WHAT IF I HAVE PROPERTY DAMAGE WITHOUT ANY INJURY?
If you’re involved in a car accident, one of the things you need to consider is damage to your vehicle. When an accident is caused due to the action or inaction of another driver, that driver’s insurance company is responsible for the damage to your vehicle even if you yourself were not injured.
WHAT IS A PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM?
A property damage claim includes the total cost of property loss caused by the accident. It covers your expenses and helps you get your finances back on track. The total cost of damage includes all breakage and loss caused due to the accident. If you had to pay rental while your car was being repaired, that too is included under recoverable costs. Again, if there were items in your car such as sunglasses, cell phone etc., you could get compensated for them as well.
Many people make the mistake of filing a property damage claim without the assistance of a lawyer. The most important reason why you need the assistance of an attorney is because you may not have an idea of the nuances of the law. Thus, there is a lot of potential for things to go wrong. Only a trained legal representative with years of experience in handling complicated claims can safeguard your legal rights.
COMPARATIVE LIABILITY
In an accident, there could be comparative liability which means that more than one driver may share the blame. For instance, if the other driver was on the wrong side of the road and driving under the influence of alcohol, you may believe that the accident was his fault. But if you were speeding at the time, you too will share the blame.
TIME LIMITS
All insurance companies have specific time limits for reporting an accident. If you fail to inform them on time, these companies have the right to deny your claim. There are numerous insurance companies that provide 24-hour claim service so that you can report immediately after an accident. Equally important, every state has a specific time limit for filing a claim. However, there are certain situations that could have an impact on your case. Only a knowledgeable attorney will have a comprehensive understanding of the various situations that could have an effect on your case.
MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN FILING A PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM
In order to successfully file a property damage claim, it’s important to avoid some common mistakes.
- Stay away from saying anything immediately after an accident or during the settlement process. Admitting your fault may work against you when a claim is filed.
- Avoid filing a property damage claim without the assistance of an attorney. This could make you prone to mistakes. Even a small error could result in your claim getting rejected. Moreover, handling the claim on your own could lead you to settle for an amount that is inadequate for your financial security.
While filing a property damage claim, it’s important to seek the assistance of an attorney. Make sure that you check the track record of the personal injury law firm. Trained legal counsels could apprise you of your options and provide valuable assistance during the settlement process.
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE IS IN NEED OF LEGAL ASSISTANCE, CONTACT US NOW.
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