(a)
This chapter does not affect any of the following rights of a claimant:
(1)
The right to maintain a personal action to recover a debt against the person liable, either in a separate action or in an action to enforce a lien.
(2)
The right to a writ of attachment. In an application for a writ of attachment, the claimant shall refer to this section. The claimant’s recording of a claim of lien does not affect the right to a writ of attachment.
(3)
The right to enforce a judgment.
(b)
A judgment obtained by
the claimant in a personal action described in subdivision (a) does not impair or merge the claim of lien, but any amount collected on the judgment shall be credited on the amount of the lien.