How to Handle Your Property Damage Claim
New York Auto Accident Attorney
If your car was damaged in an accident, it's a priority to get it fixed or replaced as soon as possible. Here are a few steps you can follow to help your property damage claim go smoothly.
1. Review Your Insurance Policy
If the other driver has too little or no insurance at all, will your insurance coverage pay for the damage sustained to your vehicle? Will you be provided a rental car while your car is repaired or replaced? These are questions you need answered.
2. Contact the Insurance Company
Let your insurance company know that you were involved in an auto accident and your vehicle was damaged. You may also let them know that you have a New York auto accident attorney who will be representing your case.
3. Be Careful About Signing Releases
Your claim for personal injuries and your claim for property damage are separate. NEVER sign a release from the insurance company without talking to your New York car accident lawyer first. If you do, you may be signing away your right to compensation.
4. Repairs May Be Made at the Body Shop of Your Choice
While you may choose the body shop where your vehicle is repaired, if your shop agrees to complete the repairs for a certain price, the insurance company is obligated to pay no more than that amount.
5. Determine ALL Damages Before Authorizing Repairs
Because your insurance company is only obligated to pay for the repairs agreed upon, it is important that you determine all damages before authorizing repairs. Damages discovered after you authorize repair may be not be covered by the insurance company.
6. Anticipate the Cost of Storage
If your vehicle was towed from the scene of the accident and stored at a salvage yard, you will be charged a daily storage fee. If your vehicle is considered a "total loss" the insurance company must obtain your permission to move the vehicle to a salvage yard. You may be held responsible for storage fees if you refuse to grant the insurance company permission to move your vehicle.
7. Know the Value of Your Vehicle
After an accident, the value of your vehicle is not based on what you may owe on the vehicle, and it may be determined by factors other than its "Blue Book" or other "book" value. In most cases, when the cost of repairing your vehicle is higher than the actual cash value of your vehicle before the accident, the car is deemed a "total loss."
8. Talk to a Lawyer
To make sure your rights are protected and you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your property damage claim, talk to a New York car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of William Mattar.
Hurt in a Car? Call William Mattar! Contact our New York auto accident lawyers by completing a FREE initial consultation form or by calling 444-4444 today.
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