If your vehicle is having a mechanical problem or if your vehicle has been in an accident, you will need to call a tow truck. When you call a tow truck, you expect your vehicle to be handled with care. You don’t want additional problems to worry about. Sometimes accidents happen and there are problems with tow truck equipment and your vehicle could be damaged. If your vehicle scrubs the bottom of the rollback, or if it is caught on a rock when being loaded, it could cause a damaged undercarriage from a tow truck.
Gathering Supporting Evidence
Because damage can happen, you need to be proactive and protect your interests. Before your vehicle is towed, you should carefully inspect it for any damage. Check the vehicle thoroughly and be sure to photograph the interior and exterior. It is wise to have witnesses present as well, so you can confirm the condition of your car before and after towing. If you record the car being loaded by the tow truck, you can catch any damage occurring.
When your car reaches its destination, take photos of it once again and make note of any damage. If possible, record the car being unloaded. This could catch any accidents and help you prove your losses. Repairing an undercarriage can be expensive. Your car isn’t operable until the undercarriage is fixed, so be sure to maintain thorough documentation.
Demand Letter to the Towing Company
When you are filing a personal injury claim against the towing company, you will need to notify them of your intent to pursue compensation for your property damages. The first step in getting your claim underway is to send a demand letter to the towing company and to their insurance company. In the demand letter, you will need to notify them of the time, place, and location that the damage occurred as well as the extent of the damage.
You will need to get a written repair estimate for fixing the undercarriage of your vehicle. You will need to include an itemized list of any damages you suffered and indicate how much you expect to be compensated for your damages. Always set the amount higher than the minimal amount you are willing to settle for so you can negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement.
Consult With a Personal Injury Attorney
A damaged undercarriage from a tow truck can be an expensive fix. You want to hold the at-fault party responsible for the damages that they caused. Consult with a personal injury attorney who can help you with your property damage claim after a tow truck caused your car to suffer undercarriage damage. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means the lawyer will not get paid until you win your property damage claim against the towing service. You will not have to pay anything upfront. There is a strict statute of limitations, so don’t wait until it is too late to recover compensation for your damages. Get your free case review today.