Lawyers tell us what to do if an icicle or snow falls on your car

Experts explained what to do correctly to receive compensation for damage to your car caused by snow or ice falling from the roof. Tips shared by tTV channel “Saratov 24”.

The first step is to document the damage: take pictures of the car from different angles, making sure to include the license plate number and damaged areas in the frame. You cannot remove snow or move cars. It is also important to videotape the source of the fall – the building, trajectory, location of the car, stating the date and circumstances. It is advisable to find witnesses and record their contact information.

After this, the police are called to draw up an inspection report. Even if a decision is made to refuse to initiate criminal proceedings, this document will confirm the fact of the incident and become the basis for collecting damages.

Responsibility for damage lies with the person responsible for maintaining the building. If snow falls from an apartment building, the management company, HOA or housing cooperative is to blame. If from a balcony or canopy – the owner of the apartment. From a non-residential building – its owner.

Next, you need to assess the damage from an independent expert (keep the receipt) and send a written claim to the culprit with a photo, protocol and examination. If you have CASCO insurance and falling objects are included in your insurance, you can contact your insurance company. OSAGO does not work in such cases. If the culprit refuses to pay, you will have to sue. If the amount of damage is up to 50 thousand – in the global one, more – in the regional one. The claim can also demand compensation for the costs of an examination, a lawyer and a 50 percent fine for refusal to voluntarily resolve the issue.

It is not worth starting repairs before receiving compensation – the court may order a re-examination. If the snow fall is recognized as a natural disaster (abnormal snowfall), the management company is relieved of responsibility, but the state pays up to 10 thousand rubles.

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