Property Damage
You may be entitled to recover the costs of repairing your vehicle and its diminished value from an at-fault driver and his insurer. Most people do not have enough money to pay a significant property damage claim out of pocket. If an at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, you may need to make an uninsured/underinsured claim with your own insurer.
To recover property damage from another party, you will need to establish that party’s liability. In many cases, you will need to prove negligence. This means showing that it is more likely than not that another driver failed to use reasonable care, such that you were injured, and your vehicle was damaged as a result.
When your vehicle is repaired after an accident, the shop will make these repairs by using either the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or aftermarket parts. Insurers prefer aftermarket parts because they are cheaper. It is important to be aware that if your vehicle is repaired with aftermarket parts, the value of the vehicle drops. A buyer or dealer may offer you less money down the road if your car has been repaired using aftermarket vehicle parts. You should not assume that an insurer is on your side and will make decisions in your best interest regarding the value of your car or motorcycle. Instead, it is important to retain an experienced personal property damage attorney in the Atlanta area.
Once your vehicle is repaired after an accident, you will be entitled to diminished value. Diminished value is the decrease in value after the vehicle has been damaged. An insurer may not tell you that this is an aspect of your damages. You should be aware that a buyer or dealer can use your VIN number to determine whether your vehicle was involved in an accident. If they see that you were in an accident, you may be offered less money for the vehicle. In Georgia, you can seek compensation for the diminishment of value in your vehicle after an accident caused by someone else.
see how we've made a difference
If you are hesitating to call us for help, take a look at our recent case results.
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$125,000 $125k for a Middle Aged Woman Who Injured Her Elbow in a Car Accident
For a Middle-Aged Woman Who Injured Her Elbow in a Car Accident
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$335,000 $335k for a Man Rear-Ended by a Landscape Truck
For a Man Rear-Ended by a Landscape Truck
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$275,000 $275k Settlement for Client Involved in Head-on Collision
Settlement for Client Involved in Head-on Collision
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$650,000 $650k for Client Who Suffered a Back Injury in a Rear-End Collision
For Client Who Suffered a Back Injury in a Rear-End Collision
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$497,000 $497k Verdict at Trial for an Individual Who Was Struck by a Drunk Driver
Verdict at Trial for an Individual Who Was Struck by a Drunk Driver
Settling Your Property Damage Claim
Under Georgia law, property damage insurance claims may be handled separately from personal injury claims. You may be able to settle only the property damage claim, while leaving your personal injury claim open. In fact, if you have serious injuries, your attorney and you will need to wait to figure out how severe and extensive these injuries are before settling your personal injury claim. In some cases, an insurer tries to take advantage of a claimant’s lack of knowledge if they are not represented by an Atlanta property damage attorney. The insurer may offer a settlement that is too low soon after you make a claim, hoping that you accept it and sign a waiver to forgo your right to obtain the full scope of your damages.
When you have been injured in an accident that was caused by someone else, you should retain an experienced attorney before you talk to another party's insurer. Sometimes an insurer asks questions to an accident victim with the goal of obtaining admissions of fault. Additionally, if an insurer has offered you a settlement, and you are unsure about whether you are being offered an appropriate value for a property damage and personal injury claim, you should discuss your situation with an experienced personal injury and property damage attorney.
Retain a Skilled Motor Vehicle Collision Attorney
If you sustained property damage in an accident, you should discuss your losses with Van Sant Law. We represent clients throughout Georgia from offices in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Athens, Cumming, Duluth, Lawrenceville, and Gainesville. We can sign you up electronically without face-to-face interaction when needed. Alternatively, we can visit you in your home if you prefer.
Call us at (800) 234-9556 or complete our online form to discuss your case with a personal injury and property damage lawyer in Atlanta or surrounding areas.
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Proven Record of Results
Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
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Years of Experience
Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
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Awards and Accolades
10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo™, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40
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Strategic and Aggressive
Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
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Personal and Compassionate
Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
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No Fee Guarantee
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
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"Van Sant Law took care of everything."
Back in March I was involved in a rear end collision accident. The are very professional and will do whatever it takes to get the best possible offer when it comes with the insurance. 5/5 will recommend to everyone
- Juan S. -
"David and his crew worked so hard to come to a great conclusion on my case."
I was in a car accident with a tractor trailer two years ago and David Van Sant came highly recommended for someone I could talk to about the situation. Best decision I've ever made! He fought for me in ways that was truly amazing. Thank you David, Michael and everyone in the office.
- Mary -
"I am beyond grateful for the exceptional service provided by Van Sant Law firm."
From the beginning, they demonstrated a deep understanding of my case and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Their attention to details, professionalism, and expertise was truly remarkable.
- Tina R. -
"They were diligent, timely, and very informative during the whole process."
Van Sant Law worked on my personal injury case, and they have gone above and beyond in representing me as a client. They gave multiple updates throughout the course of the case. I would highly recommend Van Sant to friends and family, and I would choose them as my personal injury attorney if I were to have a personal injury claim. Thank you, Van Sant Law!
- Tyriq R. -
"David Van Sant has been by my side through it all."
I would like to thank everyone in Van Sant Law for answering any questions that I have in a timely manner. I can personally say, Everyone in deserves recognition for being honest, hard working, ethical, logical, dedicated people. The only reason I rated them 5 stars is because it would not let me go higher!
- Hilary -
"I highly recommend him as a personal injury attorney."
My attorney, David Van Sant and his law firm were outstanding in handling my personal injury case. I was out of work for a considerable amount of time due to an automobile accident and Mr. Van Sant and his entire team were always kind, professional, knowledgeable and especially available. This law firm did their absolute best to answer and return calls and at no time did I ever feel like just a number or stranger. My experience with Mr. Van Sant and his law firm (from beginning to end), were very positive as well as favorable.
- Lars S. -
"Van Sant is the place to go."
R. Shannon Carpenter is the guy to call! Because of him I got a far larger compensation than I ever expect and the whole process was stress free for me!
- Chase V. -
"I truly felt they were in my corner and had my best interest at heart."
Van Sant Law was just the right people to call after my car accident. They were referred to me by a friend. They were helpful and understanding of my needs and pains. From start to finish they were helpful in explaining the process with the doctors and insurance. Thank you for getting me back on feet.
- Abby C.
Our firm is dedicated and committed to providing you with the best legal services possible, from your education on the issues to fighting for positive results for your case. Through a free, initial consultation, we will make sure you understand the best way to approach your case, and we’ll review any relevant documents that you provide us with to make sure we have a full, detailed picture of your situation.
When You Should Get an Attorney’s Help
As previously mentioned, if the auto accident only resulted in damage to your vehicle, you may not need an attorney to help with your claim. However, if you were injured, or if one or more passengers in your vehicle were injured in the accident, you should consult a personal property damage lawyer who can help you determine whether a personal injury claim makes sense. That’s true regardless of how severe your initial injuries were. In some cases, injured persons think their injuries are relatively minor when, in fact, the full extent of the damage may not be immediately apparent. It is almost always a good idea to seek medical treatment to confirm the scope of your injuries.
Another reason to work with an attorney is that a skilled lawyer may be able to help you obtain a higher settlement than you could get if you tried to negotiate with the responsible party’s insurance company on your own. Insurance companies strive to settle claims quickly, and for the least amount of money possible. When you have an attorney in your corner, you will have a powerful advocate who will fight for the compensation you are owed. Your attorney will handle all communications with the other driver and their insurer on your behalf, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally incriminating yourself or giving them a reason to offer a lower payment than you should receive. And, because your personal injury attorney represents you on a contingency basis, you don’t pay anything unless he or she is successful in obtaining a settlement for you.
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