Who is Responsible for Car Damage in New York?
In our last blog, we looked at a hypothetical car accident, in which another driver smashed into your vehicle because they ran a red light. We discovered that, even though the other driver was at fault, your insurance company is most likely responsible for all your medical expenses.
But what about the repair expenses for any damage to your vehicle? What if, when the hypothetical driver ran the red light and hit your car, it totaled your vehicle, meaning the repairs will cost more than your car’s fair market value? Will your insurance company cover your medical bills AND compensate you for your totaled car?
Who Pays for Car Damage in a No-Fault State?
In a no-fault state like New York, the at-fault driver's insurance company must pay for your car damage. This covers your car's repairs or the entire value of your car if it was totaled.
The policy that covers vehicle damage is called "collision coverage". If another driver causes an accident and damages your car, you will file a claim through their insurance. If the other driver totaled your vehicle, their insurance should pay you the total value of your vehicle. If the other driver does not comply with insurance requirements, your collision coverage should pay for the rest.
What if Insurance Coverage Isn’t Enough?
If either your insurer or the other driver’s insurer does not provide what you believe is a fair amount of compensation, you still have options. In many cases, an insurance company will simply undervalue the cost of repairs or your vehicle’s fair market value. If this happened to you, a car accident attorney near you will be able to fight on your behalf for appropriate compensation.
You will likely experience less stress, fewer delays, and a higher settlement if you retain an attorney sooner rather than later. They can coach you before you speak with insurance representatives, help you make the right moves after your accident, and, overall, give your personal injury case the highest possible likelihood of success.
Bring Your Case to Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C.
Car repairs are never simple. You might be scrambling to find an alternate mode of transportation while you decide between fixing the vehicle and replacing it entirely. The last thing you might want is an insurance company that refuses to provide the compensation you need. At the Law Office of Seni Popat, our attorney is fully prepared to use his years of legal experience to help you achieve the best possible resolution. We know you are likely dealing with the pain of an injury in addition to the inconvenience of your property damage, and we want to provide the high-quality support you deserve during this challenging time.
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Schedule your free initial consultation at the Law Office of Seni Popat, P.C. by calling (718) 340-3385 or contacting us online today. Our Queens car accident attorney looks forward to helping you get your life back on track.