If you were involved in a crash caused by another driver, you can typically get compensation for the crash-related costs you face. That’s true regardless of whether or not you were injured.
Here’s what you need to know about getting compensation in a crash where there are no injuries.
What Damages Did You Suffer?
Damages are the costs or expenses you’ve encountered after an accident. If you were involved in a crash and you weren’t injured, then it’s likely that the bulk of your expenses are related to property damage.
It’s important to understand the full extent of your damages to ensure you get the compensation you’re entitled to. If your vehicle is damaged but not totaled, then you can demand compensation for your vehicle’s repair costs. If it’s totaled, then you can demand the pre-crash fair market value for your vehicle.
You can also demand compensation for other expenses, such as the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is repaired or replaced, and the costs of any other items damaged in the crash. For example, if you installed expensive speakers in your car, those costs should be included in your property damage claim. This is also true of child car seats, personal computers, smartphones, or any other personal property inside the vehicle that was damaged in the crash that wasn’t your fault.
Who Am I Demanding Compensation From?
If another driver was at fault for the crash, then you can demand payment from them. However, that compensation typically comes from the driver’s insurance company. In some cases, your own insurance policy may also be needed to cover part of your damages.
How Do I Maximize the Compensation I Receive?
It’s best practice to immediately contact the police after the crash so they can come to the scene of the accident and create a police report. You should also get the contact and insurance information of the other driver.
Documenting the full extent of your property damage will enable you to present evidence to the insurance company. Take pictures of any of your property that was damaged in the crash. Make copies of any receipts you have for items that were damaged and need to be replaced and any repair bills you get related to the crash.
After the crash, it’s best to contact your own insurance company as soon as possible. Tell them what happened and provide them with any information they request. Your insurer will likely work with the representatives of the other driver’s insurance company to determine how your expenses will be covered.
If you’re contacted by the other driver’s insurance company, know that you’re not required to talk to them. The other driver’s insurance representatives might try to get you on record making a statement that shifts the blame of the accident onto you. If possible, limit your correspondence to your own insurance company.
Can I File a Personal Injury Claim If I Wasn’t Injured in a Crash?
No. Personal injury claims are reserved for those who have suffered physical harm because of another person’s negligence. If you suffered no injuries and you have no medical expenses because of the crash, then you’re not eligible to file a personal injury claim.
At Great West Injury Law, We Help Injured People Get Compensation
Though our firm doesn’t handle claims involving only property damage, we hope this article will help you get the compensation you’re legally entitled to. If you or a loved one suffers injuries because of another person’s negligence, contact our Utah car accident lawyers for a free consultation.
