So far this week we discussed personal injuries claims resulting from car accidents and other incidents. Most likely, your car crash will involve some form of property damage to your vehicle as well. If so, do not wait to file your claim for property damage with the insurance company. Unlike with bodily injury, you do not have to wait because you will know the amount of damage to your vehicle relatively quickly. In addition, your auto policy requires you to notify the company right away if you are in an accident.
For auto damage that is not serious, the claim might be done under your own coverage. If there is serious damage from a bad accident, you will file the property damage claim under the other driver’s insurance. Even in no-fault states, the property damage claim can still be under the other driver’s insurance because no-fault pertains to personal injury, not property damage.
It is best to get an estimate of repairs right away, since the insurance company will have you do it anyway. You do not have to get multiple estimates. If there are no problems, you will receive a check in a few weeks from the insurance company. There will be a release along with the check that you will have to sign. Make sure that the release is for your property damage claim and not your personal injury claim.
Harrell & Nowak, L.L.C. – New Orleans accident lawyers