{"id":353090,"date":"2017-02-14T14:03:55","date_gmt":"2017-02-14T19:03:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/injury\/car-accidents\/my-car-was-totaled-and-im-not-at-fault-now-what.html"},"modified":"2026-07-30T15:37:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-30T20:37:57","slug":"my-car-was-totaled-and-im-not-at-fault-now-what","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/my-car-was-totaled-and-im-not-at-fault-now-what.html","title":{"rendered":"My Car Was Totaled and I&#8217;m Not at Fault: Now What?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">My Car Was Totaled and I&#039;m Not at Fault: Now What?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/ty-mcduffey-j-d\/\">Ty McDuffey, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/laura-temme-esq\/\">Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 30, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <div>\n<div id=\"eJrNnwLHeh1GsyXZnKucM-content-0\">\n<ul>\n<li>A car is &#8220;totaled&#8221; when repair costs exceed a certain percentage of its value.<\/li>\n<li>You must file claims with both your insurer and the at-fault driver&#8217;s insurer.<\/li>\n<li>Your payout will be the car&#8217;s &#8220;Actual Cash Value&#8221; (ACV), not its replacement cost.<\/li>\n<li>If you owe more on your loan than the ACV, you are responsible for the difference unless you have gap insurance.<\/li>\n<li>You have the right to negotiate a low settlement offer from the insurance company.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div><p>A <strong><span data-term-id=\"59569340\">total loss<\/span><\/strong> is an insurance determination that a vehicle&#8217;s repair cost exceeds its <span data-term-id=\"59569343\">actual cash value<\/span> (<span data-term-id=\"59569351\">ACV<\/span>), often based on a state-mandated threshold. When you&#8217;re <span data-term-id=\"59569353\">not at fault<\/span>, the process involves filing claims with multiple insurers to get compensated for your vehicle and deal with the aftermath, such as outstanding loans and finding a new car.<\/p>\n<p>An accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what comes next. A local <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><span data-term-id=\"59569352\">car accident<\/span> attorney<\/u><\/a><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>can guide you through the claims process and help secure <span data-term-id=\"59569371\">fair compensation<\/span> for your <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span> vehicle.<\/p>\n<h2>The <span data-term-id=\"59569340\">Total Loss<\/span> Process<\/h2>\n<p>Even if you&#8217;re a cautious driver, you may still be in an accident because of another motorist&#8217;s negligence. Here\u2019s what to do when their actions result in your car being <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 1: File <span data-term-id=\"59569348\">Insurance Claims<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>After exchanging phone numbers and other contact information, the first step following an accident is to file an <span data-term-id=\"59569374\">auto <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/insurance-claims-after-an-accident-the-basics.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><span data-term-id=\"59569348\">insurance claim<\/span><\/u><\/a>\u200b with the <span data-term-id=\"59569349\">at-fault driver<\/span>&#8216;s <span data-term-id=\"59569341\">insurance company<\/span>. You should also file a claim under your own insurance policy and ascertain whether you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-is-collision-insurance.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><span data-term-id=\"59569347\">collision coverage<\/span>,<\/u><\/a>\u00a0subject to any\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/insurance\/what-is-an-insurance-deductible.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><span data-term-id=\"59569350\">deductible<\/span><\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 2: The <span data-term-id=\"59569372\">Claims Adjuster<\/span>&#8216;s Assessment<\/h3>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/insurance-adjuster.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><span data-term-id=\"59569356\">insurance adjuster<\/span><\/u><\/a>\u200b will use information from your claim and a <span data-term-id=\"59569362\">police report<\/span> (if available) to determine the vehicle&#8217;s value before your accident. The documentation included in your <span data-term-id=\"59569348\">insurance claim<\/span> should be carefully assembled to ensure that you are fully compensated. This will ideally include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Your out-of-pocket expenses<\/li>\n<li>An appraiser&#8217;s report<\/li>\n<li>Any <span data-term-id=\"59569363\">medical bills<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your <span data-term-id=\"59569341\">insurance company<\/span> will assist you throughout the claims process, communicating with the at-fault party or their adjuster to determine the dollar amount of the\u00a0claim.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 3: Calculating &#8220;<span data-term-id=\"59569340\">Total Loss<\/span>&#8220;<\/h3>\n<p>The <span data-term-id=\"59569356\">insurance adjuster<\/span>&#8216;s number is then compared to the <span data-term-id=\"59569364\">cost of repair<\/span>. <span data-term-id=\"59569341\">Insurance companies<\/span> use a <span data-term-id=\"59569369\">Total Loss<\/span><span data-term-id=\"59569369\"> Formula<\/span> (TLF) to determine whether it&#8217;s more cost-effective to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/car-repairs-and-the-law.