Expert: Richard Hixenbaugh - 3/7/2009

Question
I Bought a Honda pilot 09 on 31st of Jan and it got hit in an accident on Feb 20th while i was standing on the light. Other party is ready to takecare of the claim while the adjust made a claim for $1600 for the parts and labor. I asked my insurance company to take care of this matter and later collect the money from the guilty party's insurance company. Body shop completed the work on my vehicle and same day due to their incapabilities or irresponsibility, they hit my car in their gradughe "according to their statement" They changed the fender and front bumper and colored my vehicle on left side.  I have few questions..

Since i live in houston texas, what is rule for the second time diminshed value claim?

If bodyshop agrees to cover all repair charges, whom should i sue for devaluing my car for second time?
IN 30 days span it got hit 2 times but these were not major accidents but since its a new car so i am really stressed. Please advice what to do ? Who is responsible for the 2nd accident and if i sue the body shop , Can they be help responsible for their actions ?

Answer
Hi Salman,

Each party that damaged your vehicle is responsible for the diminished value that they caused. So you would pursue the shop for the diminished value caused by the damage that they did.

To determine the amount of diminished value visit www.dvassess.com

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh