When people hear the term personal injury claim, they quickly associate it with an individual being injured in a car accident. While this is true to some extent there is some property damage present in car accidents. Where a car accident leaves the victim or at fault individual with injuries it is necessary to address these first and then focus on property damage later. This is despite the fact that property damage may have a significant financial impact and may raise questions of insurance coverage and responsibility.

One article provided this definition for property damage, it is the term for “any item that is damaged in an accident. When property is damaged through the fault of another, insurance coverage for replacement is the common question many people have.” Some common examples of property damage in a car accident may include the vehicle itself, the vehicle of another, a fence, a home or business and even trees. In addition to these items property damage also includes damaged property that was inside the vehicle at the time of the accident such as a cellphone, laptop, etc. 

Property damage in any accident can be a cause for concern because not all drivers carry car insurance. Despite Alaska’s strict rule on vehicle insurance, “statistics from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) show that 1 out of every 7 drivers on American roads do not have car insurance coverage”, therefore, there is a genuine concern for drivers on the road. 

A Crowson Law Group attorney stated the following, “Where a car and property are damaged in an accident and the at fault driver does not have insurance it is the victim’s own insurance coverage that may apply. Alaska is unique among the 50 states when it comes to motor vehicle insurance as many of Alaska’s remote areas neither require vehicle registration nor insurance. However, if you do not live in the exempt remote areas it is necessary to have the minimum insurance requirements which includes $25,000 property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is an option to the driver, however, if a driver chooses not to take the coverage they must do so in writing. While this may be the case having additional coverage for property and valuable assets can serve as a protection when you suffer loss due to accidents as a result of an uninsured driver.” 

‘When it comes to determining whether or not your property damage is covered by the insurance company it is important to review the type of insurance coverage you carry as well as take into consideration deductibles for which the owner is responsible. The insurance coverage then applies to the remaining amount. In some cases, such as hit and run or uninsured motorists, high deductibles can be daunting for the car owner who is not at fault and now must be financially responsible’, one article expressed.

In cases where the at fault party is known and the damages exceed any available insurance coverage the only other recourse is to file a civil suit against the responsible party. For legal advice and representation contact personal property damage in auto accident.

About the company:
The Crowson Law Group is a law firm of renowned professionals who specialize in personal injury matters. For a free initial consultation for a plane accident in Wasilla contact the Crowson Law Group today.