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>repair a vehicle<\/u><\/a>\u200b or declare it a <span data-term-id=\"59569340\">total loss<\/span>. The TLF is calculated as the <span data-term-id=\"59569364\">cost of repairs<\/span> plus the <span data-term-id=\"59569355\">salvage value<\/span>. If that number equals or exceeds the car&#8217;s <span data-term-id=\"59569351\">ACV<\/span>, the car is considered a <span data-term-id=\"59569340\">total loss<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>A <span data-term-id=\"59569340\">total loss<\/span> is declared by the car <span data-term-id=\"59569341\">insurance company<\/span> when the <span data-term-id=\"59569364\">cost of repairs<\/span> exceeds a percentage of the total value\u00a0set by the insurer. This percentage is constrained and varies by state law, which frequently requires a declaration of complete loss when damages are about 70% or more of the vehicle&#8217;s total value.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 4: Receiving the Settlement Offer<\/h3>\n<p>When a car has been <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span>, the insurer must compensate you for the vehicle&#8217;s value\u00a0prior to the accident. This value is based on the car&#8217;s <span data-term-id=\"59569366\">Fair Market Value<\/span> and its <span data-term-id=\"59569343\">Actual Cash Value<\/span> (<span data-term-id=\"59569351\">ACV<\/span>).<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span data-term-id=\"59569366\">Fair Market Value<\/span><\/strong> is the price that a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller, assuming both have reasonable knowledge of the facts.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span data-term-id=\"59569343\">Actual Cash Value<\/span> (<span data-term-id=\"59569351\">ACV<\/span>)<\/strong> is the <span data-term-id=\"59569366\">fair market value<\/span> of the car minus <span data-term-id=\"59569345\">depreciation<\/span>. <span data-term-id=\"59569341\">Insurance companies<\/span> use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/glossary-automobile-insurance-terms.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><span data-term-id=\"59569351\">ACV<\/span><\/u><\/a>\u200b to determine <span data-term-id=\"59569346\">payout<\/span> amounts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>They won&#8217;t replace your car or guarantee that the vehicle&#8217;s pre-accident value will be enough to purchase a replacement.<\/p>\n<h3>Step 5: Handling DMV Issues<\/h3>\n<p>After your car has been declared a <span data-term-id=\"59569340\">total loss<\/span>, there are several DMV-related steps you&#8217;ll need to take. This is a general guide, so always verify with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/state-dmv-offices.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>your local DMV<\/u><\/a>\u200b or an <span data-term-id=\"59569375\">auto accident attorney<\/span> for specific guidance.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Transferring the <span data-term-id=\"59569361\">car\u2019s title<\/span>:<\/strong> Once you&#8217;ve accepted a <span data-term-id=\"59569340\">total loss<\/span> <span data-term-id=\"59569346\">payout<\/span>, you&#8217;ll need to sign the title and transfer it to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/insurance\/automobile-insurance.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><span data-term-id=\"59569341\">insurance company<\/span><\/u><\/a>\u200b.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Canceling your registration:<\/strong> You should <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/drivers-license-vehicle-info\/vehicle-rules.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>cancel the registration<\/u><\/a>\u200b of a <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span> vehicle to avoid liability for any <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>future tickets<\/u><\/a>\u200b.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Turning in your license plates:<\/strong> After canceling registration, most states require you to turn in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/license-plate-lights.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>license plates<\/u><\/a>\u200b.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Common Challenges and What To Do<\/h2>\n<p>Several potential issues can arise when a car is <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span>. We cover a few of the most common ones below.<\/p>\n<h3>Getting a Rental Car<\/h3>\n<p>One key concern following a <span data-term-id=\"59569340\">total loss<\/span> accident is transportation. Many auto insurance policies include rental car coverage, which pays for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/travel-rules-and-rights\/hotel-and-rental-car-rules.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>rental car<\/u><\/a>\u200b while your claim is being processed. Check your policy or talk to your insurance agent to understand the specifics.<\/p>\n<h3>The Insurer&#8217;s Offer Is Too Low<\/h3>\n<p>An insurer&#8217;s value estimate of the wrecked vehicle may seem too low. For example, the <span data-term-id=\"59569360\">Kelley Blue Book<\/span> value may not account for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/unlawful-vehicle-modifications-state-laws.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>vehicle modifications<\/u><\/a>\u200b or recently replaced tires. By providing comprehensive information to support your claim, you can increase your chances of a better <span data-term-id=\"59569346\">payout<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Following an offer, you may send a reply that includes arguments and evidence for a higher estimate. If the insurer is unwilling to value the vehicle properly, you may need to sue them in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/civil-cases-the-basics.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>civil court<\/u><\/a>\u200b.<\/p>\n<h3>My Loan Balance Is Higher Than the <span data-term-id=\"59569346\">Payout<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A problem may arise if the amount outstanding on your <span data-term-id=\"59569358\">car loan<\/span> is greater than the insurer&#8217;s estimated value. If this happens, you may find yourself still paying for a car you can no longer drive unless you have <span data-term-id=\"59569365\">gap coverage<\/span>. The car&#8217;s destruction doesn&#8217;t alter <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/lemon-law\/understanding-vehicle-financing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>the loan agreement<\/u><\/a>\u200b.