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Home > Accident Attorney > HOW MUCH CAN I RECEIVE FOR MY CAR DAMAGE AFTER A CRASH?

Written by Jelena Tiemann and Peter B. Tiemann

Last Updated : December 22, 2021
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Posted on Wednesday, August 24th, 2016 at 1:08 am    

There are several things you must take care of in the days and weeks after a car crash. Your top priority should be your health; however, you must also take care of various things such as reporting the accident to law enforcement and filing an insurance claim. If you take the right steps after a crash, you can maximize the amount of compensation you receive for your accident claim.

Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to recover from your physical injuries while dealing with insurance adjusters, mechanics, body shops, doctor’s offices, and work? Do you need assistance filing an accident claim? Our personal injury attorneys can take the stress of dealing with the insurance company off of you so that you can focus solely on your recovery and your family. Call Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with an experienced Sacramento car accident attorney!

Making Repairs to Your Vehicle After a Car Accident

If your vehicle is damaged in a car accident, one of your priorities will be getting your car fixed so that you have a reliable form of transportation. In some cases, the damage to your vehicle will be repairable. For repairable damages, the insurance company may require that you obtain several estimates for repairs unless you use a repair shop authorized by the company. Some insurance companies try to force you to use a repair shop on its “approved list.”

Even though the insurance company may try to make it difficult, you have the legal right to use any repair shop of your choice to repair your vehicle!  The insurance company cannot force you to choose a repair shop from a list the company provides. If an insurance adjuster is telling you that you cannot use your own repair shop, contact our office immediately. Do not sign any waivers or releases and do not pay for the repairs yourself until you consult with an attorney.

Getting The Highest Value For Your Vehicle

If your vehicle is damaged beyond repair (according to the insurance company), the insurance company will “total” your vehicle and it will offer you the fair market value to settle the property damage claim. Typically, an insurance company will consider a vehicle totaled if the cost to repair the vehicle is close to or exceeds the fair market value. Unfortunately, determining the fair market value of a vehicle can become an issue.

An insurance adjuster may use one or more sources to determine the fair market value of your vehicle. The fair market value is the amount your vehicle is worth based on what an average person would pay for your vehicle in today’s economy. An adjuster may use resources such as Kelley Blue Book (i.e. the “Blue Book Value”) or NADA to determine what the current market value of your vehicle.

Unfortunately, this may not be the true value of your vehicle. If you made modifications to your vehicle, such as adding aftermarket parts, your vehicle may actually have a higher market value. If you have receipts for the modifications, this can help prove that your vehicle is worth more than the Blue Book value. Before accepting the first offer made by an insurance adjuster, consult with our office to ensure you are receiving the maximum allowable amount for your vehicle.

Call A Sacramento Car Accident Attorney

If you are fighting with an insurance adjuster regarding your accident claim, we can help. Call the Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 or chat with a representative on our website to schedule a free case evaluation.

Categories: Accident Attorney, Accident Injury, Attorney At Law, California, Car Accident

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Jennifer T. Testimonial
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I highly recommend The Tiemann Law Firm! I had never before been in a situation where I sustained injury and had to seek legal representation. I was nervous, traumatized, and had no idea what to expect. Jelena, Peter, and their staff walked me through each step of the process. They explained everything in detail. They patiently answered all my questions, responded quickly to every email, text message, phone call, etc. I felt totally prepared for each new phase of the legal process. Furthermore, they were fearless in their defense of me. In certain situations, when I felt attacked or scared my attorney protected me like I was family. Their diligence, honesty, integrity, and compassion provided a true sense of healing and closure for my family and I. The Tiemann Law Firm accomplished more for me than I ever thought possible and I am forever grateful.

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Here's the thing... Nobody really thinks much about lawyers until they need one.  Well, we needed one!  The Tieman Law Firm came through for us in a big way. They were professional, courteous, thorough, and had excellent staff as well.  Highly recommended...

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No one wants to have to hire a lawyer, but if you do. I prefer Tiemann Law. They helped a family member who was injured on the job, and the company did not want to compensate him even though, the injury occurred on the job on company time. Jelena was always professional in explaining the lengthy process of fighting a large corporation. 2 years later he finally is receiving the deserved compensation.

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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Matt H. Testimonial
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I was in a car accident a while back where I was injured and had to miss work for an extended period of time.  After nearly a year of fighting with the insurance company with no results and no progress, I met with Jelena Tiemann.  I couldn't have asked for a more responsive and supportive advocate.  We quickly reached a settlement and I finally was able to move from the stress and burden of feuding with my insurance.  I highly recommending meeting with Jelena if you're in need of a lawyer.