Property Damage

Typically, the personal injury attorney that represents you for the bodily injuries you have suffered as a result of a car accident does not represent you on your property damage claim for the physical damage to your vehicle. The personal injury attorneys at Park Chenaur, as well as your support staff, are here however to assist you and answer questions throughout the process. The first step in handling your property damage claim is to understand your own car insurance policy. There are many different kinds of car insurance that provides various amounts of coverage. Understanding your car insurance policy can be daunting and frustrating. At the same time, it is important. Hopefully, all aspects of your car insurance policy were discussed and explained by your insurance agent at the point of purchase.

The three main types of auto insurance are as follows:

(1) Liability Insurance. This type of coverage pays for bodily injury or property damage that you cause to another driver and is required by state law.

(2) Collision Insurance. This type of insurance will pay for damages caused by a collision with another vehicle or an object (like a tree or guardrail, for example) even if the car accident is later determined to be your fault.

(3) Comprehensive coverage. This type of insurance offers coverage for physical damage from a multitude of causes: theft, vandalism, fire, flooding, animals, falling objects. A property damage claim can be submitted to your insurance company if you have comprehensive coverage or collision insurance.

When you are dealing with the claims process via your own insurance company, this is referred to as a first party claim. If the other driver is at fault for the car accident and you file a claim with their insurance, this is referred to as a third party claim. Remember that while negotiating your property damage claim, do not discuss your physical injuries or the facts of your accident without your lawyer present. Inform the insurance adjuster that you are represented on you bodily injury claim. Any release that you ultimately sign should state clearly that such release or settlement is for property damage ONLY. Take pictures of the damage to your car as a result of the motor vehicle accident. And if you have additional questions or concerns, call your person injury team at Park Chenaur & Associates.