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Learn the truth about property damage claims and why it is difficult to recover the full value of a damaged vehicle after an accident.
One of the most frequently asked questions that we get at BenGlassLaw is whether or not you need an attorney for a property damage claim. This is one of those questions that rests in just about everyone's head, but few really look into it further after their car is totalled in an accident before they dismiss it and go for the easiest and quickest solution.
First off, these cases are difficult to deal with for consumers. With property damage, you are unlikely to ever recover the full amount of the perceived value of the vehicle after an accident. You will regain the "reasonable value" of the car, which is often much lower. This is also why cars end up considered "totalled" at a lower damage level than you would have expected.
If you decide that you want to recover some value through a property damage claim, we don't necessarily recommend that you hire an attorney. It's a small amount of money and giving an attorney any piece of that pie reduces an already diminunitive settlement.
Usually when someone takes on an attorney to handle a case such as this, it's to take the stress out of the picture for them. It's not exactly fun sorting through what can be a lengthy process, but if your time is valuable enough to budget an attorney, then this isn't always a bad idea.
If your car was not totalled in an accident, you can recover the reasonable cost of the repair plus the dimunation of value. However, this will likely require an expert to testify on your behalf, which immediately drives up the cost of the claim.
Overall, property damage claims are never a good deal if your car is damaged in an accident. However, if you are interested in learning more about your claim or have some questions, you can order a free sample chapter of our free consumer guide, The Five Deadly Sins That Can Wreck Your Injury Claim, to learn more about personal injury claims by following this link.
If you have a question for Ben, you can submit it confidentially online at JustAskBenGlass.com.
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- I found Ben while searching for info on car insurance. He had done some videos with an insurance agent in Virginia that were really helpful when purchasing my first policy (can't be under mom and dad's forever!).
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- I learned about Ben Glass while researching other attorneys. I called two Fairfax attorneys and both spoke very highly of Ben and his practice. He is good standing with the bar, etc. I made an appointment after picking up his book on "Robbery Without a Gun". His staff was great and Ben introduced himself to me as he stepped out of a meeting and saw me reviewing material in the hallway. I related to him the problem I was having finding a good attorney to represent me with my disability. He said, "Stop, you have an attorney". This was a load office my mind. I had been struggling over a year or so, looking for the right help since having had brain surgery and a laminectomy. At my appointment he enlightened me about ERISSA and SSDI laws. He offered me his conference room for an upcoming meeting with an investigator. Ben and his staff are warm and caring people. If you need an attorney do hesitate to contact Ben Glass. Helen
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