If you have been in a serious accident, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney. Richard T. Bowles and Michael P. Verna can help you hold negligent parties accountable for the harm they caused and the hardships you’ve been forced to endure.
Many clients wonder if the cost of their damaged property will be covered in a personal injury case. Our lawyers would like to provide an answer. We can discuss these and other topics in more detail during your visit to our law firm, which serves the Walnut Creek, CA and the entire San Francisco Bay Area.
How Property May Be Damaged in an Accident
Property damage takes many forms depending on the type of accident that occurred. In auto collisions, the property damage refers to wrecked vehicles. Minor vehicle damage is covered, and so is extensive damage to a vehicle. Damaged personal items are also covered, such as cellphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices.
In essence, anything of value on your person could be harmed or destroyed in the event of a collision, a serious fall, or other kind of physical harm.
Compensatory Damages for Property Damage
Compensatory damages are sought in personal injury cases to cover material and financial losses associated with a harmful or injurious event. These damages will cover damaged property in an accident, allowing injury victims to pay for repairs and replacement.
Compensatory damages are common in personal injury cases since they address material losses and hardships associated with the incident.
Calculating the Value of Damaged Property
Calculating the amount of compensatory damages sought is relatively straightforward. Bills, receipts, and invoices can be tabulated to determine the total amount of damaged goods. We can also consult various resources to determine the market value of the damaged property at the time of the incident.
For example, say that your vehicle was totaled in a collision with a large truck. You also lost a laptop and a tablet in the crash. The market value of your vehicle, the laptop, and the tablet will all be taken into account and added together to address the damage to your property.
If you have any questions about what property may qualify for coverage by compensatory damages, our lawyers can offer guidance.
Additional Losses Covered by Compensatory Damages
In addition to covering property damage, compensatory damages will also cover medical bills, lost wages, physical rehabilitation, and emotional pain and suffering associated with your incident. Our law firm can help determine how much can be sought and whether or not certain expenses are covered by compensatory damages.
Our Attorneys Are Here to Help
Damages in personal injury cases are not always straightforward, which is why it’s important to speak with skilled attorneys about your case. Our legal team can offer insight into the damages you should seek, and help you understand the value of your case.
If you are offered a settlement, we can let you know if it’s worth taking or if it’s a better idea to take your case all the way to trial.
Learn More About Legal Damages
If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area and would like to learn more about your legal options, be sure to contact our trusted trial lawyers. You can reach our Walnut Creek law office by calling (925) 935-3300.