Someone crashing into your car is one thing. Someone crashing into and seriously damaging your luxury car is a whole different thing.
Luxury cars are not just a means of transportation. It can be a piece of art or a statement of status. They also come at a massive investment cost. If you have an expensive car, especially a newer model, you may not even want to imagine someone crashing into it.
But, since accidents happen, it is important to be prepared in case one does happen to you. Knowing what to do if someone causes an accident that damages your car can make all the difference in ensuring you are compensated.
For instance, you must report property damage exceeding $2,500 after an accident. This, and a whole bunch of other steps and strategies, will help you get your luxury car back on the road in excellent condition.
Accidents happen very fast, so it is highly likely you will be dazed and confused in the immediate aftermath. However, it is crucial to try to pull yourself together and check whether you or your passengers are injured. You should also check whether the other car's occupants are injured, if possible.
If there are obvious injuries or if you find people unconscious, call 911 immediately. If one or more people seem seriously injured, try not to move or jolt them, as this may worsen their injuries.
If your car is blocking traffic, move it out of the way. If this is not possible, wait for help to arrive. In the meantime, you can turn on your hazards to alert other drivers of the accident.
Accidents are always stressful, but you should not let your emotions take over on the scene. Do not get into a fight with the other driver, even if the accident was their fault. Even if the other driver is clearly under the influence, do not get into an argument or physical altercation. This will count against you if you want to sue them later on.
Instead, try to stay as calm as possible. The more upset you get, the more your adrenaline will spike. This will prevent you from making good decisions.
At the same time, you should not become overly emotional and start apologizing to everyone. Doing this can be misconstrued as you admitting fault for the accident and can also be used against you later.
Whether you speak to the other driver or the responding police officer, only relay the facts.
To win a compensation case, you must have evidence. You can start gathering this evidence while still on the accident scene. Take pictures of the damage to your luxury car and the other vehicle involved.
You should take photos from different angles and include the immediate area around the accident scene. Skid marks or road signs may have contributed to the cause of the accident.
If witnesses are at the scene, ask them for their contact information and a brief statement of what they saw. The more evidence and statements you can get that confirm your version of events, the stronger your legal case will be.
It is important to exchange information with all drivers involved in the accident. Get their names, addresses, phone numbers, license plate information, and insurance details. If the other drivers are not cooperative, you can ask a police officer to help you.
Speaking of the police, you must file a police report after the accident. The police report is an official document for filing an insurance claim or personal injury case. Always provide accurate and detailed information about the accident and keep a copy of the report.
You must notify your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Provide your insurance provider with all the necessary information, including photos of the damage and the police report.
Confirm with your insurer what will be covered for repairing your car. Your insurance provider will inform you of limitations and coverage options.
If the other driver is confirmed to be at fault for the accident, their insurance must pay for the damage to your car. At this point, letting your lawyer take over all the negotiations is advisable. In fact, your lawyer can handle all the legal proceedings from the start.
Your lawyer will negotiate with the relevant insurance companies to ensure you get the compensation you need to repair your car. Your lawyer will also fight for compensation to cover medical expenses if you were injured in the accident.
Hiring a lawyer will make it easier to prove the other driver was at fault and show your damages. Liability is not always straightforward; the other driver's legal team will do their best to deflect blame.
Hiring an experienced lawyer to represent you will get someone to investigate the accident, get more evidence together, and build a strong case proving the other party's liability.
A lawyer can also help you prove how much damage you suffered from the accident. This includes repair costs, medical bills, lost income, and diminished value claims.
Your car may lose value after an accident, even if you have it repaired to its original condition. This process is known as diminished value and can be a significant loss.
Your lawyer can file a diminished value claim on your behalf to compensate you for this aspect of the accident. They can work with appraisers and other auto experts to establish the full extent of the value loss.
Moreover, your lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company to include this in your final settlement.
Working with a lawyer will also give you peace of mind during an inevitably stressful time. Knowing that a legal expert is handling your case, you can focus on recovering or getting your car repaired.
Knowing what to do after someone crashes into your luxury car will help you manage the situation. Having the knowledge and information you need will also allow you to get your car repaired and receive the compensation you deserve.
