Expert: Anne - 6/6/2009

Question
Location: Iowa

My car has been deemed a total loss due to a driver running a red light.  That party's insurance company quickly agreed their party is liable after reviewing the police report and interviewing witnesses.  The company is willing to accept the loss adjustment figure as determined by my company.  The car was mine, but I was not driving nor in it, so I was not the one injured. (There will be medical/bodily injury settlement issues once that person is recovered).

My inquiry is about my rights regarding the property side of the settlement.  I have missed worked in order to deal with this, and of course, it has resulted in other inconveniences, headaches, etc...  In making a property settlement, beyond the car itself, are there any other reasonable expenses I may asked to be compensated for?  I have not had to rent a car b/c I have another vehicle.  Just trying to understand my rights so that I can ask the right questions and seek out what is fair.  Thank you.

Answer
Hello Jen,

I am sorry to hear about the issues and damages to your car.

Unfortunately, in order to be compensated for time loss, injury, and inconvenience, you must show injury in fact (bodily injury by medical diagnosis). For more about injury claims, please see:

http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/bodily-injury-claim.html

You are entitled to a rental vehicle to replace your car for the days it took the insurance company to declare your car a total loss. If they have not paid for that, you can ask for the loss of use of your vehicle. please see more about this subject here:

http://www.auto-insurance-claim-advice.com/rental-coverage.html

I hope this helps some, Please contact a local Iowa attorney for more information about your rights.

Good Luck
Anne
http://www.quirogalawoffice.com/