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Home FLORIDA PROPERTY DAMAGE

FLORIDA PROPERTY DAMAGE

May 3, 2018

WHAT IS PROPERTY DAMAGE?

Property damage is any damage or destruction of public or private property caused by either a person who does not own the property or a natural phenomena like a fallen tree or a hurricane. Because property damage is such a broad term, examples of it can range from house damage to stolen personal items to wrecked vehicles. Although property damage is distinct from personal injury, individuals may still receive monetary compensation for their loss by providing evidence including replacement value, cost of repairs, loss in value, loss of use until repaired or replaced or by subjective testimony in order to determine sentimental value.

HOW DO I FILE A PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM?

If the extent of the damage incurred is relatively small, individuals may be able to receive compensation by filing a claim with a Florida Small Claims Court, Justice Court, or Superior Court. Once the complaint has been filed, the defendant will need to be served. Both parties will be required to appear in court in front of a judge.

Where the damage claim is significant, it is advised to seek out the help of an experienced property damage lawyer. However, if the lawyer feels as though the costs of litigation outweigh the benefits, he or she will advise against filing a lawsuit. Nevertheless, an experienced lawyer will be able to gather evidence in order to substantiate his or her client’s claim.

WHAT IF MY AUTOMOBILE WAS DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF AN AUTO ACCIDENT?

If an individual’s car was damaged as a result of an automobile accident, generally the defendant’s insurance company is responsible for repairing any and all damages incurred.

Individuals should consult a lawyer prior to reaching a settlement with the insurance company, because insurance companies are notorious for offering low-ball settlements. Individuals should also be aware that they might be entitled to reimbursement for all residual loss in value to their vehicle in the State of Florida.

Diminished value occurs when a vehicle is involved in an automobile accident and, as a result, sustains physical damage, whether structural or cosmetic. Even if a vehicle is repaired, it is still worth less money than it was worth before the auto accident occurred. Individuals may be required to disclose any and all accidents that their vehicle has been involved in when selling it. Most customers would favor a vehicle with a clean record over a vehicle that has been involved in a prior accident, which means that individuals end up receiving less money for their vehicle than if their vehicle were not involved in an accident in the first place.

WHY SHOULD I CONSULT A LAWYER?

Depending on the type and amount of property damage incurred, individuals should consider hiring experienced property damage and/or diminished value lawyer. The legal system can be quite complex, individuals may end up receiving a lower settlement without the help of a lawyer. A reputable lawyer will help individuals gather evidence, hire an expert, prepare and complete the appropriate legal documents, and create a strong case so that they will be able to receive maximum monetary compensation for their damaged property.

Find more like this: Personal Injury

Online Reviews

“Amazing people, they had my claim for about a week before they were able to get my truck totaled out. Otherwise I would have been stuck with a truck that had heavy front end damage if they hadn’t stepped in to help me. I tried to deal with my insurance company myself for over a month and that got me nowhere, all I got was a massive headache and a messed up truck. They are very professional and act quickly on your claim. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for help.”

Candy J.

2/9/2020

“I was in an accident and decided to call Wattel and York. After months of going to a Chiropractor, I finally felt better. When it came time for settlement, the insurance company was making an offer I wanted to accept, Mr. Wattel advised against it and felt the insurance company was shortchanging me. He recommended I file a lawsuit and that will get them to cave. Well, Dave filed suit, and sure enough, the insurance company increased their offer by $4,000! I am very satisfied with how my case was handled.”

Nardeasha S.

20/20/2020

“Wattel & York were flat out outstanding with my personal injury case. They made the process painless and kept in constant communication throughout the entire time. Any questions I might’ve had were promptly answered and detail oriented. They gave me crucial advice that I would’ve otherwise not been aware of. I couldn’t have asked for more from them. Put your trust in these guys, you won’t be disappointed. Thanks Wattel & York.”

Mattew P.

13/9/2020

“Thank you so much for all your hard work on our behalf! Thinking I could handle it on my own, I was originally reluctant to take my accident claim to an attorney. But I am SO glad I called you instead. Your people were always helpful, pleasant and responsive at every step along the way. You represented us with honesty and integrity and made a traumatic experience as painless as it could be. And best of all, you helped us get a settlement that was fair and far more than I could ever have negotiated on my own! I highly recommend Wattel &York to anyone who has suffered a personal injury.”

Cathy M.

“I was the passenger in a vehicle that was 'T- Boned' at an intersection in 2014. The issues of responsibility and recovery became a difficult and convoluted confusion. I really needed help. This Team at Wattel and York walked me patiently and encouragingly through difficult months, sorting through issues and finally arriving at a satisfactory conclusion. I especially want to name two great and encouraging "warriors" of Wattel and York who directed me along the way..Brian Torba and Melissa Patterson..to them and the whole team I say "Thank You" with heart felt gratitude. Sincerely, God Bless You.”

Robert G.

“Honesty. Integrity. Transparency. Partnership. Wattel & York brought all of these qualities and more to my accident case. I'd love to thank all of the team members who helped me with the process: David Guzman, who conducted the initial interview in my home, Aly Shomar-Esparza, who seamlessly guided me through paperwork and filings, Debbie Harrach, who conducted final review, paperwork revisions and scheduling, and Thomas Grisoni, who counseled me before and attended my deposition. I never felt alone during the arduous process and always knew there was a professional team looking out for my best interest. I highly recommend Wattel & York if you are unfortunately involved in an accident that was not your fault.”

Russ W.

“I was a passenger in a car that got t-boned a few years ago and got a huge gash. I didn't know a lot about lawyers, so I basically just picked one on the flip of a coin. I called Wattel and York and they explained everything, I went into the office and filled out paperwork. Got treatment on my gash over the time I worked with them, glad I did as it opened back up a couple times and bled. They did really good, got me the maximum amount of money, and made sure I was well taken care of. I was updated from time to time so that was good. The only thing I might change is I never got to thank or talk to my lawyer. I think it was because I was already used to dealing with the lady at their Glendale office so they just kept her as my point of contact. So it's okay, I'll thank them with a good review. The last thing I could say about them is months after I thought my case was over they called me and said they had another check for me for a few hundred dollars. Apparently, they negotiated with the hospital I went to after the accident. It was a nice surprise and shows they really had my interests in mind.”

Trent B.

“Wattel & York has been great for me in the past few years. I was involved in a really bad accident while I was on Active Duty in Yuma, Arizona and they have been patient with me every step of the way through a very long process. I would recommend them to anyone thank you for all your help.”

Levy G.

“Appreciate David taking the time to speak with me. He was most kind. From the front line with the receptionist, to him, the firm was a class act all the way around.”

Claire B.

“Dave Wattel represented me and my son on a Personal Injury case from a motor vehicle accident back in 2009. Jake P. handled my deposition and Dave did the Quarterbacking. The insurance company hired NFL referee Ed Hochuli's firm to try and deny our claim. But Wattel & York made it look as easy as Tom Brady on the football field. The result was more than acceptable and my son and I were compensated for our injuries and rehabilitation. Dave Wattel cares about his clients. If I ever find myself in a situation like this again, Wattel & York will be on speed dial!!”

Vince C.

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