How Should Motorists Handle Vehicle Property Damage Cases?

Feb. 22, 2013

Vehicle Property Damage from a car accident is often one of the first concerns a motorist will have after a collision. An article from the Herkimer Telegram highlighted one such case in Herkimer Village and also discussed who may be responsible for the accident.

At a village meeting this week, a trustee reported a neighbor’s vehicle had been struck on Francis Street by one of the village’s snowplows. Superintendent Peter Macri explained the plow was clearing ice on a dead-end street. Macri added that the truck was unable to turn around and had to back out of the street, at which point, the plow on the front of the truck struck the resident’s vehicle.

The village says it will work to correct the issue by possibly putting cul-de-sacs on problematic streets, but officials claimed New York law says the village is not responsible for the vehicle’s damage.

This leaves many wondering what they should do if their vehicle is hit. The Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices explain that it is vital to contact your insurance company to file a claim. Estimates to repair the damage will need to be made.

An insurance company may then ask a victim to sign a Property Damage Release Form. It is vital the victim only sign the document though if it covers property damage only. Otherwise, a victim may waive their rights to compensation for a personal injury.