Existing Vehicle Damage and Compensation Calculations

Not every car on Tennessee’s roads is fresh off the lot. Many vehicles have wear and tear or existing damage from previous incidents. But what happens if your car sustains additional damage in a collision? How does existing vehicle damage impact compensation calculations, and how can you ensure a fair settlement? Understanding these issues and working with an experienced Nashville personal injury lawyer can make all the difference.

Steps to Protect Your Claim

When your vehicle has prior damage, determining the compensation for new damage can become a complicated process. Insurance adjusters may argue that some or all of the damage was preexisting, potentially reducing the amount they are willing to pay. Yet that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

• Document the condition of your vehicle. If your vehicle had damage before the collision, gather any available documentation, such as photos, repair invoices, or estimates. These can help establish the state of your vehicle before the accident.
• Get a post-accident inspection. After the collision, take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a detailed inspection. A professional can identify the new damage and separate it from prior issues, creating a clear picture of what the accident caused.
• Preserve evidence. Take photos of your vehicle immediately after the collision from multiple angles. This will provide visual proof of the damage sustained in the crash.

Also, it can be enormously helpful to bring all the documentation you have collected to the attention of a seasoned lawyer. Legal experts can analyze your case, advocate on your behalf, and ensure you aren’t shortchanged by the insurance company.

How Compensation is Calculated

Compensation for vehicle damage typically considers the car’s pre-accident market value and the cost of repairs. For vehicles with existing damage, insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts by claiming the car’s value was already diminished or suggesting that some of the repairs are unrelated to the accident.

In short, insurers often aim to pay as little as possible. When you partner with a legal team, you will have professionals on your side who know how to negotiate aggressively, using evidence and expert opinions to support your objectives. Plus, attorneys have access to accident reconstruction specialists and appraisers who can provide professional opinions on how the collision caused new damage.

Just because your car wasn’t in perfect condition doesn’t mean you don’t deserve fair compensation. There are ways to ensure that preexisting issues don’t unfairly reduce your settlement.

A knowledgeable Nashville personal injury lawyer has the skills to counter insurer tactics to deny or reduce valid claims. They do this by providing evidence of the accident’s impact on your vehicle and ensuring the calculations reflect the true extent of your losses.

Could you use help with a complex vehicle damage claim? Contact the attorneys at Calhoun Law, PLC. Lawyers are available to guide you through the process, fight for your rights, and secure the financial relief you need to repair your vehicle. To learn more, book a confidential consultation.