Victims of accidents involving stolen vehicles may suffer from financial burdens, emotional anguish, and physical injuries. Unfortunately, this can cause significant problems in the future, such as financial strain, if not resolved.
Generally, the driver at fault covers the damages of a car accident, except if the vehicle is stolen. Since the driver in a stolen car accident might not be the car's owner and might not have insurance, these kinds of accidents often include complicated legal situations. As such, you will need to rely heavily on your insurance policy to cover the damage expenses of the crash.
This article will help you understand your legal rights in a car accident involving a stolen vehicle and how to defend your case.
Who Pays for Damage Caused by a Stolen Car?
Victims of accidents caused by drivers with stolen cars frequently ask, “Who pays for the damage caused by a stolen vehicle?”
While it is true that the at-fault party usually covers the expenses of the damage, a driver who steals a car most likely won't be able to afford to have insurance to pay for your compensation. If a driver with a stolen vehicle causes your accident, you must depend on your insurance policy.
The following insurance coverages can pay for the damage expenses of a car collision with a stolen vehicle:
Collision Insurance
Collision Insurance covers the vehicle damage costs of accidents under these conditions:
- An accident involving another car,
- A run-in with an object, such as a fence or a tree, or
- A single-car collision in which the vehicle rolls or falls over.
If a driver with a stolen vehicle hits you, and the accident results in vehicle damages only, your collision insurance can repair or replace your car. However, this type of insurance typically has an amount limit based on the actual cash value of your vehicle minus depreciation.
For instance, your car was totaled in an accident with a stolen car. In this case, your collision insurance will most likely pay for the depreciated worth of your vehicle minus your deductible. That means you will not obtain a replacement vehicle newer than your past car’s make and model.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Uninsured Motorist Coverage protects you from financial burden if you are hit by a driver without auto insurance. This type of insurance can cover the following;
- your injuries,
- your passengers’ injuries, and
- your vehicle’s damage.
Since Uninsured Motorist Coverage isn’t required in some states, you must purchase it alone. It is highly recommended to obtain Uninsured Motorist Coverage amounting to $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident.
Medical Payment or MedPay
Medical Payments Coverage is an add-on to a car insurance policy that deals with medical expenses incurred from a car accident.
This insurance includes the following benefits for you and any other victims of a car accident caused by a stolen vehicle:
- health insurance deductibles,
- hospital visits,
- X-rays,
- surgery,
- ambulance bills,
- emergency medical technician fees,
- treatment, rehabilitation, and nursing care, and
- medical equipment if necessary.
If you have one or more of the insurance policies mentioned, they can protect you from financial responsibilities if you are hit by a stolen car. However, insurance providers always try to reduce your compensation or avoid paying it altogether. In such cases, lawyers from personal injury law firms can help you maximize your settlement by communicating with the insurance company and defending your claim.
What Happens If I Don’t Have Insurance?
If you don’t have insurance, you will need to shoulder the expenses of the damage independently.
Additionally, you may face legal consequences since most states mandate all vehicle drivers to obtain insurance coverage. For instance, you must have the following liability requirements if you are a private car driver0 in California:
- $15,000 for injury or death to one person.
- $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person.
- $5,000 for property damage.
Failure to adhere to the minimum liability insurance requirements may be subject to the following legal penalties:
- license suspension or revocation,
- fines from $100 to $500, or
- vehicle impounding.0
Do I Need to Go to Court if I’m Hit by a Stolen Car?
If a driver with a stolen vehicle hits you, you must report the accident to the police immediately to apprehend the thief.
However, it is not ideal to go to court for an accident caused by a stolen vehicle since the driver is most likely incapable of paying for settlements. Instead, you must swiftly contact a personal injury lawyer who can communicate with your insurance provider. In this way, you will be able to receive maximum compensation for the damages caused by the crash despite being hit by a stolen vehicle.
What Damages Can I Include In My Settlement from A Stolen Vehicle Accident?
The damages you may include in your stolen vehicle settlement may depend on your insurance coverage. Typically, the following damages are covered by most insurance policies:
- medical expenses,
- vehicle repair or replacement costs,
- lost wages,
- future loss of income,
- pain and suffering,
- emotional distress, and
- loss of life enjoyment.
Having a personal injury lawyer is beneficial in case you are in an accident with the driver of a stolen vehicle. This is because you will need to determine your insurance coverage and defend your compensation from the insurance provider.
Additionally, a legal expert can quantify non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, and add them to your payout.
What to Do If You Are Hit by a Stolen Vehicle
If you are hit by a stolen car, you must respond to the accident immediately to avoid experiencing health complications if you have injuries and losing your case:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Check if you have injuries.
- If you are physically able, gather the driver’s information, such as:
- their name,
- their driver’s license number or identification card number (if there is any), and
- the stolen vehicle’s plate number and car type.
- Take photos of the accident, including:
- your injuries and other damages,
- the driver’s vehicle damages, and
- the surroundings during the accident.
- Gather the contact details and testimonies of witnesses.
- Wait for the police to respond.
- Cooperate with the authorities.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer.
Who Can Help Me Maximize My Car Accident Settlement?
An insurance company is responsible for covering the damage expenses of a car accident if you are involved in one. However, the reality is, they do their best to reduce your settlement or entirely avoid paying for compensation, especially if you have limited knowledge of your insurance policy coverage.
If your insurance provider insists on lowball compensation, a personal injury lawyer can communicate with your insurance company and defend the maximum payout you deserve.
