If your vehicle was damaged in a car accident, here’s what you need to know about who pays, how to get a fair settlement, and how to protect yourself from insurance lowballs.
After a Crash, Who Pays for the Damage?
When you’re involved in a car accident, there’s often more at stake than just your physical injuries. A wrecked or totaled car can quickly leave you overwhelmed with repair costs, rental fees, and insurance headaches. In Georgia, the at-fault driver is generally responsible for paying for property damage — but getting the actual money can be a struggle.
At Morrison & Hughes, we help our clients navigate the fine print, so they don’t get taken advantage of during a vulnerable time.
Georgia Is an At-Fault State. Here’s What That Means:
Under Georgia law, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for all resulting damages. That includes:
- Repair or replacement of your vehicle
- Towing and storage fees
- Diminished value — if your car loses resale worth even after repairs
- A rental car while yours is in the shop or you’re waiting for a settlement
The at-fault driver’s insurance should cover these expenses — but it doesn’t always happen that smoothly.
Insurance Companies Don’t Always Play Fair
Watch for the Lowball
Even when liability is clear, the other driver’s insurance company may delay, deny, or underpay your property damage claim. Sometimes they’ll offer a settlement that’s far lower than what your car is worth — hoping you’ll accept it just to move on. You don’t have to accept less than what you deserve.
Our attorneys can step in to fight for the full amount you’re owed.
How to Make Sure You’re Getting a Fair Payout
If your vehicle is totaled, the insurance company will offer what they believe is your car’s “actual cash value.” But that number isn’t always accurate — and it may not be enough to replace your vehicle. Here’s what you should do:
- Look up the Black Book value. The Black Book provides a realistic, dealer-based estimate of what your car is worth in your region. It’s one of the best tools for comparing against the insurance company’s offer.
- Compare multiple valuation tools. Use Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds in addition to Black Book to form a clear picture of your vehicle’s fair market value.
- Don’t accept the first offer. You have the right to negotiate — and to let an experienced attorney do it for you if the insurer won’t budge.
What If They Refuse to Pay or Accept Blame?
If the at-fault driver’s insurance won’t take responsibility, you have options:
- File with your own insurance (if you have collision coverage), then let them pursue reimbursement from the at-fault insurer.
- Hire a lawyer to send a demand letter and push the insurer into action.
- File a lawsuit if negotiations fail.
At Morrison & Hughes, we don’t back down. Our team will investigate, document your losses, and deal directly with the insurance company so you don’t have to.
Don’t Forget About Rental Cars and Diminished Value
Two Things Insurers Hope You’ll Overlook
You’re entitled to a rental car for the duration of your repairs, or until you receive a check for your totaled vehicle. And if your car is repaired but is now worth less due to its accident history, you may qualify for a diminished value claim — money for the reduced resale value.
Let Morrison & Hughes Help You Get What You Deserve
We know how stressful it is to deal with property damage after a crash. Between medical recovery and transportation issues, the last thing you need is an insurance fight. That’s why we handle the hard parts so you can focus on recovery. If your vehicle was damaged in a crash and you’re getting the runaround from insurance, don’t let someone else’s mistake leave you out of pocket.
Getting the Runaround from Insurance?
Let us handle the adjusters, the valuation fight, and the paperwork — so you can focus on getting back on the road. The consultation is free.
Call Morrison & Hughes today at 404-LAW-TEAM or contact us here for a free consultation — and let us fight for what’s rightfully yours. We don’t back down!
