What is Considered Property Damage in a Car Accident?

After a car accident, any items or personal belongings, including your vehicle, that needs repair or replacement is considered property damage. As long as you can establish the value of your damaged items, you are entitled to reimbursement.

Property Damage Claims

Every driver in Nevada is required by law to carry liability auto insurance coverage that includes a minimum of $20,000 for property damage they cause in an accident. Property damage liability will cover damage to your car, valuables, or property when another driver collides into you. It can also pay for veterinary bills if any pets are injured.

Vehicle Damage

The primary type of property damage after a car accident is to the vehicles involved. Even minor collisions can lead to hundreds of dollars worth of repairs, or in severe accidents, a total loss. Either way, the driver that causes an accident in Nevada is responsible for reimbursing the damage to the other party’s vehicle. Their insurance company will pay you whichever is less, whether it is for the cost of repair or the value of your vehicle. For example, if the cost to repair your car is $2,000, but fair market value for your vehicle is only $1,500, they are legally obligated to pay you only $1,500.

Alternatively, you have the option of going through your own auto insurance company to repair or replace your vehicle if you have comprehensive collision coverage. However, you will be responsible for your deductible, but if the other driver was at fault, your insurer will attempt to get their money back from the other driver’s insurer and refund your deductible.

Personal Property Damage

Many people don’t realize that you can also get compensation for personal items in your car that sustained damage. You might have had a laptop or cellphone with you, for example. As long as they require repair or replacement after the crash and you can provide evidence to substantiate your claim, these types of items can be included as property damage. Other things that you can potentially be compensated for are damaged designer handbags, shoes, sunglasses, children’s car seats or booster seats, etc.

Pet Injuries

If your pet was with you in your vehicle and injured in the crash, the at-fault driver’s property damage liability coverage may pay your pet’s expenses, depending on the situation and severity of injuries. Bodily injury coverage does not apply to pets. Although it may seem a little crass to label our pets as “property,” bodily injury coverage can only be used for human injuries. Many pet owners also carry pet and property damage coverage on their personal auto insurance policies. If you have it as part of your comprehensive protection plan or separately, your pet’s injuries should be covered by your insurer as well.

Connect With an Experienced Attorney

If you have questions about property damage sustained in a car accident, consider contacting a trusted Las Vegas car accident attorney. They can help you gather the materials needed to recover maximum compensation for your property damage successfully.