If you have fallen victim to a collision, you may be dealing with damage to your vehicle. No matter whether the damage to your car is significant or minor, you can seek to be reimbursed for repairs or replacement costs by filing a property damage claim. If personal property was damaged in your collision, you can also pursue a remedy for those losses. In a crash, this may include damage to your cell phone, laptop, iPad, headphones, jewelry, and other valuable items.
At Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe, our car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping injured individuals recover the full value of their property losses. If you or someone you care about has experienced personal property damage following a crash, our legal team would like to discuss your options.
How Do Property Damage Claims Work in Lancaster, PA?
Regarding property damage claims, the at-fault driver’s insurance will cover the cost of any necessary repairs or vehicle replacement. If the insurance company claims that you are partly responsible for the crash, then your recovery will be reduced. However, if the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured, you may need to rely on your coverage.
For property damage claims with an insured driver, you can use your own collision coverage or uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage. Both coverages are optional if you own your vehicle outright, with collision coverage being required if you have a car loan or are leasing. Collision coverage can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle, regardless of who is at fault. As the name suggests, UM/UIM coverage will apply if the other driver does not have sufficient coverage.
Can I Still Claim Personal Property Damage if My Vehicle is Totaled?
In Pennsylvania, if your vehicle is totaled, you may still seek compensation for personal property damage. This amount of coverage will apply on the terms of the insurance policy. If you are claiming your own insurance, then a deductible may apply. If so, you will need to pay out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in. So, if you had $2,000 in personal property damage but your insurance policy carries a $500 deductible, then insurance will only cover $1,500 of your losses.
If you are filing a third-party claim, then a deductible will not apply. Drivers who operate a vehicle in Pennsylvania are required to carry a minimum of $5,000 in property damage liability. Many drivers choose only to have minimum coverage to reduce premium costs. If your property damage losses exceed this threshold, then you may need to pursue other means of relief. In this situation, it is advisable to consult with an experienced Lancaster car accident attorney who can review your case and discuss your legal options.
Lancaster Car Accident Attorneys Providing Adamant Representation
Even a minor car wreck can place you in financial hardship. If the at-fault driver has insufficient coverage, then you may be forced to rely on your own policy. Whether you have recently been involved in an accident or are concerned about your personal property coverage, our legal team is here to help. For nearly three decades, the legal team at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe has been fighting for individuals, not insurance companies. To schedule a meeting with one of our Lancaster car accident lawyers, feel free to contact us online or by phone at (717) 229-6580.