Cumming Property Damage Attorney

Do I need an attorney for a property damage claim?

If you have been involved in an accident and wish to pursue money for the damage caused to your vehicle, there are some important points to keep in mind. Firstly, claims for bodily injury and property damage are treated separately following an accident in Georgia and you have the right to bring lawsuits for each. Most insurance companies will treat these as two separate claims, with a different adjuster assigned to each.

Secondly, it is usually to your benefit not to use a Cumming personal injury lawyer for a property damage claim. In most cases, claimants are not able to pay off their car loans with the money they receive after attorney's fees, so this is not a remunerative path. Additionally, due to the nature of these types of claims, they tend not to be an effective use of an attorney's time.

Tips on Property Damage Claims

Fortunately, you should not experience much trouble getting the insurance companies to pay for either the salvage value of your car or the repairs. The team at Van Sant Law, LLC, would like you to know this important information which insurance companies will not volunteer:

• In cases where your car is repaired, you have a right to diminished value compensation. This is the amount of money your car decreases in value as a result of the accident. When you eventually sell your car, the buyer or dealer can obtain a report based on your car's VIN number and take the accident into account when determining its worth. This lost value is the amount for which you can seek compensation from the insurance company following your accident.
• When your car is repaired, the mechanic may use aftermarket parts or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. The insurance adjuster will advise that there is little different between the two as the use of aftermarket parts makes the claim much cheaper for them. Again, the parts used can affect the value of your car at the time of its sale, so it is wise to insist on OEM parts when negotiating your claim.

For information regarding your legal options, contact a Cumming property damage lawyer.