When your car is damaged in a collision caused by another driver, you have the right to choose where to take your car after an accident, according to the Ohio Department of Insurance. If the other driver is uninsured and you rely on your own insurance company to cover the cost of repairs, you still have the right to choose your repair shop unless your policy specifically states differently in writing.
If the damage to your car is covered by the at-fault driver or their insurance company, they might recommend or suggest a specific repair shop. You are under no obligation to use the repair shop they choose. You can choose a shop you believe will fully restore your car to its pre-accident condition.
Finally, if your own insurer is forced to pay for repairs and your policy allows them to choose the repair shop, the shop they choose must offer a guarantee on their work. While they may repair your car with preowned or older vehicular components, their goal is to restore your car to the way it was immediately before the damage took place.
Vehicle Repairs Are Part of Your Compensation Claim
When the at-fault driver or their insurance provider is obligated to repair your car, an insurance adjuster will inspect the damage to your vehicle. They may also offer you a financial settlement to cover the cost of necessary repairs.
Remember, the insurance company is required to restore your car to the same physical and mechanical condition it was prior to the accident. If you disagree with the repairs that the insurance adjuster agrees to cover, or with their estimation of the cost of those repairs, you do not have to accept their estimate without a fight.
A lawyer in your area can serve as your advocate throughout the claims process and handle any issues that arise with the liable insurer.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116
Replacement Costs When Your Car Is a Total Loss
If your car sustains severe enough damage, the cost to repair it might be more than the vehicle is worth. When that happens, the at-fault driver’s insurance company may opt to declare your car a total loss and replace it instead of repairing it.
The amount of money you receive for your totaled car will be based on its value prior to the collision, regardless of what you still owe on the car.
A cash settlement for your car may be based on:
- The average cost of two comparable cars
- The average of two price quotes from local dealers
- The Kelley Blue Book or the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Guide value of your car
In addition to vehicle repair or replacement costs, a lawyer can also determine any additional compensation you could be entitled to receive.
Additional Financial Damage After a Car Accident
The damage to your car is only part of the overall settlement you can receive after a car accident.
Ohio Revised Code § 2315.18 allows you to seek compensation for the following damages:
- Current and future lost wages
- Current and future medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Physical disfigurement
- Mental and emotional anguish
If another driver is responsible for the accident that damaged your car or left you with physical injuries, you may be entitled to financial compensation. You do not have to fight for these recoverable damages on your own. A lawyer can help you accurately assess the financial aftermath of the accident and pursue financial recovery.
Do Not Wait To Seek Financial Recovery
From medical bills to vehicle repairs, the time you are able to file a lawsuit in Ohio is limited. The state’s statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident, according to Ohio Revised Code § 2305.10. If you are involved in a car accident and fail to file a lawsuit within the two-year deadline, you could be prohibited from seeking compensation at all. If that happens, the full financial impact of the accident will fall onto your shoulders.
An accident you did not cause should not create a financial hardship for you and your family. Do not allow time to run out on your ability to collect monetary compensation. A lawyer can help you file your case within the state’s statute of limitations, if time permits.
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Work with a Lawyer From Bressman Law
If you were the victim of a car accident that damaged your vehicle, you are entitled to have the cost of repairs covered by the at-fault driver and their insurer. In most cases, where you take your car after an accident is your decision. Contact the legal team at Bressman Law by calling (614) 538-1116 to explore your compensation options.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
