Investing in a new vehicle is a major financial commitment. When that vehicle is damaged in an accident, it can significantly decrease in value. In these situations, individuals can make a diminished value claim to be made whole. However, insurance companies are often reluctant to offer compensation for a diminished value loss. Therefore, it is important to hire an experienced diminished value lawyer to represent your interests and get you the compensation that you deserve.
To file a diminished value claim, you must first supply proof of the loss. This evidence usually includes a diminished value appraisal report, repair receipts, photographs, and a letter from your appraiser. Once you have all of this documentation, you can submit it to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They will then review your demand and make a settlement offer. If they refuse to pay you, you can sue them for damages.
The first step to filing a diminished value claim is to obtain an unbiased appraisal from an independent car appraiser. This will provide the evidence needed to prove that your vehicle lost value after the accident. Once you have this, you can then make a demand to the at-fault driver’s insurer. The insurance company will then review your claim and may pay you in full or may deny it altogether. In some cases, it can be beneficial to fight the insurance company and seek a larger settlement.
It is also possible to file a diminished value claim against your own insurance company for uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage. This type of claim is called a first party diminished value claim and can be filed within three years of the date of your accident.
When you are pursuing a first party diminished value claim, it is important to be prepared for the insurance company to resist paying you. It is vital to stay focused on your claim and not give up. This is especially true when the adjuster attempts to convince you that your car was repaired to the best of their ability. It is crucial to keep a record of each conversation and the facts surrounding it so that you can prove your claim.
Finding a diminished value attorney can be challenging. Nonetheless, there are several things that individuals can do to locate a qualified diminished value attorney. Individuals can start by searching for attorneys that specialize in this area through local advertisements and online search engines. They can also check with their local Bar Association or the American Bar Association’s website for background information on potential attorneys. Additionally, they can ask friends and family members who have used diminished value attorneys in the past for recommendations.
Another way to find a diminished value lawyer is to find one who works on a contingency fee basis. This means that you won’t have to pay any upfront legal fees, and the attorney will only collect a fee once they have successfully recovered your claim. This makes diminished value lawyers more financially accessible for people who may not have the financial resources to pay legal fees upfront.