When a car sustains motor vehicle property damage as a result of an accident, its resale value drops. The difference between what the pre-accident car is worth and the market value after the accident and repairs is known as diminished value. Depending on its age and condition, a car that has been in an accident has less resale value than the same vehicle that has never been in an accident. Even if the repairs meet the highest quality standards, potential buyers are unwilling to pay as much for a vehicle they know has been previously damaged.
“we are the only law firm in Rhode Island handling diminished value cases”
Lemon Law Disputes are another area of expertise at Petrarca and Petrarca Law. In order to qualify as a lemon under most state laws, a vehicle must have a major defect covered by the manufacturer warranty that occurred within a certain period of time or miles driven after the vehicle was purchased. The defect must substantially impair their use, value or safety and cannot not be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts. Lemon Law is applicable to both new and used vehicles and measures the defect or issue with the vehicle from the perception of the consumer, not the manufacturer or seller. We have successfully handled lemon law cases against Maserati, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Mercedes Benz and Porsche.
Over 40 Years Combined Experience
At Petrarca & Petrarca Law Offices, we are dedicated to getting our clients the justice, compensation, and help they need. With knowledgeable and experienced lawyers and staff, we will work diligently to resolve your case. Petrarca & Petrarca Law Offices have earned a reputation for being aggressive lawyers in the courtroom and for our significant financial recoveries on behalf of our clients.
Free Case Evaluation
Contact our law offices today to schedule a free consultation and learn why we pride ourselves on our reputation and how that translates to your success in the case we pursue with you.
Our office is located in Providence, Rhode Island. You can reach us at 401-273-1111.
Qualifying for Lemon Law
The defect must substantially impair their use, value or safety and cannot be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts.
The Impact of an Accident on Your Car's Value
Depending on its age and condition, a car that has been in an accident has less resale value than the same vehicle that has never been in an accident. Even if the repairs meet the highest quality standards, potential buyers are unwilling to pay as much for a vehicle they know has been previously damaged.
Total Loss and What It Means For Your Vehicle
A vehicle is declared a “total loss”, or deemed totaled, when the cost to repair exceeds 75% of the value of the car pre-accident.
Peter and Jina Petrarca have been tireless and effective advocates for protecting consumers against unfair insurance claims practices. One of their many accomplishments was advocating for the passage of the unique total loss legislation that is currently law in Rhode Island.
If the cost to repair your vehicle is 75% or greater than the retail value of your vehicle, the insurance company handling the claim may declare your vehicle a total loss. When an insurer declares your vehicle a total loss, they must pay the full retail value of the vehicle as listed in N.A.D.A. or Kelly Blue Book. You may retain the vehicle which will be retitled as “salvage” by the RI DMV.
Prior to the passage of the law, insurers would use their own valuation programs that resulted in significant losses for RI consumers. However, there are still many ways in which insurer’s try to short-pay these claims by using improper condition adjustments, and old damage deductions. This process can be fraught with stress and confusion. With the help of the expertise of our firm, we will ensure that you receive the full and accurate value of your vehicle.
“You deserve the full value of your vehicle.”
Contact our law offices today to schedule a free evaluation of your motor vehicle property damage case, and learn why we pride ourselves on our reputation and how that translates to your success in the case we pursue with you.
Our Expertise
Our dedicated and experienced team of motor vehicle property damage experts has earned a reputation for being aggressive in the courtroom and for winning significant financial recoveries against insurance companies.
Our Location
We are conveniently located off I-95 in Providence, Rhode Island.
