In the unlucky event of a road traffic accident, understanding how to handle the process of getting your vehicle repaired can be unsettling. If you are declared at fault, it’s necessary to know what your duties are, how to manage vehicle repairs, and what costs you can expect. We will have a clear process for vehicle repairs in an at-fault accident compensation claim.
AT Fault Accident Claim
At-fault vehicle accident claim refers to a claim submitted after a car accident where the claimant is considered to be responsible for the accident, meaning their insurance company will be liable to pay for all of the damages and losses incurred, whereas in a non-fault claim where the other driver is completely at fault.
Effect of At-Fault Accident on Insurance
If you are liable for an accident, your insurance rate will always increase unless your insurance offers some accident mercy feature. Unfortunately, the answer is Yes. Whether the vehicle accident was your mistake or not, filing a claim will lead to an increase in your car insurance premium. You can see the increase in your insurance next year.
Repair Process After an at-Fault Accident
1. Understanding Fault in Vehicle Accidents
Before jumping into vehicle repairs, it is difficult to understand the meaning of at fault. In an at-fault vehicle accident, the driver liable for the accident is responsible for the damages caused.
2. What to Do After the Accident
Your step immediately after an accident is to make sure everyone is safe. Speak to an accident management company and provide all the documents required. If you are looking to claim, you can contact accident claims assist. We outline the essential steps, from calling the police to exchanging information with other vehicles involved.
3. Documenting the Vehicle Damages
The documentation of the car damage is necessary for making a claim. Gather as much information and photographs to support your claim. The evidence required to win a claim includes photos, witness statements, and police reports.
4. Choosing a Vehicle Repair Garage
Not all garages are equal. We can choose garages approved by insurance companies or by claims management companies.
5. Repairs Estimate
Understanding the expenses connected with repairing your vehicle is important. We will check how vehicle repair estimates are calculated and what factors can affect the repair cost.
6. Filing Your Claim
Making a claim can be a complex process. Before submitting the claim, we need to review all the documents and evidence provided. This will help us to decide who’s at fault.
7. Insurance Coverage
It isn’t easy to understand what your insurance covers regarding repairs.
8. Managing Expenses
In some cases, you may incur additional expenses that are not covered by insurance.
How to Win an At-Fault Accident
Being in an accident is more than just a stressful experience—it can also be time-consuming and expensive, especially if you are not sure how to go through making an insurance claim. If you are thinking about either of these actions after being involved in an accident, having guidance on your side through the entire claim is necessary. An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to assist you through all the steps involved in winning a car accident claim.
The solicitors at Accident Claims Assist have been handling car accident claims for years and have recovered costs for our clients. If you need assistance, contact Accident Claims Assist today for a free and confidential claim evaluation.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney?
If you were injured in an at-fault accident, it is recommended that you contact a personal injury lawyer who specializes in car accidents. An experienced personal injury solicitor will understand all aspects of the law regarding car accidents and can help ensure that your claim is properly managed from submission to settlement. Your acting solicitor will also be able to identify sources of compensation, like loss of earnings or medical expenses and damages.
How Long Does It Take to Settle an At-Fault Car Accident Claim?
The period it takes to settle an at-fault accident case differs greatly. It depends on the complexity of the claim and the liability being disputed; the settlement process can take from a few months to a year or more.
If you’re looking at how long a vehicle accident settlement takes, we can evaluate your claim and provide an estimated period during a free initial consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need an appointment to get a repair estimate?
A: This will depend on the garage or the repair shop, but in most situations, you do not need an appointment. Visit the repair shop during operational hours for an estimate.
Q: Do I have to get more than one repair estimate?
A: This may depend on your insurance provider. If you have a garage you want to go to, but your insurance is requesting more than one repair estimate, the garage can contact your insurance.
Q: What if repair costs exceed the value of the vehicle?
A: If the repair cost is more than the accidental value of the car, it will be your insurance decision whether to pay for the repairs or declare it a total loss.
Q: Who will pay for my car damage if I was at fault?
A: If you are at fault for the accident, your insurance provider will be responsible for paying for the other driver’s vehicle damage, medical bills, pain, suffering and damages.
In a non-fault accident, the other driver will submit a claim to their insurance provider. Then, their insurance will contact your insurance company for reimbursement. Your insurance premiums will go up at the time of renewal.
Q: What happens if the repair shop and my insurance disagree about vehicle repair costs?
A: It’s possible that your insurance company disagrees with an auto repairer’s estimate or that a car body shop disagrees with an insurance company’s repair estimate. If this happens, your car body repair shop should contact your insurance company to find a solution.
