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While some collisions result in little to no damage to the vehicles involved, the size, weight, and speed that vehicles are usually traveling makes it more likely than not that at least some damage will result. Many accidents cause extensive damage to vehicles, sometimes resulting in a total loss.
Drivers who are involved in an accident will eventually need to address the condition of their vehicles. This process requires knowledge of property damage laws, insurers, and personal injury law to fight to get compensation for the repair or replacement of damaged personal property, as well as the vehicle itself.
For more than two decades, the dedicated Rock Hill car accident lawyers of Schiller & Hamilton have been helping victims of car accidents seek the money they deserve for their damaged property. If you were involved in an accident in Rock Hill, we are ready to stand up for you. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation by calling us or reaching out to us online.
Qualification of Property Damage
Some people may think of property damage as broken fences, toppled trees, or damaged mailboxes. While those are types of damage, the definition is much broader.
Harm to anything other than your person qualifies as property damage: your car, your home, even things of value inside your wrecked vehicle, such as high-end technology, jewelry, car seats, school books, and audio equipment.
Valuable property that is impacted during an accident will be assessed by its fair market value and added to physical and vehicular damage. Items such as family heirlooms may be valued based on written testimony as to their sentimental value.
What to do When a Vehicle is Wrecked
The first step is to make sure everyone is safe and call 911 for emergency services.
Once the police have arrived and you’ve given them your account for the official accident report, you can notify your insurance company. It’s also a good idea to create your own accident report and safeguard it for your attorney.
Because you plan to claim damage to property, your report may state:
- The current weather conditions
- Details surrounding the aftermath of your accident
- The evasive maneuvers you took to avoid colliding with the at-fault party
- A complete list of property damaged beyond repair in your vehicle, including makes, model numbers, and serial numbers, along with a full description
- Other relevant details that might help your property damage claim
Your next step will be contacting an accident attorney if you’re unsure how to file a property damage claim.
Pursuing an Insurance Claim
In many cases, you’ll file your claim with both insurers. When filing under your insurance policy, you’ll follow a similar protocol as filing a car accident claim, although the proper form may vary based on your insurer. Any property damage reported after you’ve submitted your application may be considered separately.
The claim filed with the at-fault party’s insurer will be recorded with your insurance company as well. These are called third-party claims, and they will be assigned a case number.
What to Expect From the Rock Hill Claim Process?
Claims adjusters will take your claim and investigate the accident. They’ll read over police reports and research the real value of your damaged personal property, including your vehicle. After the information is compiled, they’ll either approve your claim on their terms or reject it. Time frames vary, although most insurers will have an answer within 30 days.
Don’t worry if your claim is denied or valued too low. You can retain one of the experienced property damage lawyers at Schiller & Hamilton for no initial fee. We work on a contingency-fee basis, which means you won’t owe us anything until we get compensation for you.
Types of Compensation Available
Schiller & Hamilton, offering legal services statewide, are Rock Hill attorneys who will seek the money you deserve for damaged property. The types of compensation you may receive will depend on what and how badly your property was damaged.
Examples of the kinds of compensation you may receive include:
- Compensation for repairs to your wrecked vehicle
- Compensation for the value of a totaled vehicle
- Compensation for the repair or replacement of damaged personal items
- Rental car reimbursement
- Monetary replacement of family heirlooms based on your affidavit
- Replacement of loaned items that belonged to your school or a company, for example
The exact compensation you may receive varies substantially based on the exact circumstances of a particular case.
What Are The Benefits of Having a Lawyer Assist with Property Damage Claims?
If your property is damaged in a car accident, you can submit a claim to seek reimbursement for your property. It’s important to know the proper steps to take when filing a claim with an insurance company and what to expect throughout the process. As unforeseen complications can arise, it’s important to retain competent counsel to help negotiate fair settlements.
Another important reason to retain an attorney involves your final settlement amount. Insurers and their counsel know that most people without legal knowledge are “easy targets,” which could lessen the settlement amount you receive. Attorneys aren’t afraid to take cases to trial, which most insurance companies try to avoid due to the expense.
Contact an Attorney for Help Recovering for Property Damage After a Rock Hill Auto Accident
Since there are limitations of civil claims made in Rock Hill, legal consultation from Schiller & Hamilton could be beneficial. As your car accident property damage attorney, we’ll fight your claim and seek compensation for your damaged property.
To discover more about how our lawyers can help you, call us or contact us online for your free consultation today. You pay nothing unless we win your case.