How to File a Claim When Bad Roads Damaged Your Car

When driving a car, few things are more frustrating than having your car damaged when you are not at fault. If you get hit by another car in a parking lot or a tree falls on your car during a storm, it's not fun to cause costly damage to your car that you couldn't even prevent. In the examples above, you can at least contact your insurance company and get a refund. However, you are unlikely to be lucky if the damage is done by the most expensive one.

If bad road conditions cause damage to your car, your insurance company is unlikely to cover it because it is difficult to prove that you are not at fault or that the damage, if not aesthetic, is nothing more than general wear and tear that insurance does not cover. coating. If it seems unfair to you that your car could be damaged on the road and you have to pay for repairs, well, it is.

Luckily, there are options for people whose cars have been damaged by bad roads. In many cases, these people can sue the government and hopefully get money back for their damages. It will take a little time, but it will be worth it if your car has been seriously damaged.

Part 1 of 4. How to tell if you really have an affair

Step 1. Find out if there was negligence. First you need to determine if there was government negligence.

To file a claim against the government, you must prove that it was negligent. This means that the damage to the road was severe enough to need to be repaired, and that the government knew about it long enough to fix it.

For example, if a giant pothole has been causing damage to vehicles for a month now and still hasn't been fixed, then the government could be considered negligent. On the other hand, if a tree fell on the road an hour ago and the government has not removed it yet, this is not considered negligence.

If government negligence cannot be proven, you will not receive any money when you file a claim.

Step 2: Determine if it was your fault. Before filing a claim, you need to be honest with yourself to determine if you are most responsible for the damage or not.

For example, if you damaged your suspension because you drove a speed bump at twice the recommended speed, you will not get your money back on your claim and waste time filing your claim.

Part 2 of 4: Documenting the Claim

Once you have determined that the damage was caused by government negligence and was not your fault, you will need to carefully document the damage to your vehicle.

Step 1: Take a photo of the damage. Take pictures of all the parts of your car that have been damaged by the bad road. Be thorough so that you have a clear idea of ​​how much damage has been done.

Step 2: Document and photograph the scene. Carefully document the bad road conditions that caused the damage to your vehicle.

Approach the section of road that caused damage to your vehicle and take a photo of it. Try to take pictures that reflect how the road may have damaged your car.

Write down specific information about the damage, such as which side of the road it happened on and at what mile marker it happened.

• Functions: Be sure to also write down the day and approximate time that the damage occurred. The more information you provide, the better.

Step 3: Get Witnesses. If you can, try to find the people who witnessed the damage.

If someone was with you when your car was damaged, ask if you can call him or her as a witness so that person can testify to the damage.

If you know other people who often drive on the road where your car was damaged, ask if you can use them as witnesses to talk about how long the poor road condition has been a problem; this will help prove your claim of negligence.

Part 3 of 4: Find out where and how to file a claim

Now that you've made your claim, it's time to file it.

Step 1: Find the appropriate government agency. Determine which government agency is appropriate to deal with your claim.

If you do not file a claim with the appropriate government agency, your claim will be dismissed, no matter how well founded it may be.

To determine which government agency to file a claim with, call the county commissioner's office where the damage occurred. Tell them that you would like to file a claim for damages caused by bad road conditions and explain to them exactly where the bad conditions are. They should then be able to tell you which government agency you need to speak to.

Step 2: Determine how to file a claim. Once you've figured out which government agency you should file a claim with, call their office and find out about the filing process.

When you let them know you'd like to file a claim, they'll likely ask you to come and pick up the form or instruct you on how to download it online. Follow their instructions as closely as possible to make sure you are applying correctly.

Part 4 of 4: Filing a Claim

Step 1: Fill out the claim form. To file a claim, complete the form provided by the county.

You need to do this as quickly as possible, as the deadline for filing a claim is very short, often only 30 days after the damage occurs. However, this deadline varies from state to state, so be sure to check with the commissioner's office to find out how long you have to file.

Step 2: Provide all your information. When applying, please include all information received.

Submit your photos, descriptions, and witness information. Also add any evidence you have of government negligence.

Step 3: Wait. At this point, you will have to wait to make sure your requirement is met.

The County must contact you shortly after you submit your application to let you know if your application has been approved. If so, you will receive a check in the mail.

• FunctionsA: If your claim is not granted, you can hire a lawyer and sue the county if you want.

It can be very frustrating when bad road conditions damage your vehicle, but if you follow these steps, you stand a good chance of getting compensation for the damage. Be considerate and respectful throughout the process to increase your chances of getting paid.