Beaverton Property Damage Lawyer
While taking a leisurely drive along the coast, you were sideswiped by a truck that came out of nowhere. Thankfully your car was not totaled, but you definitely have significant vehicle damage. In addition to any insurance claim for collision damage, you may also have a claim for the diminished value of your repaired vehicle.
Property damage claims can be tricky to handle. DO NOT SIGN any Release or other documents provided to you by an
insurance company until you have spoken with an experienced lawyer.
What is Diminished Value?
Diminished value is the reduction in value to your car or other possession as a result of property damage. If your car is significantly damaged in an accident, your diminished value is the amount of market value you have lost due to the damage and repair to your vehicle; even if fully repaired, a damaged vehicle will carry less value than one that was never damaged.
There are three types of diminished value:
- Immediate diminished value — The difference in the resale value of a vehicle immediately before being damaged and immediately after being damaged
- Inherent diminished value — Quality repairs have been made to the vehicle, but it is still worth less than its pre-accident value because it has a significant damage history
- Repair-related diminished value — Additional reduction to the value of the vehicle due to poor-quality repairs and a history of damage
Sink or Swim — Has My Vehicle Suffered a Diminished Value?
This can be a tricky question to answer. If your damaged vehicle is relatively new and you are going to have the necessary repairs made, you may be entitled to the diminishment in the vehicle’s value. However, this is only true for repaired vehicles. If your vehicle was totaled, you should receive full market value.
At the Weimar Law Offices, we’ll help you navigate through the rough waters of property damage. Our team is dedicated to aiding you in determining the extent of damage to your vehicle and assessing your possible entitlement to a diminished value amount. Diminished value claims allow you to recover the difference between your vehicle’s value before the accident and its value after repairs, ensuring that you are not left with an unfair financial burden.
These claims are often complicated, especially when the accident involves multiple vehicles, including trucks, or other factors that increase the complexity of the situation. The process requires careful evaluation and negotiation to secure a fair settlement that reflects the true loss in your vehicle’s value. Understanding the specifics of these claims is essential to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.
If you’re dealing with property damage from an accident, it’s important to have a legal advocate who understands the nuances of both diminished value and injury claims. At Weimar Law Offices, we combine our knowledge of property damage law with a compassionate approach to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
We’ll throw you a lifeline!
Our experienced attorney, Linda Weimar, will aggressively advocate for your best interests in a property damage claim. She has both the experience and personal commitment to assist you in obtaining the money you deserve. She will demand recovery for you by:
- Employing an appraiser to determine diminished value
- Contacting the at-fault driver’s insurance company on your behalf
- Negotiating a fair settlement
- Protecting your rights at trial, if necessary
In some cases, you may be entitled to additional monies from the person who damaged your property for attorney fees.
We also provide property damage representation in claims regarding:
- Recreational vehicles (RVs)
- Additional large property
- Animals of significant value
- Boats
NO RECOVERY — NO FEES
For all property damage cases, we collect payment for attorney fees only when you receive a settlement or an award by a jury.
Free Consultations – No Recovery, No Fee
Beaverton Area: (503) 640-5000
If your vehicle has been damaged, contact us for a free consultation.
Our firm handles diminished value and property damage claims on a contingent fee basis; you won’t be asked to pay any legal fees unless we obtain a verdict or settlement on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
A diminished value claim in Beaverton, Oregon refers to compensation for the reduction in a vehicle’s market value after it has been involved in an accident and subsequently repaired. This type of claim recognizes that a vehicle that has a history of damage may not be worth as much as one without such history, even after repairs. In Oregon, if another party is at fault for the accident, you can pursue a claim against their insurance for the diminished value. This ensures that you can recoup the difference between the vehicle’s pre-accident value and its value post-repair. Consulting with a property damage lawyer can help you understand your rights and assist you in filing a diminished value claim to recover the loss.
Our property damage lawyer in Beaverton, Oregon, can significantly assist with a diminished value claim by evaluating the reduction in your vehicle’s market value post-accident, negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation, and providing expert legal guidance on local laws relevant to diminished value. We can also represent you in court if the insurance settlement offer is inadequate, ensuring that you are justly compensated for the lost value of your vehicle due to the accident.
A property damage attorney in Beaverton, Oregon, typically handles cases involving various forms of damage to tangible property. This includes claims for damage to vehicles (like diminished value claims after accidents), real estate (damage from natural disasters, vandalism, or construction issues), and personal property (due to fire, theft, or accidents). We also deal with insurance disputes and ensure fair compensation for damages assessed.
If your property is damaged in Beaverton, Oregon, start by documenting the damage thoroughly with photos and notes. Report the damage to your insurance company and save all related receipts. Consider consulting with a property damage attorney to explore your legal options and ensure you receive appropriate compensation. Proceed with repairs after documenting the damage and consulting professionals. These steps will help you manage the situation effectively and secure necessary reparations. Consulting with our property damage attorney can help you navigate the claims process and ensure your rights are protected, please contact us for more information about your case.