Car accidents are complicated, but they become even more complex when another person wrecks your vehicle. If you’re in a situation like this, it’s imperative to understand how to move forward and what to expect.
With that said, below are some personal injury examples to consider.
Factors That Contribute to Liability
Who’s at Fault
If the individual borrowing the vehicle is not at fault in the wreck, then the driver of the other car is probably liable to pay. In some states that have a no-fault crash policy, this is uncommon.
Permission
If you have given the other driver permission to use the car or not will be a factor in deciding whether you will be found responsible for damages. For instance, if your car is stolen by a stranger, you are not usually responsible for any harm to others’ property. However, you will also have to pay for any damage to your own automobile using your insurance.
The Household
Is a friend or relative part of living in your household? If so, the policies will require them, and the liability to be compensated exactly as if you were the person driving the car. Be ‘s sure to review your insurance coverage to see if it includes any drivers staying at your home. If not, smart to add them as a driver to your car.
Insurance Restrictions
If the loss increases the amount the policy pays, then the outstanding gaps can be protected by the insurance of the driver borrowing the car. But this is only if the other person has insurance covering the car that has been lent.
Exclusions
You could be responsible for penalties if you expressly exempt a driver from your insurance coverage and they get into an accident in your vehicle, but your insurance won’t protect them. Basically, out of your own account, you’d have to pay penalties.
Letting a Bad Driver Borrow Your Vehicle
You may be held responsible and sued for personal injury if you lend your car to an underage or unlicensed driver.
Permissive and Non-Permissive Use
If a friend or relative takes your vehicle without your consent, you can argue that it was due to non-permissive use. Here are some personal injury examples:
Theft: You can argue that it was a theft if your vehicle is stolen without your consent and causes a car crash. You will not be responsible for harm to the other car or driver, but the insurance will likely compensate for the damage to your vehicle.
Non-Permissive Family or Friend Use: If the car is borrowed by a family member or friend without asking and causing a car crash, their insurer will usually pay first. Any sum will have to be paid for your coverage, though.
Non-Permissive Use by an Uninsured Friend: If an uninsured friend uses your vehicle without your consent and crashes, you will be held accountable.
Essentially, when your vehicle is used in a car accident by someone else your best bet is to call a car accident lawyer.
Personal Injury Examples
There are many personal injury examples that go into play when someone wrecks your car while driving it. By reaching out to a car accident attorney, you can make sure that you’re treated fairly in the situation.
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