Bellevue Property Damage Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can have substantial negative consequences for your physical, financial, and emotional health. In addition to your injuries, you may also have substantial property damage to worry about as well. Facing expensive repairs while you are trying to heal can be stressful. You may be eligible to make a property damage claim to reimburse you for the losses you have experienced due to your accident, including vehicle repair.
If you have been in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, speak to an experienced Bellevue property damage car accident lawyer for an assessment of your claim. You may be able to recover compensation for the losses you have endured, such as physical injury, emotional distress, and property damage. We handle every aspect of your car accident claim so you can focus on recovery.
What Constitutes a Property Damage Claim in Bellevue?
A property damage claim in a Bellevue car accident is damage to anything other than the victim, including personal property found in the car like a laptop, glasses, or cellphone. Damages for these belongings are demonstrated by their replacement value, the cost of repairing the items, and the loss of items until they can be replaced. These types of claims are typically handled by insurance companies. If the accident was caused by another Bellevue driver, you have two choices when filing a claim:
- You may file your property damage claim with your own insurance company.
- You may file your property damage claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
You may be unsure of which selection is best for you. This can be dependent on several factors:
Payment of a Deductible on Bellevue Collision Coverage
Your insurance company will require you to pay for the deductible amount on your collision coverage. If another driver is at-fault, your insurance company can recover the deductible amount from the negligent driver’s insurance policy and then repay you for your payment. This can be a lengthy process and can take months to be reimbursed for the deducible payment. If you file with the other driver’s insurance company, you do not have to pay a deductible.
Payment for a Rental Car in Bellevue
Your insurance company is not under obligation to pay for your rental car while you await vehicle repairs unless that is a part of your policy. The insurance company of the other driver will likely provide you with a rental car while yours is being serviced or until a settlement offer is reached.
Pursuing a Bellevue Personal Injury Claim
If you are pursuing a Bellevue personal injury claim, it is imperative to be aware of the connection between your property damage claim and the amount you can recover for a personal injury. Insurance adjusters may argue that the property damage was too minimal for you to have suffered substantial injuries.
If you file a property damage claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, then they may fight to decrease the value of your claim in an attempt to save money down the road in negotiating a personal injury claim. In instances where you are not at-fault for the accident, your own insurance company may not have that motive, and the other driver’s insurance company will pay for property damage and personal injury claims.
Contractual Relationship With Your Insurance Company
A benefit to filing a property damage claim with your own insurance company is that you already have a solidified, contractual relationship with them through your policy. This means that your insurance company is held to a high standard to protect your concerns. If they neglect to provide an adequate service in protecting your interests, you have a strong case for legal action against them. Additionally, due to the legal duty of “good faith,” it is less likely that they will act unfavorably in your interests.
Unlike your solidified relationship with your own insurance company, the other driver’s insurance company has no contractual relationship with you and is more likely to act in their own best interest.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident for a Successful Property Damage Claim in Bellevue
After experiencing a Bellevue car accident, it is essential to remember the following steps in order to have a successful property damage claim in the future:
1. Speak to Your Insurance Company Immediately Following Your Accident
If you are a Bellevue car accident victim, it is essential to contact your insurance company immediately following an accident, even if the accident was not your fault. While your claim against the at-fault driver is processing, your insurance company may be able to handle your property damage claim on your behalf. This guarantees that your insurer has the information they need to start your claim and obtain the documentation required for property damage estimates, preferred car repair shops, and determining total losses.
2. Gather Essential Documents for Your Bellevue Property Damage Claim
Essential documents may be needed for your property damage claim, including police reports, witness contact information, damage repair estimates, and other pertinent information. You may also need to obtain your vehicle title and any vehicle maintenance receipts that show the estimated value of your vehicle.
3. Speak With Your Bellevue Property Damage Lawyer to Protect Your Interests
To protect your interest in a property damage claim and to make sure that the insurance adjusters are not taking advantage of you, speak to a Bellevue property damage lawyer. We are seasoned in handling insurance companies and are expert negotiators. It is essential to recover the compensation you deserve.
For a free legal consultation with a property damage lawyer serving Bellevue, call (206) 285-1743
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Speak to an Experienced Bellevue Property Damage Car Accident Lawyer at Premier Law Group
If you have been in a Bellevue car accident, you need the help of a seasoned and compassionate car accident lawyer at Premier Law Group. In devastating car accidents involving a negligent driver, it is essential to be compensated for medical bills, pain, and suffering, as well as fair reimbursement of property damage. Speak to an experienced Bellevue property damage car accident lawyer today for an assessment of your case. We are dedicated to fiercely advocating for you and negotiating on your behalf.
Premier Law Group is a client-oriented, top-rated, award-winning law firm set to help clients in Bellevue recover the compensation they deserve for property damage, personal injuries, and other losses involving negligence. We have a history of success and are committed to providing the highest level of professional service for victims of car accidents. Call (206) 880-7518 for a complimentary consultation or fill out our contact form.
Jason at premier law group is truly an outstanding individual. Our particular case was not something that their firm usually sees but they were more than willing to help us and give us all of the information they had available. I can't recommend them enough.