When your car needs to be towed, you expect it to reach its destination safely. If it has already been in an accident, or if there is a mechanical issue, you don’t want any additional damages or problems.
Sometimes tow trucks malfunction, operators make mistakes, equipment fails, and accidents happen. These things lead to worse damage to your vehicle. If your car has suffered damaged side molding from a tow truck, you can pursue a property damage claim against the towing company.
Gathering Supporting Evidence
Always inspect your vehicle completely before it is towed. This means to check both the interior and exterior for any damages, document any issues, and take photographs.
If you can, videotape your vehicle being loaded, and do a quick video that shows the vehicles mechanical and electronic parts as they function. When your car reaches its destination, get more photos and be sure to document any new damage, such as damaged side molding, that you may discover.
You will need to notify the tow truck driver of the damaged side molding from the tow truck. If you videoed the car being loaded or hooked up then unloaded, you might have caught the entire incident on your recording. Documentation is the key to a successful claim. Witnesses that saw what happened and who can confirm the damage are very helpful to your claim.
The Demand Letter to the Towing Company
Your first step in pursuing a personal injury claim for property damage for damaged side molding from a tow truck will be to send the towing company a demand letter. It can be difficult to prove the tow truck caused your damaged molding.
Make sure you provide as much supporting evidence as possible, such as photos of before and after towing, witness statements, and any details you have about how the damage occurred. You must show the towing company and their insurance that they are liable for your damages.
You will need to include the date, time, and location of where your car was picked up and dropped off. Include written estimates for repairing your vehicle and include an itemized list of your damages. Then you will conclude with how much you want to be compensated for your losses. Always ask for more than the bare minimum you are willing to accept, so you can negotiate with the insurance company.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
There are laws regarding the pursuit of personal injury claims. There is a strict statute of limitations, so if you hesitate and take too long to file your cliam, you will have passed the time limit of the statute of limitations to file a claim to recover compensation for your damaged side molding from a tow truck.
Personal injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you will not have to pay a retainer upfront. Instead, your lawyer will not be paid until they have won your claim and you get a judgment or a settlement. Don’t wait to file your property damage claim, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today so you can make sure your claim is underway before time runs out.
