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Auto Insurance Claims/unoccupied parked car hit- what are my rights

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Expert: - 2/20/2007


Question
My unoccupied vehicle was hit by an elderly driver while I was in a counseling session.  I heard the wreck happen and was advised that my car and my counselors car were hit.  I understand he has full coverage and my car is not driveable. This driver hit two cars and an auto garage.  Can I make a claim for lost wages for time off work (personal injury) even though I was not in the car at the time of the wreck.

Answer
Hi Karen,

NO, you may NOT make any claim for time it takes to fix your vehicle or inconvenience.  That seems unfair to many of us, but the insurance industry complains that to allow people to make such claims would raise the rates too much.  So you make the call--fair or unfair?

Bottom line is that when someone causes us inconvenience by hitting our unoccupied vehicle, all we get is a "chance" that a collision repair shop can restore it to pre-accident condition.

Best wishes,

Dr. Settlement, J.D. (Juris Doctor)
www.SettlementCentral.Com

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27 years of front line plaintiff`s trial lawyer experience in PERSONAL INJURY INSURANCE CLAIMS. Along with other attorneys and insurance adjusters, we have created a website to help injured people settle their own personal injury claims. With the help from feedback from hundreds of satisfied members, www.settlementcentral.com has become THE AUTHORITY for Internet personal injury insurance claim settlements. I am humbled and honored if people can benefit from my experience and current volunteer work in helping injured people. I hope I can explain things in a manner that is useful for the questioner. If not, do not hesitate to e-mail me and I will take a second shot at it! Best Wishes for your physical and financial recovery.

Experience



Life Experience: 27 years of front line plaintiff's trial lawyer experience

Organizations:
American Trial Lawyers Association
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

Publications: (Click on Title to Read)
Statute of Limitations
Vehicle Accident
Accident--Adjuster
Demand Letters
Policy Limits

Education/Credentials: J.D. (Juris Doctor) 1977

Awards and Honors: I am humbled and honored everytime I am selected to help injured people. And when people give feedback that they have benefited from my experience and current volunteer efforts, then that is a double honor and award for me.
 

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