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When is a Car ‘Totaled’?

a totaled car
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When you have been involved in an automobile accident, one of the biggest questions you will have is whether your car has been totaled. In Tennessee, vehicles are considered "totaled" if the cost of repairs exceeds a certain percentage of the vehicle's value. To understand this concept better, let's look at what it means to have a totaled vehicle in Tennessee.

When Is a Car Considered Totaled?

In Tennessee, a "totaled" car is one whose repair costs exceed its actual cash value (ACV). The ACV of a vehicle is determined by taking into account the make and model of the car as well as its age, condition and mileage. In most cases, the insurance company will use either Kelley Blue Book or NADA guides to calculate the ACV.

In Tennessee, if the repair costs for your car are greater than 75 percent of its ACV, then your vehicle is considered totaled. For example, if your car has an ACV of $10,000, then any repair costs that exceed $7,500 would be considered too high, and your vehicle would be considered totaled.

Types of Accidents Resulting in a Total Loss

In accidents where a car becomes totaled, the damage is usually severe enough to cause catastrophic injury to the occupants. Common types of accidents when a vehicle is considered totaled include:

  • Rollover Accidents – Occurs when a vehicle tips over onto its side or roof due to a collision or other force.
  • High-Speed Collisions – Often a result of distracted or reckless driving.
  • Single Vehicle Crashes – Drivers may lose control of their vehicle and hit an immovable object like a tree or pole.
  • Truck Accidents – Often result in catastrophic consequences, such as serious injuries or fatalities due to the size and weight of the vehicle.

In all of these cases, not only is repair too costly, but often the driver and/or passengers sustain serious injuries.

Getting Help From An Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Nashville, TN

After being injured in a catastrophic car accident, it is essential to contact the experienced Nashville car accident attorneys at Witherington Injury Law as soon as possible. We can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal system to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses associated with the accident. We will also file any necessary paperwork related to your case and handle all negotiations to secure a favorable outcome for you.

If you were injured in a car accident, call us today at (615) 697-6503 or fill out our form online for a free consultation!

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