If you have been in a car accident that left your vehicle with rim damage, you will need to provide supporting documentation and have adequate evidence to show that the rim was damaged in the crash. You will need photos of the damage, an accident report, witness statements, a repair estimate, and anything else that you can gather to support your claim and to show your losses.
How Rim Damage Can Result From a Car Accident
There are many ways that a car accident could cause rim damage. Your vehicle could be run off the road and you could hit a curb or a ditch, causing the rim to bend or suffer damages. You may hit a pothole that causes you to lose control of the vehicle after the rim was warped. When a rim is damaged, your vehicle is inoperable until you repair or replace the damaged rim.
A damaged rim could also cause tire damage or affect your vehicle’s alignment or suspension. If there has been an accident that caused a damaged rim, you will need to make sure a qualified automotive technician inspects your vehicle and makes sure that it is safe to drive after the rim has been replaced or repaired. Such an accident or impact could cause severe damages that could make vehicle operation unsafe.
You should file an accident report anytime that you are involved in a car accident. When the police complete the report, they will make note of the damages your vehicle suffered.
Make sure they are aware that your car suffered rim damage because of the accident. If you are able to do so, get photos of the accident scene, and make sure you get close-up pictures of the damages, especially the rim.
Filing a Claim With Rim Damage
You will need to get an estimate for the repairs that need to be made based on the damage to your vehicle. This will include either repairing your rim – if repair is possible – or the cost of replacing it with a similar rim. The estimate should also include any labor or hardware necessary, such as the cost of balancing the tire on the rim and the cost of any new lug nuts or needed items.
You want to make sure the estimate is itemized and details all your damages, including the rim. The itemized costs should be added up for the total cost of the repairs. You will need to make sure you include a copy of the repair estimate and any other supporting evidence with your claim against the liable party.
Specific Evidence for Claiming Rim Damage
As previously mentioned, specific evidence would include witness statements, an accident report, photos of the damages and the accident scene, and a repair estimate. You will want to itemize those damages and add them up to determine the total value of your claim. Remember to provide supporting documents, so you are proving liability and negotiations can get underway.
Why You Should Work With a Personal Injury Lawyer When Filing For Rim Damage
Personal injury claims can be challenging, and it could be difficult to prove that your rim damage was caused by the crash. A personal injury lawyer is experienced in building strong claims.
When you enlist the help of a personal injury lawyer, you will not have to pay anything in advance. There is a statute of limitations for pursuing a personal injury claim after an accident, get your Free Case Evaluation today.
