Tampa, FL asked in Car Accidents, Real Estate Law and Personal Injury for Florida

Q: Can I be compensated for car and house damage caused by another driver?

My parked car and house were damaged by another driver who was at fault and has insurance. A police report was filed, but I haven't contacted my own insurance company yet. Will I be able to be compensated for those damages?

2 Lawyer Answers

A: Yes, and the first step is to set up a claim with that driver's insurance company. You must obtain repair estimates for all damages, and if the limits of that driver's policy are not sufficient to cover your entire repair cost (both home and car), you can look to your own insurance policies (homeowners and auto) to make up the difference, or, alternatively, sue that driver to make up the difference, if feasible. Regarding reporting to your insurance companies (auto and homeowners), your insurance policies may require you to promptly do so, even if you are not yet setting up a claim with them. See your policies or ask your insurance agents.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: Yes, you can be compensated for the damages caused by the other driver, especially since the police report was filed and they are at fault. The other driver’s insurance should cover the costs of repairing both your car and the house, assuming they are found to be responsible. It’s important to get in touch with the at-fault driver’s insurance company to start the claims process and provide them with the necessary documentation, including the police report.

You should also contact your own insurance company to inform them of the incident, even though the other driver’s insurance is at fault. They may be able to assist you in handling the claim or help with any immediate repairs, depending on your policy. Your insurance company can also help ensure that all the correct steps are taken to secure compensation for both your car and house damages.

If you encounter any issues with the other driver’s insurance or if they refuse to compensate you fairly, you might want to consult with an attorney. They can guide you through the process and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.