Exploring The Legal Process

After a car accident, most people focus on injury compensation, which is good because your health takes precedence over other kinds of damages. However, in addition to health-related compensation, you also need to be compensated for your damaged properties. Knowing all the different kinds of property damages can help you maximize your compensation. Here are some of the essential property damages you shouldn't forget to include:

Compensatory Damages for the Car

This part of the compensation is meant to return your car to its pre-accident status. If the windshield is cracked, for example, the repair costs part of the compensation should be adequate for the replacement of the windshield. If the car is damaged beyond repair, then the defendant should give you enough money to buy a replacement car that is similar to the damaged one.

Compensatory Damages for Personal Belongings

It's not just your damaged car that the defendant should pay for, they should also pay you for your personal items that were damaged during the crash. Maybe your suitcase was crashed, your books were burned, or your bicycle (on the roof of the car) was damaged. The defendant should repair or replace these damaged items just as they will for the car.

Incidental Damages

Incidental damages cover the expenses you have to incur due to the accident, those that you wouldn't have incurred without the accident. Examples include the cost of calling for help after the crash, the cost of renting a taxi home when yours is towed away or the cost of sleeping in a hotel because your car is damaged and there is no transport to take you to your destination.

Consequential Damages

Consequential damages cover the cost of an interim replacement car. For example, you shouldn't miss the use of a car just because someone crashed into you on the highway and the mechanic says it will take a week to fix. You can use incidental damages to rent a car for the duration of the repair. In most cases, you just use your money, document the expenses, and include it in your damages claim.

Just like with other kinds of damages, expect to negotiate with the insurance adjuster on your property damages. It pays to have all your documentary evidence, such as pictures of the damages and receipts for expenses, to prove why you are asking for the amount the adjuster is disputing. A car accident lawyer can help you maximize your property damages alongside your injury damages.