Recovering Damages in a Texas Car Crash
Last month, a vehicle carrying the driver and one passenger crashed into a utility pole and gas line in New Braunfels. The accident caused a serious gas leak resulting in a road closure and two home evacuations. Crews worked hours to repair the damage. The driver and passenger both fled the scene of the accident and were later arrested and charged. While property damage may have been minimal outside of the gas leak, the crash is an example of the unexpected damages that can occur from collisions. Negligent drivers can be held liable not only for damage to other individual’s cars during collisions, but also for damage to personal and government property.
Property Damage to a Vehicle
After an auto accident, you are entitled to recover compensation for your damaged vehicle. Most insurance providers will pay out the difference between what your car was worth before the accident versus what it is now worth after the accident. This may simply lead to the insurer paying out the cost of repairing your vehicle or if it is totaled, compensating you for the value of your vehicle.
If you had enhanced your vehicle in some ways, such as more expensive rims or a stereo, you are allowed to seek compensation for these items as well.
Property Damage Beyond Vehicles
Car crashes often damage more than the vehicles involved. Some accidents crash into businesses, houses, fences, retaining walls, mailboxes and more. When buildings are damaged, the compensation needed to repair them can be significant. Additionally, it is common for you to carry personal property within your car. During a crash, your items could be damaged or entirely ruined, such as:
- Laptops and tablets;
- Cell phones;
- Cameras;
- GPS systems;
- Jewelry, including engagement and wedding rings;
- Luggage;
- Clothing;
- Glasses;
- Child safety seats; and/or
- Sports equipment.
You may or may not be able to seek compensation for these items through the responsible driver’s auto insurance. Many insurers try and limit compensation to the vehicle repairs. However, that does not mean you are responsible for all of the costs yourself. You can file claims with your own auto, renters, or homeowner’s insurance policies to recover for damaged personal items.
You can also attempt to recover compensation for these items if you are filing a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If an insurance settlement is not possible and you are heading to court for your personal injuries, speak with an experienced attorney about whether the best options for covering your costs of purchasing replacements of items damaged in the crash.
Contact a New Braunfels Personal Injury Lawyer for Help
At Bettersworth Law Firm, our passionate New Braunfels accident attorneys handle personal injury claims that occur as a result of car crashes. However, we understand that you likely suffered a variety of damages from the collision. Not only are you hurt, but your car may have been badly damaged or totaled. If you had personal property within the car, you may be out of expensive items that you cannot afford to buy again without being reimbursed first. We will take a comprehensive look at the costs you have suffered due to this accident and help you seek the maximum compensation possible.
Source:
http://keyetv.com/news/local/crash-leads-to-gas-leak-in-new-braunfels
