Accidents are one of those traumatic events that have the ability to transform the victim’s life completely. The damages the victim may suffer in an accident are usually split into numerous categories. They are:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
All these damages impact the victim’s life in different ways. This article is going to focus on property damage. We’ll discuss what property damage is, the steps involved in the property damage claim process, and lots more. Continue reading.
What is Property Damage?
As said before, an accident causes different kinds of injuries and losses to the victim. Some are physical and tangible, while others are emotional and harder to calculate.
Property damages belong to the former.
This is the type of damage incurred to the victim’s property. The property can be anything, from large and expensive property, like cars or buildings, to smaller, relatively inexpensive things, like smartphones.
So, when a property, big or small, is damaged or destroyed due to an accident caused by another party’s negligence, then the victim may have a valid property damage claim.
What is a Property Damage Claim?
Victims can take the legal route to seek compensation for destroyed or damaged property through a property damage claim. In most cases, these claims are handled by the victim’s insurance company. But if the negligence of a third party is the cause of property damage, then a lawsuit might be the solution.
The purpose of a property damage claim is to help the victim cope with the damaged or destroyed property. The claim helps the victim repair or replace the damaged property and recover all the losses associated with it.
Some valid situations for a property damage claim are mentioned below.
- You’re riding a bicycle when a car rams into you. On top of physical injuries, your bicycle is fully damaged, and your smartphone screen is broken
- A drunk driver loses control of their vehicle, drives into your yard, and crashes into your home, damaging everything in their way
- You’re waiting for the light to turn red when a drunk driver rear-ends you, damaging your motorcycle
- A dry branch that has been perilously hanging above your car for a few weeks gives in and falls, damaging your car’s windshield
Recovering Compensation
There are two ways this could go.
First, your homeowner’s insurance or auto insurance may cover the property damage. This is applicable when a third party is not involved. You’ll have to pay a deductible to get compensation. There are chances that your insurance premiums may go up as well.
Second, the at-fault party or their insurance provider may offer compensation for the property damage if negligence was involved. In such cases, you’ll have to file a property damage claim with the help of an attorney and recover the costs incurred to repair or replace the damaged property. There are also cases where your insurance company may provide compensation and seek the amount from the at-fault party or their insurance company.
Steps Involved in a Property Damage Claim
The steps mentioned below are what happen in most property damage claims. A few parts may vary depending on the specifics of the case or insurance policy. The victim reports the accident to the insurance company. This can either be done in person or through other mediums like the phone or online portals. The insurance company conducts an investigation. This is done to prevent insurance fraud and to determine how serious the damage is. The victim and the insurance company discuss preparing an estimate for the property damage. The insurance company offers a check for the provided estimate along with any additional expenses. Understanding your alberta car insurance coverage is crucial if the property damage involves vehicles registered in the province, ensuring you adhere to provincial regulations and have the necessary coverage for potential claims.
- The victim reports the accident to the insurance company. This can either be done in person or through other mediums like the phone or online portals
- The insurance company conducts an investigation. This is done to prevent insurance fraud and to determine how serious the damage is
- The victim and the insurance company discuss preparing an estimate for the property damage
- The insurance company offers a check for the provided estimate along with any additional expenses
What Can I Recover Through a Property Damage Claim?
There are numerous components the victim can recover through a property damage claim. They are mentioned below.
- The actual cash value of the property when the accident occurred
- The replacement cost of the damaged property
- Other expenses related to property damage, like
- Hotel expenses if the damaged property happens to be a home
- Cab or rental car expenses
- Lost wages if the victim relied on the damaged property to make a living
Final Thoughts
Property damage due to accidents can make life difficult. It leads to additional expenses on top of the added inconvenience of dealing with property damage claims. In such situations, it’s best to reach out to an experienced property damage lawyer and find out what your options are.
