Is My Car Totaled After a T-Bone Collision?
A T-bone collision occurs whenever a driver strikes the side of another driver’s vehicle. Also known as a broadside collision or sideswipe accident, T-bone collisions account for 13% of all traffic accidents. While a car can be totaled following a broadside collision, you do have options if you want to keep your car. However, you should be aware of the consequences of maintaining a vehicle that is damaged beyond repair.
The car accident lawyers at Raybin & Weissman in Nashville, TN, have seen the damage caused by T-bone collisions. If you were already in financial straits, a total loss collision can place your stress levels in high gear. In this blog, we discuss your options if your vehicle is totaled following a T-bone crash and how a legal advocate can help.
Defining a Total Loss Vehicle in Nashville
Aside from the catastrophic injuries a person may face in a broadside collision, vehicle damage may also be extensive. Determining if a vehicle is totaled requires more than just examining the extent of damage or assuming that it is totaled because the frame is bent. A vehicle is considered a total loss when the cost of repairs exceeds the car’s actual cash value (ACV). Each state has different criteria for determining if a vehicle is totaled.
Tennessee insurance companies consider a vehicle to be totaled when the cost of repairs is greater than 75% of the ACV. So, if your car’s ACV is $15,000, but the cost of repairs will be $12,000, it is considered totaled (since repairs are evaluated at 80% of the car’s ACV).
What If I Want to Keep My Vehicle?
Although you can choose to keep your vehicle, you must obtain a salvage title. You will not be able to use it on public roads until it is rebuilt and passes inspection. Once it is rebuilt, you receive a new title branding it as rebuilt. If you plan to sell your vehicle at a future date, a disclosure must be provided to the purchaser informing them of the car’s salvage history.
Advocacy in Total Loss Collisions
If your vehicle has been deemed a total loss, you want competent representation to negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. The type of insurance coverage that will apply will depend on the circumstances of the loss. For instance, if you run into a stationary object or another car, then collision coverage will apply.
However, if your vehicle is totaled through a natural disaster, theft, or vandalism, then comprehensive coverage will kick in. Navigating the claims process effectively means working with an experienced Nashville car accident lawyer who knows the ins and outs of insurance law.
How to Handle a Total Loss Car Claim After a Nashville Accident
Filing a claim through the correct channels is only one piece of the process. Insurance companies are not in the business of offering maximum compensation to individuals, never mind if you are filing a third-party claim. Matters are only complicated if you still owe money on the vehicle, since the amount paid by insurance may not cover the loan balance.
Suppose a claims adjuster is not offering you adequate compensation for your car. In that case, the personal injury lawyers at Raybin & Weissman are prepared to negotiate with the adjuster to come to a fair price. If a balance remains after negotiating for a higher settlement, our team of professionals will walk you through your options.
Consult Our Nashville Car Accident Lawyers Today
In our fast-paced society, sideswipe accidents are becoming more common than ever before. If you have recently been involved in a collision resulting in your vehicle being totaled, our skilled legal team can help you. For nearly 40 years, our team has represented motorists in the darkest of times, helping them achieve favorable outcomes. To learn more about our services, our firm can be reached online or by calling (615) 256-6666.