How Does My Car Get Fixed After an Accident?

In 2024, the Florida Department of Highway Safety reported more than 379,608 car crashes, highlighting how common accidents can be, especially in densely populated cities like Orlando. While the experience of an accident is difficult enough, figuring out how to fix your car may add to the stress. Florida law offers two main routes for addressing car repairs—filing through your own insurance or the at-fault driver’s insurance—each has its own process.

At Fighter Law, we understand the stress of car accidents and are here to help you every step of the way. Whether you’re facing complications with an insurance claim or need assistance with repair disputes, Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis, both Board-Certified Trial Lawyers, are dedicated to securing the best possible results for your case.

Who Pays for Repairs After a Florida Car Accident?

Florida operates under a no-fault insurance system, meaning your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) policy will cover your medical expenses. However, for property damage like car repairs, you’ll need to look at your insurance policy’s Property Damage Liability (PDL) or pursue a claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance.

When dealing with the at-fault driver’s insurer, it’s paramount to ensure your claim is handled fairly. Sometimes, insurance companies try to lowball repair estimates, leaving you with less than what you need.

If you’re partially at fault for the accident, your repair costs could be divided based on your level of responsibility. Working with a lawyer ensures that negotiations on these aspects go in your favor and minimize unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.

How Do I Choose the Right Repair Shop for My Vehicle?

One of the most critical decisions after an accident is choosing where to have your car repaired. While insurance companies often have lists of recommended repair shops, you are not required to use their preferred shops. Many individuals feel more comfortable going to a local shop with which they have had past experience and trust.

When selecting an auto repair shop, be sure to check that the facility uses high-quality parts and adheres to safety standards. Getting an estimate from a repair shop before proceeding is essential for setting expectations. Also, before agreeing to repairs, share the estimate with the insurance company to avoid delays or disagreements. If your chosen shop gives you an estimate that the insurer disputes, your lawyer can step in to negotiate the best solution.

What Happens if My Car Is Totaled?

If the repair cost exceeds your car’s value, the insurance company may determine a total loss. In this situation, the insurer will offer you a payout based on your car’s pre-crash market value. However, insurance companies sometimes undervalue vehicles in these instances. If you believe the insurer’s valuation is too low, there are steps you can take to challenge this.

You can also choose to keep your totaled vehicle instead of accepting the payout. If you decide to retain the car, expect a lower payout, as it will account for the car’s salvage value. It’s important to gather evidence to show that your car’s value was higher than the insurance company claims. An attorney can provide crucial assistance in this process to help ensure the compensation you receive aligns with your car’s true worth.

Common Issues With Repair Claims and How to Handle Them

When your car is being repaired after a crash, it’s not uncommon to face challenges from your insurance company or the repair shop. Here are solutions to some of the most frequent repair issues:

• Delayed repairs: If you experience delays in repair timelines, keep meticulous records of all communication and follow up regularly with your insurer or repair shop.
• Low settlement offers: To counter this, provide detailed documentation to back up your claim and support a fairer settlement.
• Disputes over fault: When liability is in question, a skilled attorney will help gather essential evidence to strengthen your case.

These issues can add layers of frustration when you’re already dealing with the aftermath of an accident. That’s why having an attorney handle these disputes can ease the burden.

Contact Fighter Law for Skilled Representation After Your Car Accident

Getting your car repaired after an accident is just one part of the recovery process, but you shouldn’t face the insurance claims and repair challenges on your own. At Fighter Law, we are committed to helping you through every aspect of your claim, ensuring you get the compensation and repair solutions you need.

Thomas Feiter and Jessica Travis, our Board-Certified attorneys, are equipped with the legal knowledge you need and are dedicated to providing compassionate and persistent representation. Contact Fighter Law today by calling (407) 344-4837 or completing our contact form for a free consultation.

Share: