Despite being a personal injury attorney, I commonly help my clients resolve issues regarding the damage their vehicle sustained in an accident. Generally, the body shop does a great job and repairs the vehicle. Nonetheless, the vehicle has still depreciated. In other words, your vehicle is worthless since it has been involved in an accident. Clearly, if you were given the option to buy 2 vehicles and one of those vehicles had been involved in a serious accident, you would likely choose the vehicle free of accidents. But how will anyone other than the insurance company and myself know the vehicle was involved in an accident?
Shockingly, the answer is very easy. First and foremost, do not underestimate the trained eye of a professional at a car dealership. Typically, if you are selling your vehicle to a car dealership they will inspect the vehicle. I assure you, a dealership will be able to spot imperfections in the repair. Secondly, anyone can order a Carfax report on your vehicle and know the vehicle was involved in a collision. Simply, file a claim with the insurance company of the negligent vehicle seeking to recover your vehicles diminished value. You will need to present evidence to the insurance company evincing your vehicle is not worth the same due to the collision. As you can imagine, the insurance company is not simply going to roll over and give you the amount owed. In fact, they will likely do everything in their power to avoid paying. Seek the help of a lawyer qualified to handle diminished value claims. Contact LaBovick Law Group. The consultation is free!
