When you are involved in a vehicle collision, one of the first things you want to do apart from getting medical attention is to contact the insurance company so that a file can be claimed. However, you want to make sure that you do not allow them to overpower you and tell you what you should do. Keep in mind that insurance adjusters are not on your side, as they work for the insurance companies.
To ensure that you are familiar with what damages you are owed, you should consult with an attorney, who can also ensure you are able to recoup as much as possible. Here are a few expenses that some people tend to overlook.
Loss of Vehicle Use
Even if you choose to rent a vehicle following the accident, it may still be possible to pursue a specific dollar amount for losing the use of your automobile. To determine how much you are owed, you will calculate how many days you are without your vehicle, which is from the day of the wreck to the day your vehicle is repaired or replaced, and speak to the insurance adjusted about compensation.
Diminished Value
As soon as the vehicle gets out of the auto repair shop, you shouldn't be able to tell that it was ever in a wreck. However, if the time comes when you wish to sell it, the history report will show that the vehicle was in a crash, potentially diminishing its market value. You will want to speak to the adjuster about claiming the difference.
Alternate Transportation Costs
If you ended up renting a vehicle while you were without your own, you will likely have paid out-of-pocket for the rental expenses. These expenses should be claimed, as well as any other money that you spent on public transportation, ride-hailing services, etc. To ensure that you are properly reimbursed for the full amount hat you paid, make sure that you save any receipts from these services.
Trying to get compensation for the aforementioned losses may be difficult on your own, so you may want to talk to a car accident attorney for help. An attorney may also be necessary if the insurance adjuster refuses to compensate you for a fair amount following the accident. For more information about what to claim and how to claim it, talk to a car accident attorney after you have been involved in an accident.