No-Nonsense Help After An Accident
Total Loss Vehicle Claims After a Car Accident in Burnet County
Know Your Rights. Protect Your Property.
After a serious auto accident in Burnet County, one of the most frustrating outcomes for drivers is learning that their vehicle has been declared a total loss. Whether the accident occurred on Highway 281, State Highway 29, or one of the many farm-to-market roads like FM 963 or FM 2341, dealing with the insurance process after a crash can be stressful and confusing.
At the Law Office of Carl Knickerbocker, we help clients in Burnet, Marble Falls, Bertram, and surrounding areas understand and navigate property damage claims, including cases where the vehicle has been totaled. If your vehicle was declared a total loss after a crash, we can help ensure you’re treated fairly and compensated appropriately.
What Does “Total Loss” Mean in Texas?
In Texas, a car is considered a total loss if the cost to repair the damage exceeds the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) or meets the “total loss threshold.” Texas uses what’s known as the Total Loss Formula (TLF):
Repair Cost + Salvage Value ≥ Actual Cash Value
If the cost to repair your car plus the salvage value equals or exceeds the pre-accident value of your car, your insurance company may declare it a total loss and offer a payout based on the ACV.
Common Challenges in Total Loss Claims
While this may sound straightforward, many Burnet County drivers face challenges such as:
Disputes over the vehicle’s value
Lowball settlement offers from insurance companies
Delays in receiving payment
Disagreements over whether the car should be totaled
Problems with lienholders or gap insurance coverage
We help you understand your rights and advocate for a fair settlement so you can move forward without being financially shortchanged.
How Insurance Companies Determine Value
When a vehicle is totaled, the insurance company will assess its actual cash value (ACV). This is supposed to reflect what your vehicle was worth immediately before the accident—not what it would cost to replace it or what you still owe on a loan.
Insurers consider:
Year, make, and model
Mileage and prior condition
Market comparisons for similar vehicles in Burnet and surrounding areas
Local dealership listings
However, some companies undervalue vehicles, hoping that claimants will accept the first offer. We can help you challenge unfair valuations and provide your own documentation to demand a fairer payout.
Do You Owe More Than the Car Is Worth?
If your car was financed or leased, it’s common to owe more than the car’s actual value. This is where gap insurance comes in. Gap coverage may pay the difference between the ACV and what you still owe on your auto loan.
If you’re dealing with:
Loan payoff issues
Gap coverage denials
Delays from lenders or insurers
We’re here to guide you through the process and make sure the proper paperwork is handled.
Who Pays for the Total Loss?
Depending on who was at fault for the crash, your total loss claim may be handled by:
Your own insurance company under collision or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
The other driver’s liability insurance if they were at fault and properly insured
In Burnet County, many roads like Highway 29 and FM 1478 see high-speed traffic and increased risk of crashes, particularly when out-of-town drivers, commercial trucks, or distracted drivers are involved. If the other party is uninsured or underinsured, you may have to turn to your UM/UIM coverage to recoup your losses.
Serving Burnet County Drivers with Property Damage Claims
We regularly help accident victims in:
Burnet
Marble Falls
Bertram
Granite Shoals
Buchanan Dam
Kingsland
Highland Haven
Spicewood
If your vehicle was totaled in an accident anywhere in Burnet County, we’re ready to assist you in understanding your options and getting the settlement you deserve.
Get the Legal Support You Need
Total loss claims are often the first step in a larger personal injury or car accident claim. While you may be focused on replacing your vehicle, don’t let the insurance company take advantage of the moment. We’ll make sure your property damage claim is handled properly while also advising you on potential personal injury compensation if you were hurt in the crash.
At the Law Office of Carl Knickerbocker, we offer free consultations and straightforward guidance. We’ll help you assess your options, dispute unfair payouts, and recover what you’re owed after a car wreck.
Contact us today if your vehicle was totaled in a Burnet County crash. Let’s make sure your property is valued fairly—and your rights are protected.