Here’s an unfortunate scenario that could unfold: One night during a snowstorm, you hear a loud booming sound coming from outside near the direction of where your car is parked on the street. You go outside to find that a plow truck struck your parked vehicle causing major damage, totaling it in the process. The plow truck didn’t receive much damage, as you saw that it kept going down your street like nothing even happened. Now what?
The first action you should take is filing a claim with your automobile insurance company. The majority of vehicles damaged by plow trucks will be covered by most policies that have collision coverage only if:
- You were parked on the street legally;
- You did not see any signs indicating any actions to take if there was an accumulating snowfall;
- And you were not provided or made aware of documented regulations regarding an accumulating snowfall
If your insurance company doesn’t accept your claim because of improper coverage or if your deductible is too high, you should consider talking with an experienced auto accident attorney.
Your attorney will take all actions to file a property damage claim against the at-fault plow truck. Recalling everything you can from the incident is imperative even if it’s the tiniest detail, such as taking photographs or recounting details of the plow truck (color, license plate number, etc.). If you and your legal representation do not have all the information you need, you will not be able to file the claim.
If you win your claim, the person or department who is responsible for the plow truck that damaged your vehicle will be held liable for vehicle repairs (up to the value of the vehicle), the cost of replacement transportation, and others costs that occurred because of the accident.
You can also contact the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) or your township that’s responsible for the snow removal in your area. A simple phone call might save you the cost of litigation.
There are a lot of moving parts when it comes to getting a justifiable outcome from a plow truck-related incident. When you call the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone, we will provide the clear and concise insight you deserve. If your vehicle was struck by a plow truck in the state of New Jersey, contact us today to set up a free consultation.