Property Damage & Repairs in Durham

Getting Your Life Back on Track

You may have been fortunate enough to have avoided injury in an accident, but what if your car wasn’t as lucky? If your vehicle was damaged in an accident, Wallace Pierce Law has guidelines to help you in dealing with the insurance companies and getting your car repaired. The process of having your vehicle repaired after a car accident can vary depending on the nature of the accident and the insurance companies involved, but for the most part, the repair process is relatively simple.

Call Wallace Pierce Law today at (919) 887-7892 to reach our Durham attorneys, or fill out our online form. With more than a decade of experience, we know how to help you get back on your feet.

When the Other Party is At Fault

If the other driver is at fault for the accident, his or her auto insurance is responsible for covering the cost of your car repairs. You are entitled to payment for damage caused to both your vehicle and personal property (e.g. clothing, eyewear, or personal belongings that were in your car at the time of the accident). Further, the insurance company should be responsible for providing you a rental vehicle for the time your vehicle is being repaired.

You may be able to recover your losses from the following three sources:

• Liability Coverage Under the Defendant’s Insurance: If the other person’s insurance company accepts fault in your accident, they will normally pay a standard amount to have your car repaired. Unfortunately, insurance companies often take days or weeks to decide whether to accept fault in the accident; therefore, this could prolong your ability to have your vehicle repaired.
• Collision Coverage Under Your Insurance: Usually the fastest and easiest way to get your car repaired is to contact your own insurance provider. If your insurance coverage includes collision, your car repairs will be paid under your own insurance policy regardless of who is at fault in the accident. Using your collision will typically require you paying a deductible upfront before repairs will take place. This deductible should be returned to you if your insurance company is repaid by the at-fault driver's insurance coverage. It is important to note that you may also be responsible for the upfront cost of rental fees during the time your car is being repaired if you do not have rental coverage under your policy.
• Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist Coverage Under Your Insurance: If the person who caused the accident does not have any insurance or does not have enough insurance to cover your vehicle, then you are likely protected under either your uninsured motorist coverage or your underinsured motorist coverage of your policy.

If You are At Fault

Generally, when you cause or contribute to an accident, you will have to use your collision coverage for your repairs/loss. Collision coverage is not required in North Carolina; therefore, you will want to contact your insurance agent to determine whether your insurance policy includes collision. Typically, your collision will include a deductible that will likely need to be paid before your car will be repaired. Depending on your coverage, the deductible typically ranges from $250.00-$1,000.00. Upon request, your insurance company should provide you with your deductible.

Rental Vehicles

While your car is being repaired, you may be entitled to a rental vehicle. Your rental will typically be comparable to the size of the vehicle that is being repaired (e.g. sedan, van, midsize SUV). Due to the cost associated with rentals, you will likely not be entitled to the equivalent class (e.g. luxury). You should have your rental vehicle available for the reasonable and necessary time to adequately repair your vehicle.