How to file a claim if your car is damaged due to road construction in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Want to know how to file a claim in Virginia if your car is damaged due to road construction?

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), individuals that believe they have property damage due to road construction may submit a claim to the VDOT Tort Claims Section for a potential reimbursement.

The Tort Claims Section dispenses property claims in the amount of $5,000 or less. To those who are seeking reimbursement for bodily injuries or property damage over $5,000 would need to refer to the Virginia Tort Claims Act or talk to an attorney.

The department advises to only submit a claim to the Tort Claims Section if you believe that you or your property have been harmed by VDOT or its employees.

How to submit a claim

Submitting online claims:

• To submit an online claim, click here and select “I want to submit a claim.”
• Sign-in or create an account on myVDOT
• Individuals will have the ability to file a claim, check the status and recieve notifications.
• When submitting a claim, please make sure you have submitted all the required information.
• Once submitted, you will receive verification that the claim has been received.

Submitting paper claims:

• To access the paper Tort Claim Intake form, click here .
• Fill out the form completely and mail to: VDOT Customer Service Center, 1596 Deborah Lane, Salem Virginia, 24153

When to file a claim

The claim must be submitted within one year after the action has taken place. For more clarification, please refer to the Virginia Tort Claims Act .

The process after submitting the claim

After submitting the claim, VDOT’s Torts Claims Section will review the claim and assess whether the Commonwealth is liable for the alleged damage.

The claim will go through an investigation process and claimants will be notified on the decision. VDOT will then offer a settlement if they have determined the claim has met the requirements.

VDOT encourages residents to use the online claims process, as the processing time for paper claims may take longer.

Submitting a tort claim does not automatically guarantee that VDOT will accept liability and pay the claim.

For more information check out the Torts Claim Section on VDOT’s website.

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