What Happens to a Vehicle After a Spartanburg Car Accident?

While most people are primarily concerned about suffering serious injuries in a car crash, many drivers also sustain substantial property damage. In severe accidents, the vehicle can even be declared a total loss.

Unsure of what happens to a vehicle after a Spartanburg car accident? Our experienced car accident attorney at Holland & Usry can answer your questions and explain your legal options. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may be able to recover compensation based on the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.

Towing the Vehicle

The government has an interest in having damaged vehicles moved as soon as possible after an accident. These vehicles represent hazards, as drivers could carelessly crash into them if attempting to pass the accident location. Car wrecks also pose a visibility issue, making it more likely that a driver will strike a pedestrian.

The solution is to have the vehicle towed away from the scene. However, there are different ways this can happen. If you notify your insurance company of the accident, they might have time to  arrange for a tow truck from a company they contract with to pick up the vehicle. This is usually a good idea as it can reduce storage costs.

However, the police also have the power to tow the car themselves or have a third party pick it up. In these situations, you may end up paying more to get your vehicle back. What happens to a car after a traffic collision in Spartanburg depends on who tows it away.

Is the Car a Total Loss?

Drivers wondering about the consequences for their car after a crash in Spartanburg are usually interested primarily in whether their vehicle will be considered a total loss. This normally happens if the cost to repair the car exceeds its actual cash value. Insurance companies compare repair estimates with the vehicle’s pre-accident market value. If fixing the car will cost more than its value, the insurer will usually classify it as totaled.

This decision, however, is not always straightforward. Hidden structural damage can push repair costs higher than expected, even if damage appears minor. Damage to the frame or engine makes a total-loss decision more likely.

Once the insurer makes that decision, they will offer a settlement based on the vehicle’s value before the crash. You may have the option to keep the car as salvage and potentially sell it yourself, but doing so can affect future insurance and resale value. Most people do not take this option.

If Someone Else Totals Your Vehicle

If someone else is responsible, they can be held liable for what needs to be done to the car after an accident in Spartanburg, whether this be repair or replacement. If the liability is clear, the other driver’s insurance company might negotiate a settlement with you right away. However, if they dispute who was at fault, you might have to take your case to trial in order to get the compensation you deserve.

One Last Thing- Storage Fees

One thing most car accident victims in Spartanburg don’t know is, the insurance company can limit its responsibility to pay storage fees. By law, their responsibility for storage fees may expire after just 10 days. That means you should get legal advice fast about how to handle your vehicle if it’s in storage. If you wait too long, you may end up paying those fees yourself.

Talk to a Spartanburg Attorney If You Have Questions About What Will Happen to Your Vehicle After an Accident

If you are wondering, “What happens to a vehicle after a Spartanburg car accident?” contact Holland & Usry for more information. It is possible you will need to make arrangements to have your vehicle towed, and you could also be entitled to compensation.

We are based in Spartanburg but serve the surrounding areas, so reach out today to learn how we can help.