Concerns About Auto Accident Claims In AR | Mullins & Blake Attorneys

Common Questions And Concerns About Auto Accident Claims In Arkansas

Over the course of time that our firm has served clients, we’ve observed some patterns. Of them are questions and concerns clients from various backgrounds have regularly shared. The primary concern often revolves around questions like, Who will repair my car? and What if I can’t drive my car? We thought it best to tackle these right off the bat before diving further into other things we will discuss in this book.

Typically, the at-fault party is responsible for restoring the car to the condition it was in prior to the accident. However, complications may arise, especially if investigating the liability prolongs the process. In such instances, we advise clients with collision insurance in their policy to leverage it for prompt resolution. This allows them to get necessary repairs without waiting for the at-fault insurance company to complete a drawn-out investigation. Although they’ll initially bear the deductible using their policy, they will eventually be reimbursed upon completion of the liability investigation.

Many fail to realize it, but using your own insurance to expedite repairs doesn’t absolve the at-fault party of responsibility. Even when we assist you in utilizing your insurance for a quicker resolution, your insurer will pursue the at-fault party. The at-fault party remains ultimately accountable, and your insurance will seek reimbursement from them, ensuring that your deductible is repaid.

Common Misconceptions

Unfortunately, one of the most common scenarios we encounter in our practice is when people involved in a car accident find themselves upside down on their car. Let’s take a hypothetical example: the current market value of their car, if sold today, is $10,000, but they still owe $15,000 on it. According to the law, the at-fault party is only obligated to pay the actual cash value of the vehicle, which, in this instance, is $10,000.

Many have the misconception that the insurance company should settle the entire outstanding amount, even if it exceeds the car’s value. It’s difficult to break the news to our clients, but the law doesn’t permit them to have their car fully paid off if they owe more than its assessed worth. The at-fault party is only liable for the car’s actual value.

This cuts the other way, too, however. If your car’s value is higher than the amount you owe, the insurance company can’t simply clear your entire debt. For instance, if your car is valued at $10,000 and you owe $5,000, the insurance company can’t just hand you $5,000. As great as this is, however, the far more frequent situation is that people owe more than their car is valued at.

Our Unique Approach to Property Damage And Personal Injury Claims

Generally speaking, most firms in Arkansas do not offer property damage assistance. If you entrust us with your injury claim, we handle the property damage claim. This unique service enables you to streamline the entire process under one roof, receiving guidance through both aspects and ensuring a cohesive and efficient resolution. We differentiate ourselves by being willing to address both legal components of your accident, providing comprehensive support and assistance throughout the entire process.

Why don’t attorneys typically not handle property damage cases? There is an extremely limited potential to recover anything in attorney fees. Property damage cases are mainly limited to parts, costs, materials, and labor, lacking anything like pain and suffering that could justify attorney fees. Although we encourage our clients to take the initiative in dealing with adjusters for evaluations and rental car arrangements independently, we stand by, ready to assist if they choose to have us deal with the insurance company to ensure a smooth resolution.

When beginning your case, first consult with a lawyer to seek their advice. If you opt for legal representation, the lawyer will advocate for you and initiate the claim process on your behalf, managing communications with both the at-fault party and your own insurance company. It’s advisable to open claims with all available insurances to explore coverages promptly. This approach ensures a quicker recovery by tapping into available insurance, especially if one route proves to be slower in returning you to your normal daily life.

For more information on Concerns About Auto Accident Claims In AR, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (479) 337-7077 today.