Steps to Take When Filing a Car Accident Property Damage Claim
The injury attorneys at Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you have significant experience in helping clients who need to open a Car Accident Property Damage Claim. Our offices are conveniently located in nearby Chandler, Peoria, and North Phoenix, and we can meet in person at our nearby offices, over the phone, or via video call. You can contact us for a free consultation, or read on to find out more.
By the way, we will also help with other problems that have cost you sleep, like getting a rental car soon and finding a nearby doctor to help you. Even the best legal team isn’t good enough if your quality of life isn’t sustainable while justice and compensation are on the way. The whole point of legal action is to regain quality of life, so we help you long-term as attorneys and short-term as your go-to people. Our familiarity with the local Phoenix courts makes us confident that we can help you get the best settlement possible.
If you get in a car accident, the first two things you need to do are:
- Report the accident to the police
- Exchange insurance information with the other driver
Under the Division of Motor Vehicle laws of Arizona, you are required to report any accident involving property damage over $500 to the appropriate authorities. Even a very minor car accident can cause damages that very easily exceed $500.
Also, report the accident to the other driver’s insurance company as soon as possible. They will ask for the police report number and your version of how the accident occurred.
To get reimbursed for the damage to your car, you’ll need to file a Car Accident Property Damage Claim with insurance.
Get a Police Report
Either call the police at the scene of the accident or immediately afterward if you have been a victim of a hit and run. When the police arrive, they will assess the accident scene, take your statements, and fill out a traffic exchange information slip. They will give you a copy of that.
Keep your copy of the traffic exchange information slip. It provides you with the police report number. Police reports are available typically 7–10 days after an accident. You can access them online or request them in person in the records department at the city’s police station.
Get Your Damaged Vehicle Inspected
You must make the damaged vehicle available for inspection by the insurance company before you have it repaired. Protect your vehicle from further damage and limit your losses. If you don’t, the insurer could refuse to pay for any subsequent damage in your property damage claim.
For example, if your vehicle’s fender is damaged in an accident that causes it to rub against the tire, you must make emergency repairs to the fender so no further damage will result to the tire.
Obtain a Quote for Repairs
Once the shop completes the damage assessment on your car, they will send you a quote for the car repairs. Make sure the insurer receives a copy of this quote as well.
It is also important to save all receipts for any emergency repairs, as these can be submitted later to the company as part of your claim.
The insurance company will compare the cost of car repairs with the actual cash value of the car. If the repairs cost significantly less than the value of your car, they will cover the cost of the repairs at the shop. Otherwise, your car will be deemed a total loss by the insurer. For more information about total loss, visit this page.
File a Car Accident Property Damage Claim with the Insurance
Your final step is to file a property damage claim with insurance so you get compensated for the damage.
Most insurance plans have collision and comprehensive coverage for your car. If you were in a car accident on the road, your collision coverage will take care of your repair costs. However, if your car was damaged by anything other than an auto accident, it is comprehensive coverage that will cover your repairs in the Car Accident Property Damage Claim.
You have a choice whether to file the claim with your insurance or with the other driver’s insurer. Check with the other insurer to see how much insurance coverage the other driver has and compare it with your own before you file with them.
If you want to get your car repaired as soon as possible and quickly resolve your Car Accident Property Damage Claim, you may file with your own insurance company to move things along faster. Read this article for more information about using your insurance to cover your property damages.
After Filing Your Car Accident Property Damage Claim
The other driver’s insurer will investigate the Car Accident Property Damage Claim and decide whether to pay, negotiate, or defend its insured against the claim.
During their investigation, the insurer will need to determine the following:
- Whether their insured is legally responsible for the accident and to what extent.
- The amount of your damages.
- Whether your damages are directly related to the accident.
While no law sets forth the information you must provide the insurer, it is in your best interest to provide as much information as possible to substantiate your claim.
If you fail to cooperate fully with the insurer’s investigation, they could deny your Car Accident Property Damage Claim altogether.
Need Help with Your Car Accident Property Damage Claim?
At Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm near you, we have more than 15 years of experience helping clients file their Car Accident Property Damage Claims in the Phoenix area. When you’re ready to talk, please contact our office to arrange a free initial consultation by phone or at our Chandler office, conveniently located near you.
If you have been in an auto accident, contact Phoenix Accident and Injury Law Firm in nearby Chandler, AZ to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. We provide personal injury legal services to clients in your area including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Peoria.
