Were you injured in a car accident in Miami, FL? A car accident in Miami can cause extensive property damage. If the property damage is too extensive, the vehicle may be totaled. If you have questions about what to do with a totaled vehicle after a car accident, an experienced Miami car accident lawyer can help you.
At Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our legal team has over 100 years of combined experience. We have secured hundreds of millions in jury verdicts and settlements for our clients. Our attorneys have extensive experience in personal injury matters, and we have lawyers who are Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law.
Call us to schedule a free consultation at (305) 937-0191 with our Miami car accident attorneys. We are available 24/7 to discuss your case.
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How Shaked Law Can Help You With a Car Accident Claim in Florida
When you hire our award-winning Miami personal injury lawyers, we will handle all aspects of your claim, especially if your vehicle has been declared a total loss, including:
- Explaining Florida’s no-fault insurance laws and how the laws impact your case
- Investigating the cause of the car accident to determine who is liable for damages
- Documenting your injuries and losses to determine the value of your damages
- Defending you against allegations of blame and shared fault
- Negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company
- File a lawsuit and take your case to court if necessary
At Shaked Law, our attorneys are top-rated injury lawyers recognized nationally for their legal services. We have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers Top 100, Super Lawyers, and Expertise.com.
Call our law office in Miami, Florida, to schedule a free consultation. Our Miami car accident attorneys will help you understand your options when dealing with a totaled vehicle and insurance disputes.
What Does It Mean When an Insurance Company Totals a Car After a Miami Car Accident?
An insurance adjuster determines whether the damage to your vehicle can be repaired or the car is totaled.
A car is totaled when the cost to repair the damage exceeds the vehicle’s fair market value. For example, suppose the adjuster estimates that the repairs to your vehicle would cost about $10,000. However, the fair market value of your vehicle is about $4,500. In that case, the insurance company would total your car.
Most insurance companies set a percentage for repairs to determine whether a car is totaled, which is usually around 80% of the car’s fair market value. Consequently, the repairs do not need to exceed the vehicle’s value for a car to be deemed totaled.
A salvage title is issued when an insurance company declares a vehicle a total loss. A salvage title means the vehicle has suffered substantial damage, often from a serious accident. Most insurance companies are unwilling to provide coverage for vehicles with a salvage title.
If the vehicle can be repaired, it can be reinspected to determine if it is safe to operate on the road. If so, a rebuilt title is issued. Insurance for a vehicle with a rebuilt title is possible, but it may cost more because the company may deem the vehicle to be a higher risk in a subsequent car accident.
What Happens When Your Car Is Totaled But Still Drivable?
Driving a vehicle that an insurance company has deemed a total loss may be possible, particularly if the damage doesn’t deem it inoperable.
However, driving a vehicle with a salvage title is illegal on a public road. You must repair the vehicle, have it inspected, and receive a rebuilt title before driving a totaled vehicle on public roads in Florida.
If you decide to keep your totaled vehicle, the insurance company will pay you the fair market value of the vehicle, but they will deduct its salvage value. Basically, when you receive a salvage title, what you do with the vehicle is up to you.
Remember, if you keep a totaled vehicle, do not drive the vehicle until all repairs are made and the vehicle is inspected and retitled as a rebuilt vehicle.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Miami Car Accident Lawyers
If your vehicle was declared a total loss after a crash, you may not only be facing property damage but also serious injuries and financial strain. Total loss claims can be complicated.
Call Shaked Law to discuss your case with a skilled Miami car accident lawyer. We will help you understand your legal rights, deal with the insurance company, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.