Even if you did not suffer any physical injuries in a car accident that was another driver’s fault, you may have considerable property damages, and you may find it hard to recover all of your costs. Car crashes can be expensive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the economic cost for car crashes in the U.S. totaled $242 billion in 2010.
If you suffered extensive material damage in a car accident, and the insurance company declines to repair or replace your car, you may have to file a lawsuit to recover your property damage and any out-of-pocket costs. It may be possible to sue for a car accident even if you are not hurt.
Car Accident Insurance Claims
After a car accident that was another driver’s fault and resulted in material damage, you would typically file a claim with the car insurance of the at-fault driver, or occasionally with your own insurance. If you did not suffer any injuries in the accident, you would not be able to claim for any medical bills, lost income, or physical suffering.
However, you may be able to claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance for the cost to repair or replace your car, the cost to rent a car, or other out-of-pocket costs you incurred as a result of the accident.
Car Accident Lawsuits
There are many variables when it comes to getting your damages covered in a car accident. Insurance payout and coverage can depend on the state in which the accident happened, who was responsible for the accident, and what type of insurance cover, if any, the at-fault driver has. It can also depend on your personal insurance coverage.
In some cases, you and the insurer responsible for covering your damages may disagree wildly about the costs for repairing or replacing your vehicle, as well as any coverage for additional costs. In some instances, you can consider a lawsuit in order to try and get the compensation you deserve. Speaking with a car accident lawyer can help you determine the right course of action for your individual case.
Even if you did not suffer any physical injuries in a car accident, you could recover compensation in a lawsuit. The other types of compensation you could recover in a lawsuit can include, for example:
- The repair or replacement of your vehicle
- The cost of any other property damage suffered in the accident
- Transportation costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
- Emotional anguish or trauma suffered in the accident
Pain and suffering classify as noneconomic losses in a personal injury lawsuit, so you may still have a case for compensation even if you did not suffer property damage.
Acting Quickly Is Important
Be aware that the clock starts ticking on the date of your accident. Time can move quickly, especially while involved in what seems like never-ending negotiations with insurances. You will want to make sure that you are well within the deadline for property damage lawsuits set by your state. In Florida, for example, according to Florida Statute § 95.11, you have four years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit to recover any property damage.
In other states, you may have a much shorter time period. In Kentucky, for example, you would have to file any property damage lawsuits within two years, according to Kentucky Revised Statute § 413.125. A lawyer can advise you on the applicable laws and statutes regarding your case.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 794-0444
We Can Help
In order to recover all of your costs and damages, you may have to sue for a car accident even if you are not hurt. We can help you not just with a lawsuit, but also with negotiating insurance settlements. We can also help you to accurately calculate your damages, including the value of your car and any other damages you incurred as a result of the accident.
You deserve to focus on your health and well-being after a car accident. You may want to spend more time with your family and focus on your therapy and recovery. That is why some victims seek legal counsel and representation instead of taking on an insurance claim or lawsuit alone. It affords them the time and energy to take care of themselves while also pursuing legal action.
If the insurance company denies you an adequate settlement, we can take the case to court and fight for your rights.
If you are left to shoulder the costs from a car accident that was not your fault, you should contact us as soon as possible for professional advice and help. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now for your free no-obligation consultation by dialing (800) 794-0444.
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