The period after a car accident can be very stressful. For South Carolinians who have recently been involved in an accident involving property damage to a vehicle, it is important understand the property damage-related compensation available the accident was the fault of another driver.
Property damage to one’s vehicle occurs in most car accidents. Unfortunately, it is very difficult to even break even with regard to repair or replacement costs in the aftermath of an accident. Besides these costs, there is also the hassle of making alternate transportation arrangements while one’s vehicle is being repaired or replaced.
Recovering Compensation for a Rental Car and Other Costs
In addition to the costs of repairing or replacing property damage to one’s vehicle caused by the wrongful conduct of another, a person may also recover the cost of a rental car for a reasonable period of time while one’s car is being repaired or replaced. Replacement is proper when a car has been “totaled” – the term for when the cost of repairing damage to a vehicle exceeds the value of the vehicle. However, once an offer has been made by the insurance company to compensate one for the loss of a vehicle, the insurance company may then terminate the rental car reimbursement period.
It is important for car accident property damage victims to understand that they are required to make reasonable efforts to lessen the property damage suffered as a result of the accident. In practical terms, this means utilizing any insurance one possesses to begin the repair or replacement process if one has not heard from the liability insurance provider within 5 – 7 days of the accident. Don’t worry: if your insurance company acts before the liability insurance company, it has the right to be reimbursed by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
Don’t Proceed without an Attorney By Your Side
When you are discussing property damage sustained to your vehicle with an insurance company, do not discuss any personal injuries you have suffered with the at-fault driver’s insurance carrier. If you have suffered any personal injuries, you will benefit greatly from contacting an experienced South Carolina auto accident attorney. A skilled attorney will not only seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to for property damage, but also medical costs for the treatment of your injuries, as well as compensation for pain and suffering.