Auto Appraiser Association Associate Members
Long time diminished value lawyer Lawrence (Larry) E. Sherris and Joseph (Joe) Q. Kaufman with offices in Gladstone, Oregon attended the AAO meeting in Woodburn on Thursday, November 9, 2010. Sherris and Kaufman have over 50 years combined experience in law. Mr. Sherris has successfully represented people in injury claims and has obtained judgments and settlements in the millions of dollars. Mr. Kaufman has represented numerous businesses and has obtained coverage for major disasters. They pride themselves as ‘diminished value’ Lawyers who stand up for insureds
The goal of Sherris and Kaufman is to not let the diminished value portion of claims go uncollected. Sherris has represented countless claimants seeking diminished value and has obtained favorable settlements in most every matter.
During the meeting, Sherris reminded those gathered that several factors may affect the measurement of a vehicle’s diminished value, including:
- Age of the vehicle
- The vehicle’s condition before the accident
- Prior accidents
- Mileage
- Extent of Damage
- Marketplace demand
- Value of the vehicle undamaged
- Quality of the appraisal; and
- Use of a registered automobile appraiser
Sherris also mentioned that diminished value was likely to be available for damage to boats, recreational vehicles, and other high valued insured property.
Dealers and auto appraisers should bear in mind that individuals only have a limited time in which to file a claim for diminished value after an accident that varies State by State. In Oregon the statute of limitations is two (2) years. Vehicle dealers should be interested in this, because the insureds usually want to buy a new vehicle with their payouts, and if they are not being offered true replacement values, that hurts them and the dealers they are working with.
Individuals can pursue a diminished value claim on their own by requesting that their insurance adjuster address the diminished value of their vehicle. Adjusters will then request the individual make a formal demand to the insurance company. Without the use of a trained professional that handles diminished value claims, individual’s requests are likely be unsubstantiated by a quality appraisal from a registered Oregon auto appraiser and then be turned down the insurance company. Sherris and Kaufman are pleased to offer their services to claimants where the benefits of the diminished value claim outweigh the cost of litigation. Their mission is to provide personal attention to clients’ needs and to obtain the best possible results at the most reasonable cost.
In addition to their focus on diminished value claims Sherris and Kaufman will prepare wills and work with probate estates, work with debtors to reduce debt, file bankruptcies, and represent both creditors and debtors in collection matters. Sherris and Kaufman also have long-standing business clients and experience in a variety of contract matters. They can serve clients in both Oregon and California from their offices located at 405 W. Arlington St., Gladstone, Oregon 97027. You may reach Mr. Sherris by dialing 503-722-3850 or find him on the web at www.sherrislaw.com. You may reach Mr. Kaufman by dialing 503-206-1307 or find him on the web at www.jqkaufmanlaw.com.