A motor vehicle accident can lead to considerable property damage, with multiple vehicles in need of repairs or irreparably destroyed. If you suffer property damage in a car accident in Pittsburgh, PA, you may be able to recover financial compensation from an insurance claim that you can use to repair the damage or replace your totaled vehicle. However, you will need to know how to properly navigate this type of claim.
Who Pays for Property Damage in a Car Accident in Pennsylvania?
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has unique car insurance laws. It is a “choice no-fault” state, meaning drivers get to choose between fault or no-fault insurance when purchasing their automobile insurance policies. The type of insurance chosen will determine the individual’s rights in the aftermath of a harmful car crash.
If you opted for no-fault insurance, you may only seek compensation from your own car insurance provider. You would need to have purchased collision coverage for your own insurer to pay for your property damage repairs or vehicle replacement. Personal injury protection insurance (PIP) will pay for your medical bills, but it will not cover property damage.
If you purchased fault-based insurance or your damages meet the serious injury claim threshold, you will have the right to hold an at-fault driver or a party responsible for your property damage among other losses. In this case, you or your car accident attorney would have to prove that the other driver is at fault using clear and convincing evidence.
Recovering Compensation for Damaged Property
Pennsylvania law requires drivers to purchase a minimum of $5,000 in property damage liability insurance. This amount is meant to pay for the cost of repairs to another driver’s vehicle after an at-fault accident. Drivers also have the option of purchasing a higher policy limit. If you can pursue financial compensation from an insurance company, the insurer can pay for your losses up to the limits of the policy.
After an investigation – which may include an in-person visit to assess your property damage and inspection reports from a professional auto mechanic – an insurer may offer you an amount it deems fair for your losses. If the car is deemed a “total loss” (or totaled), meaning the cost of repairs is more than the vehicle is worth, the insurer may pay the total pre-crash value. If one policy does not have enough coverage, supplemental coverage may be available.
Steps to Take When Dealing With Property Damage After a Car Accident
In the aftermath of your car accident, arrange to have your car towed to a nearby auto mechanic. Depending on your insurance policy, your insurer may cover the price of a rental car while you wait for repairs to be completed. Once the mechanic has made an estimate of how much it will cost to repair the damage, submit this as evidence with your insurance claim.
If a car insurance company provides an estimate of how much your property damage is worth, do not accept the offer until you’ve double-checked the numbers with an independent repair shop. The insurer may try to reduce the payment offer to you by underestimating the price of your repairs or choosing used or aftermarket parts.
Never sign a release of liability waiver without first consulting with an attorney. Contact a car accident lawyer in Pennsylvania to review your case and explore your legal options. You may be eligible for greater financial compensation than what an insurance provider is offering. A skilled Pittsburgh personal injury lawyer can help you get the vehicle repairs or replacement you need to move forward with your life.