To seek compensation for the damaged clothing, your partner should begin by gathering evidence related to the incident. This includes taking photographs of the damaged clothing and the accident scene, obtaining contact information from any eyewitnesses, and collecting any available police reports or medical assessments, even if no injuries are apparent.
Next, identify the driver’s insurance company. Most drivers are required to have liability insurance, which should cover property damage caused by the driver’s negligence. Your partner should contact the insurer to file a claim, providing all gathered evidence to support it. They might need to provide an estimate or receipt for the replacement or repair of the clothing.
If the driver disputes the claim or the insurance company is uncooperative, consider seeking assistance from a legal professional specializing in personal injury or property damage cases. An attorney can provide advice on how to navigate insurance negotiations or pursue a small claims court claim if necessary, depending on the value of the clothing.
Remember to keep all documents related to the accident and the claim process organized, and act promptly, as insurance companies have specific timeframes within which claims must be filed.