020. Excessive speed increases car stopping distance and typically causes more extensive car damage than collisions at a lower speed.

Driving Under the Influence

Drivers that consume alcohol or drugs may be severely impaired and can cause tragic accidents. If the driver causing your crash was drunk or under the influence of drugs, they might be liable for your accident, car damage, and expenses.

Driving Distracted

Distracted driving can describe numerous behaviors that take a driver’s attention away from the road, such as:

• Texting while driving
• Eating and drinking
• Playing loud music
• Interacting with passengers

Drivers can make many mistakes that lead to crashes. If another motorist caused your car damage and other expenses due to irresponsible or reckless driving, Morgan & Morgan is here to help.

We Can Fight for Your Rights 

Losing your car, even temporarily, can add to the many frustrations after a crash and prevent you from getting to work, shopping, and attending vital doctor appointments. Morgan & Morgan understands that getting your car back on the road is a priority and critical for getting your life back on track.

If you are having trouble getting emergency car repair or receiving compensation for your injuries and other losses, Morgan & Morgan has your back. We never settle for less and fight hard so car accident victims can receive the settlements they need to pay their bills and move forward with their lives.

Contact us today to find out more in a free case evaluation.