Understanding the true damage of your vehicle that was involved in an accident is crucial. Some car accidents produce what looks like to be minor damage, yet at closer inspection, there is more damage than meets the eye. This is particularly true when the frame is assessed. In many instances, the frame can yield damage, even though the outward looking appearance of the damage may be minor.
As a consumer, you need to protect yourself, and get multiple evaluations of the damage and cost of repair to your vehicle. This is very important as an auto policy holder. The policy you purchased, that you have been paying for, should protect you in cases such as accidents. You have the right to have your car repaired to the state that it was in before the accident.
This brings up many issues, not only should you get your car repaired to the same condition as it was before the accident, but you should also get what is fair for what you purchased in your policy benefits. This includes a right to a settlement for pain and suffering, lost wages, possible impairments, loss of enjoyment of life, your duties being under duress, loss of consortium, and other issues one may undergo due to being in a car accident.
Minor vehicle damage can produce severe injuries. This is very unfortunate that minor property damage can produce extensive chronic injuries. This is what your automobile policy is for, to protect you in case of you sustaining injuries that you cannot fully recover from. This is why it is very important for you to get an honest estimate of your car damage.
All to often an estimate for vehicular damage is written for only what can be seen. This only what can be seen estimate overlooks many repair costs. Other factors come in to play as well. If your car has been smashed into, most likely all of the seat belts will need to be replaced, adding costs to an estimate. Look into your car’s owner manual to see if this is the case. Usually it is stated that seat belts are only good for one time use. After that one time, they are subject to failure, which can be catastrophic, if they are not changed. Another factor that contains cost significantly is using non OEM parts. Using aftermarket parts is not restoring your vehicle to it’s pre-accident condition.
Your cars cost of repair is a very large factor in the settlement you receive. So it is in your best interest to get the most thorough repair available. Please call us if you have questions about your Denver car accident – vehicle damage estimates questions. Navigating through the maze of insurance adjusters, mechanics, doctors, lawyers, and dealing with injuries can be very stressful.
Dr. Trent Artichoker MS, DC
Denver Chiropractic, LLC
3890 Federal Blvd Unit 1
Denver, CO 80211
303-455-2225