Failure to pay small damage claims

(a) In all cases wherein loss or damage occurs to property resulting from motor vehicle collision amounting to one thousand dollars ($1,000) or less, and the defendant liable, without meritorious defense, shall fail to pay the loss or damage within sixty (60) days after written notice of the claim has been received, then the defendant shall be liable to pay the person entitled thereto double the amount of the loss or damage, together with a reasonable attorney's fee, which shall not be less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), and court costs. (b) This liability, which is limited to damage to property, attaches when liability is denied and suit is filed. Acts 1957, No. 283, § 1; 1981, No. 800, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 75-918; Acts 1987, No. 70, § 1. (a) In all cases wherein loss or damage occurs to property resulting from motor vehicle collision amounting to one thousand dollars ($1,000) or less, and the defendant liable, without meritorious defense, shall fail to pay the loss or damage within sixty (60) days after written notice of the claim has been received, then the defendant shall be liable to pay the person entitled thereto double the amount of the loss or damage, together with a reasonable attorney's fee, which shall not be less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250), and court costs. (b) This liability, which is limited to damage to property, attaches when liability is denied and suit is filed. Acts 1957, No. 283, § 1; 1981, No. 800, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 75-918; Acts 1987, No. 70, § 1.