California Car Accident Lawyer Property Damage
What to Know About Property Damage Claims After a California Car Accident
After being in a car accident, you likely have two primary concerns: how long will it take for me (or others who were in the vehicle with me) to recover from injuries sustained in the crash, and how much money can I get from insurance to fix or replace my car? Property damage claims may seem difficult, but the lawyers at James McKiernan Injury Lawyers are here to help.
Here’s what you should know about property damage claims after an auto accident.
You Can Also Get Compensation for Injuries
Did you know you can also get compensation for injuries you sustained during a car accident? When you contact James McKiernan Injury Lawyers, be sure to let us know about your injuries before you go into depth about your car damages so we can get you the money you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other monetary issues related to injuries you sustained in an auto accident.
Who Is Responsible for Paying Property Damage After an Accident?
If the accident was somebody else’s fault, their insurance will pay for your property damage. However, you should also check your own insurance because you may have gap insurance, better rental insurance, or other benefits you may not get from the other person’s insurance.
If you were at fault in the accident, your insurance will cover the costs – but only as far as your vehicle is covered. Some types of car insurance (like liability) only cover damage to another vehicle and not yours.
Car Accident Property Damage That May Be Reimbursed
Depending on the terms of your or the at-fault party’s insurance and the extent of damage to your vehicle, property damage claims can cover a wide range of out-of-pocket costs.
Repairs
If the repairs will cost significantly less than the value of your car to fix, the insurer should cover the costs (after your deductible). You have the right to have repairs done with parts that are similar in condition to the ones that were damaged.
Lost Value
In some cases, a damaged vehicle can be repaired but will suffer a huge loss in its resale value. A lawyer may help you get reimbursement for the difference between your vehicle’s pre-crash and post-crash value.
Total Reimbursement
If the repair cost is more than 80 percent of the fair market value of your vehicle, the insurance carrier must pay you at least 80 percent of that fair market value. You may choose to put that money toward repairing your vehicle and pay the difference yourself, but most people use the money to purchase a replacement vehicle.
Lost Items
Anything inside your vehicle at the time of the crash should be repaired or replaced, including electronics, eyeglasses, luggage, and car seats or strollers.
Fuel Costs
You may be able to make a claim for the loss of the gas in your tank at the time of your accident.
Rental Cars
The insurance company should reimburse you for the cost of a rental vehicle while yours is being fixed.
What If an Insurance Company Won’t Reimburse Me for Damages?
The insurance company is more interested in turning a profit than making sure you’re properly reimbursed after a car accident. Contact a personal injury lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve for your property damage and injuries.
Contact Our California Auto Accident Lawyers for Property Damage and Injuries
James McKiernan Injury Lawyers have represented people throughout the California Central Coast who have been injured due to car accidents for more than 40 years. In that time, our attorneys have obtained over $315 million in verdicts and settlements.
If you’ve suffered injuries or property damage due to an auto accident, contact James McKiernan Lawyers today for a free consultation.
