If your vehicle has been involved in an accident that resulted in engine damage, you can file a property damage claim as part of your personal injury claim. Property damage claims allow you to recoup compensation for your damages in an accident that was caused by another driver.
You can hold the at-fault driver’s insurance company liable for your damages. The first step in pursuing a claim against the other party will be to send a demand letter to them and to their insurance company.
The demand letter will let the other party involved know that you want to be compensated for the damages that you suffered in the accident, which in this case includes engine damage. The demand letter should include all the specific details regarding the accident and be accompanied by supporting documentation that shows your damages and their specific monetary costs. Supporting documents would include towing receipts, rental car receipts, written repair estimates, and sales ads for similar vehicles.
Calculating Your Losses
You will need to have a qualified auto repair facility to check your vehicle and determine the extent of the damages. They will need to provide an itemized estimate for repairing your vehicle.
Engines are expensive and depending on the make and model of your vehicle, it could cost several thousand dollars. In some cases, a damaged engine might cost more to repair than the car is worth. In that case, your vehicle would be considered a total loss. You will need to come up with the fair market value of your car.
To get the fair value of your vehicle, you will need to shop around for similar cars in your area. Your vehicle’s age, make, model, and trim will be considered along with the mileage and your location.
You should get copies of any ads for similar vehicles offered for sale or get written quotes from dealerships for replacing your car. All this documentation can be used to show the value of your claim and how much you should be reimbursed.
The Sample Demand Letter After Engine Damage
Here are a few things that you should include in your demand letter after your vehicle suffered engine damage:
- When and where the accident took place
- How the accident occurred
- Why you believe the other party is liable for your damages
- Documentation to support your financial losses, such as repair estimates, sales ads for similar cars, photos of the damaged vehicle, the accident report, and so forth
- How much you expect to be compensated for the accident that caused engine damage
A personal injury attorney can send the demand letter to the other party and their insurance company and help argue your case.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
Accident injury claims can be challenging. If you have been in an accident that left you with engine damage, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. Personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you will not have any upfront costs. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today.
