Settlement of claims for damaged or destroyed motor vehicles

Checkout our iOS App for a better way to browser and research.

  • (a) Whenever the vehicle of a person is damaged or destroyed as a result of the negligent act or omission of an employee of the Government while acting within the scope of his office or employment, the Attorney General may settle the claim for money damages on an expedited basis if all of the following conditions are met:

    • (1) The claim must be for $6,000 or less;

    • (2) The claim must be for damages to a vehicle only and not involve personal injury;

    • (3) The damages to the vehicle must have resulted from the negligent act or omission of the Government or its agent;

    • (4) The claimant must provide two (2) estimates of the damages to his vehicle to the Attorney General from a licensed auto mechanic or body shop in the Virgin Islands;

    • (5) The Department of Justice may obtain two (2) estimates of the damages to the private vehicle from licensed auto mechanics or body shops in the Virgin Islands;

    • (6) The claimant must have filed a claim with the Department of Justice within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the event which resulted in the damage or destruction of the claimant's vehicle;

    • (7) The claim must state the time and place of the accident, the nature of the accident, and the damages sustained. Any photographs, police reports, statements or other supporting documents must be attached to the claim; and

    • (8) The claim must be notarized.

  • (b) No judgment shall be granted in favor of any claimant under this section unless the claimant files such a claim with the Department of Justice within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of the event which resulted in the damage or destruction of the claimant's vehicle.

  • (c) A claimant who fails to file a claim pursuant to subsection (b) shall not have his claim settled under this section but may proceed pursuant to §§ 3402 et seq. of this chapter.

  • (d) Payment under this section shall occur within sixty (60) days after the filing of the claim with the Department of Justice. If such payments are not made within 60 days, the Government shall pay the claimant $400.00 per month or a proration of the sum.

  • (e) The acceptance by the claimant of any award or settlement under this section is final and conclusive on the claimant and all other parties, and constitutes a complete release of all property damage claims against and by the Government of the Virgin Islands and the employee of the Government of the Virgin Islands whose act or omission gave rise to the claim, by reason of the same subject matter.

  • (f) Nothing in this section shall preclude the claimant from electing not to settle his claim on an expedited basis and reaching a settlement through the regular procedures of this chapter.


Download our app to see the most-to-date content.