Legal Rights When Vehicle is Damaged
One unfortunate outcome of being in an auto accident is that your vehicle sustains damage. There are many issues involved when a vehicle is damaged. For example, there are issues concerning the extent of the damages (total loss or repairable), rental charges, loss of use and diminished value as well as issues with the compliance by the insurance company with the laws that govern the loss adjustment of the property damages, including timeliness of payment.
The Louisiana legislature has determined that in Louisiana a vehicle is deemed a total loss when the damages equal or exceed 75% of the vehicle’s value as determined by the most current edition of the National Automobile Dealer’s Handbook (NADA)….this legislation applies only to third party property damage claims, that is, claims against an at fault driver. Moreover, an insurance company must make a written offer to settle a property damage claim within 30 days of receipt of proof of the loss. Failure to do so subjects the insurance company to statutory penalties and attorney fees, in addition to the amount of the loss.
In addition to the amount of the damages sustained, one is also entitled to the costs of a rental and/or damages for the loss of use of their vehicle. In this regard, the law also imposes upon insurance companies the necessity of paying the costs of a rental vehicle within 30 days of receipt of proof of the loss. Failure to do so also subjects the insurance company to statutory penalties and attorney fees, in addition to the amount of the loss. If no rental charges were incurred, the insurance company is required to pay for the loss of use of the vehicle. These damages typically equal the cost per day of what a rental would cost.
In most instances, another element of damage is the diminished value of the damaged vehicle. In this regard, no matter how good the repairs, once a vehicle has been involved in an accident and sustained damages, there will always be a record of the fact of the damage (Carfax, etc.) and disclosure to any purchaser would be required. Thus, the law also provides for the recovery of diminished value damages.
For many decades I have carried on the family tradition of restoring lives throughout the local communities and throughout the state of Louisiana. At Simon Law Offices, I have proudly embraced this tradition and strive every day to continue the legacy. Simon Law Offices, Cajun Strong and restoring lives throughout Louisiana one client at a time. If you have been injured, call our office today!
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