Can I Be Compensated for Personal Property That Was Damaged in a Car Accident?

Even a minor car accident can result in serious damage to personal property. Here’s what you should know about getting compensated.

According to the IIHS, there are about 6 million car accidents per year. While some traffic accidents may cause deaths or serious injuries, most accidents only result in minor injuries.

However, even a minor accident can result in serious losses of personal property. For example, if you are a photographer transporting expensive photography and computer equipment in a van and you’re T-boned, your property may be destroyed. Can you get compensation for this property?

Pursing Compensation From the At-Fault Driver

If you are not at fault, you can work with your insurance company and an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney to pursue the at-fault driver and their insurer for the full value of your damaged property. This includes the damages of your car or its full fair market value (FMV) if it’s totaled, as well as the replacement value of special upgrades like a new stereo system or other accessories.

However, this also includes personal property that you may have been transporting in your car, such as a computer, your smartphone, or any other valuables that were damaged or destroyed in the accident. As long as you can prove the value of the item and that it was destroyed by accident, you can generally pursue compensation. 

Tips For Getting Personal Property Compensation After A St. Louis Car Accident

If you are in a car accident and want to make sure you are fully compensated for the value of your damaged personal items, there are a few steps you can take. 

1. Take photos at the scene – If possible, and it is safe to do so, take photos of the crash site, your car, the items themselves, and any other pertinent information that may help you make your case. You may also want to record a video walk-through of your car and your items.
   
2. Make a list of the damaged items – Make a list of the damaged items to ensure that you do not forget or overlook anything valuable.  
   
3. Collect your receipts – You will want to collect each item’s receipts to ensure that you can prove it was yours and that you qualify for compensation. This will also help the insurer determine the fair market value (FMV) of the items.

Get Help From a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer – Contact The Hoffman Law Firm

At The Hoffman Law Firm, we are here to help if you have experienced personal property loss due to a car accident, particularly if you have lost valuables like computers, photography equipment, tools, or anything else essential to your livelihood.

Our St. Louis car accident attorneys can evaluate your case free of charge and help protect your legal right to compensation after a car accident.