PROPERTY DAMAGE IN ARIZONA
May 3, 2018
Property damage can be considered to be any type of damage or destruction of public or private property caused by either an individual who does not own the property or a natural phenomena like a fallen tree or a flood. Because property damage is such a broad term, examples of it can range from house damage to stolen personal items to wrecked vehicles. Even though property damage is distinct from personal injury, individuals may still receive monetary compensation for their loss by providing adequate evidence. Examples of adequate evidence include any concrete indication of replacement value, cost of repairs, loss in values and/or loss of use until repaired or replaced.
WHAT IS PROPERTY DAMAGE?
Property damage can be considered to be any type of damage or destruction of public or private property caused by either an individual who does not own the property or a natural phenomena like a fallen tree or a flood. Because property damage is such a broad term, examples of it can range from house damage to stolen personal items to wrecked vehicles. Even though property damage is distinct from personal injury, individuals may still receive monetary compensation for their loss by providing adequate evidence. Examples of adequate evidence include any concrete indication of replacement value, cost of repairs, loss in values and/or loss of use until repaired or replaced. In the case of the loss or destruction of sentimental objects, individuals may use subjective testimony to determine sentimental value.
HOW DO I FILE A PROPERTY DAMAGE CLAIM?
Depending on the extent of damage incurred, individuals may be able to receive compensation by filing a claim with an Arizona 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 that individuals seek out the help of an experienced property damage lawyer. This is because individuals will be required to submit a formal claim, and an experienced lawyer will be able to help individuals gather evidence to help establish how much loss they incurred.
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. However, individuals may not be aware that they are entitled to receive reimbursement for the residual loss in value to their vehicle in the State of Arizona.
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 the vehicle is repaired, it is still worth less money than it was worth before the auto accident occurred. Depending on particular state laws, 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 a reputable and experienced property damage lawyer. The legal process can be quite complex, and without guidance, individuals may end up short changing themselves. A reputable lawyer will help individuals gather evidence, hire an expert, prepare and complete the appropriate legal documents, and prepare a strong case so that they will be able to receive maximum monetary compensation for their damaged property.
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