destruction of private property

[scott achilles]

What is the name of your state? new hampshire

what should I do if my mail box was destroyed by a snow plow hitting it, not by the snow push up by it, if the town refuses to replace it. would it still be able to be considered destruction of private property and be subject to legal action

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state? new hampshire

what should I do if my mail box was destroyed by a snow plow hitting it, not by the snow push up by it, if the town refuses to replace it. would it still be able to be considered destruction of private property and be subject to legal action

Have you filed a claim with the town?

 

[scott achilles]

Have you filed a claim with the town?

Have you filed a claim with the town?

yes

 

[quincy]

Who was operating the snow plow? What is the cost to replace your mailbox?

 

[scott achilles]

the town road maintenance crew, unsure of the cost at this time

 

[scott achilles]

it was located beyond a sidewalk and a low concrete retaining wall

 

[quincy]

You should get an estimate or two for replacement/repair. The estimate(s) probably would have been smart to include with your complaint.

I would wait to hear from the town to see what the town is ready to offer in way of settlement.

 

[scott achilles]

that is my plan however I was just trying to think ahead in the eventuality that they refuse to do anything

 

[quincy]

that is my plan however I was just trying to think ahead in the eventuality that they refuse to do anything

If the town refuses to accept responsibility for the property damage, you can sue. But I recommend you learn how much money is involved in repairing the damage. You cannot hope to negotiate a fair settlement without this knowledge.

 

[scott achilles]

ok thank you for the advice

 

[Zigner]

that is my plan however I was just trying to think ahead in the eventuality that they refuse to do anything

They will do one of three things: Pay your claim, deny your claim, or do nothing.

 

[quincy]

ok thank you for the advice

You’re welcome. Good luck.

 

[FarmerJ]

When you replace it perhaps you want to consider installing a break away post ( I have one and it is designed to snap the bolts if a plow hits the box ) the post that's in the ground remains in tact and all one normally needs is just new bolts to replace the ones that broke. ( have you tried to learn if others in your area had mail boxes knocked down by plows and asked if they made a claim for repair/ replacement cost ?)

 

[quincy]

Towns/cities often will balance costs versus benefits when considering claims filed against it. It is often the case that a settlement will be proposed quickly to avoid the additional costs of a trial.