Help Needed with Insurance Claim for Car Door Damage
I’m seeking advice regarding an insurance issue. While I was in a parking lot, I walked directly in front of my car, which was parked beside another vehicle. As I opened my car door, the adjacent car, a work truck with a large bed attached, began to move. I yelled for them to stop, but they didn’t hear me, so I quickly got into my car. Unfortunately, the truck’s bed extended out and crushed my door.
Now, the company is contesting my claim, despite the damage they caused. What steps should I take next? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!
I’m sorry to hear about your situation; that sounds really frustrating. Here are some steps you can take to address this issue with your insurance:
Document Everything: Gather as much evidence as possible. Take photos of the damage to your car, the position of the work truck, and any relevant signage in the parking lot. If there were any witnesses, try to obtain their contact information and ask if they’d be willing to provide a statement about what they saw.
Contact Your Insurance: Report the incident to your insurance company, if you haven’t already. Provide them with all the documentation you’ve collected and explain the situation clearly. They can guide you on how to proceed with your claim.
File a Police Report: If you haven’t done so already, you might consider filing a police report, especially if there are injuries or significant damages involved. This can help provide an official record of the incident.
Review Your Policy: Check your insurance policy to see what coverage you have related to damages in parking lots. If you have collision coverage, that might help with repairs even without the other party accepting liability.
Negotiate with the Other Party: If the company’s insurance is disputing the claim, consider reaching out to them with all your documentation. Sometimes, a clear presentation of the facts can facilitate better communication.
Consider Legal Advice: If the company continues to dispute the claim and significant costs are involved, it might be beneficial to consult with a lawyer who specializes in auto accidents. They can provide guidance on how to proceed and if legal action is necessary.
Stay Calm and Persistent: Keep communication professional and persistent. It often takes time to resolve these situations, but staying organized and clear can help.
I hope this helps you get your claim sorted out! Good luck!