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about your options for a <span data-term-id=\"59569377\">financed car<\/span> that\u2019s been <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span> in our guide: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/my-car-was-totaled-but-i-still-owe-money-on-it.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>My Car Was <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">Totaled<\/span>, But I Still Owe Money On It: What Happens Now?<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Your Options for the <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">Totaled<\/span> Vehicle<\/h2>\n<p>You have a choice to make after the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-accident-claims-and-settlements.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>settlement payment<\/u><\/a>\u200b is determined: You can either let your <span data-term-id=\"59569341\">insurance company<\/span> take possession of the <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span> car, or you can keep it. We outline the details of each option below.<\/p>\n<h3>Letting the Insurer Take the Car<\/h3>\n<p>If you accept a full settlement from your <span data-term-id=\"59569341\">insurance company<\/span>, you agree that the insurer will take possession of the <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span> car. They will then sell it to a scrap yard or repair it and put it back on the market. You cannot, in most situations, keep the wreck to sell or use for parts if you accept the full settlement.<\/p>\n<h3>Keeping the Car (and Understanding <span data-term-id=\"59569357\">Salvage Title<\/span>\/Value)<\/h3>\n<p>It may be possible to negotiate with the adjuster to keep your <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span> vehicle. If you do, your insurance <span data-term-id=\"59569346\">payout<\/span> will be reduced by the <strong><span data-term-id=\"59569355\">salvage value<\/span><\/strong>\u2014the estimated worth of the <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span> vehicle as is.<\/p>\n<p>When an <span data-term-id=\"59569341\">insurance company<\/span> declares a car a <span data-term-id=\"59569340\">total loss<\/span>, the vehicle&#8217;s title is typically replaced with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/what-is-a-salvage-title.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><span data-term-id=\"59569357\">salvage title<\/span><\/u><\/a>\u200b. This indicates that the car has been severely damaged.<\/p>\n<h2>Buying a New Car<\/h2>\n<p>After your <span data-term-id=\"59569341\">insurance company<\/span> has paid out the <span data-term-id=\"59569351\">ACV<\/span> of your <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span> car, you might be in the market for a new vehicle. If you had an auto loan on your <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span> vehicle, the insurance payment would first go to your lender. If your car&#8217;s <span data-term-id=\"59569351\">ACV<\/span> exceeds what you owed, you can use the surplus towards a down payment on a new car.<\/p>\n<h2>If Your Car Was <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">Totaled<\/span>, Get Help From a <span data-term-id=\"59569352\">Car Accident<\/span> Lawyer<\/h2>\n<p>When your car is <span data-term-id=\"59569342\">totaled<\/span> and you&#8217;re <span data-term-id=\"59569353\">not at fault<\/span>, it may feel like you shouldn&#8217;t have to do much to get compensated. However, insurers employ expert legal professionals to help them protect their rights and avoid <span data-term-id=\"59569346\">payouts<\/span> wherever possible. You&#8217;ll want experienced legal help on your side, too.<\/p>\n<p>Because <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents\/car-insurance-laws-by-state.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u>state law is relevant<\/u><\/a>, your lawyer should be licensed in the state where your accident occurred. FindLaw&#8217;s directory of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/motor-vehicle-accidents-plaintiff\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><span data-term-id=\"59569352\">car accident<\/span> attorneys<\/u><\/a>\u200b can get you started. Select your state or city to review contact and ratings information for local experts. Many law offices offer free consultations.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                      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class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        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class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can help seek fair compensation on your behalf\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Accident and injury claims are complex and insurance carriers have lawyers on their side\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    An attorney can help gather evidence and documentation to support your claim.\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions about your accident. Many attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL3905\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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Accident Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/personal-injury-plaintiff\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Personal Injury Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/auto-dealer-fraud\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Auto Dealer Fraud Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw explains what happens when your car is totaled by another driver\u2019s negligence, covering insurance claims, payouts, and legal options.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":353003,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":["SEO Title Length","External Links","Alt Text for All Images","Category 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