Whether you back into a Prius in the parking lot, or you are rear-ended in rush hour traffic, having to deal with property damage caused by an accident is a major inconvenience. However, knowing what to do after the accident can make the process less annoying.

Property Damage Attorneys

What to do if you’re at-fault:

So, you hit someone’s property with your car and it’s your fault. It’s OK; everyone makes mistakes, but you better not drive off without leaving a note. There’s almost always a witness and a hit-and-run warrant for your arrest is much worse than higher insurance premiums. Here’s what you need to do when you damage someone’s property, even if the owner isn’t there.

  • Exchange your contact and insurance information with the owner or leave it with the damaged property.
  • Snap a photo of the damage. Though not required by insurance companies, photos can be used to settle disputes over what happened if a conflict arises. Should one persist, you may need the services of an attorney.
  • Notify your insurance agent to open a claim as soon as possible but you’ll need to make contact with the owner before the claim can be resolved. Your agent will also be able to advise you on how to get your property repaired, if any damage occurred to you or your property in the accident.

What to do if you’re the victim:

Having your property damaged is upsetting and depressing. Your life has to be put on hold as you deal with insurance companies, repairs, and the possibility of being without your vehicle or whatever property was damaged. Everything will be OK if you know who damaged your property, but if you don’t, you could be out of pocket and luck.

  • If you know who caused the damage, get that person’s name and contact and insurance information. Be sure to also note the date, time, location, and description of what happened. Snap a photo of the damage too, if you can.
  • Get in touch with your insurance agent who will help file a property damage claim. Depending on your policy (and the policy of the person at-fault), there’s a good chance you won’t have any out of pocket expense and a rental car will be at your disposal.
  • If you don’t know who damaged your property, call the police and file a report so they can track down the perpetrator. Then call your policy agent who can activate the claims. Collision coverage will take care of your car if the at fault driver can not be found or does not have insurance.

For incidents involving major property damage or disputes with insurance companies, contact an Orlando insurance attorney.

 

Photo credit: jmrosenfeld / Flickr Creative Commons