What might happen if your vehicle is in an accident when someone other than you is behind the wheel? When a friend or family member asks to borrow your car, you may not think about the implications of a car crash. You might think it is a generous act to help out a friend or neighbor. After all, wouldn’t they do the same for you? But before lending your vehicle, you should consider it carefully, as the consequences may not be as you expected. 

First, before loaning your vehicle to anyone, make sure the driver has a valid license and check your auto insurance coverage language concerning other drivers. Consider checking the driver’s auto-insurance coverage also, and know the limitations of both policies, like age limits and deductibles. 

Let’s take a look at some key points you’ll need to consider if you lend your vehicle to someone else and they get into a wreck. 

3 Steps to Take After Someone Else Crashes Your Car

So you get that frantic phone call that your friend was in a car accident while driving your car. What do you do next? 

Take these three steps immediately:

Step 1: Call 911 

Whether you are present at the scene of the collision or not, this is the first step that must be taken. Not only is this an important action to alert medical personnel of any assistance needed on the scene but it is also important for the police to document the incident in a formal report. A police report is crucial to any claim for damages that will be submitted to the insurance companies and helps establish basic facts of the loss such as liability and possibly injuries. If the insurance carrier tries to dispute liability, the police report could be invaluable, especially if there are more than two parties involved in the collision. Often insurance carriers will try and point the finger at you or someone other than their insured for causing or contributing to the cause of the accident, and the police report helps establish the truth of what happened. 

Step 2: Collect Details

Gathering more information is essential, especially if a police report is unable to be obtained. In this case, ensure that you note any names, contact details, license plate, insurance, and registration of the other party or parties involved in the collision. If there were any witnesses or Good Samaritans on scene of the collision, it is a good idea to get their information as well. If you are not present at the scene, it is important to ensure the driver of your vehicle takes these actions. It is good practice to discuss this possibility with the driver before you permit them to drive your car.

Again, the more information gathered at the scene the more prepared you will be to make your case. Take pictures of the surroundings to establish the scene. Immediate pictures of property damage, orientation, and bodily injuries are incredibly valuable when building your case. Ask witnesses for their account of the event and take their contact information. 

Step 3: Seek Legal Counsel that you Trust as Soon as Possible 

As the vehicle owner, the onus falls on you to ensure you know what you’re covered for on your insurance policy in comparison with the policy of the driver, if any. The insurance claim will follow the vehicle (not the driver) as the primary policy, but there may be a necessity for a secondary plan under the driver’s policy if he or she had one. Especially if multiple parties are involved, the claim can get complicated quickly, and you will want to seek consultation with a trusted lawyer right away. 

Every accident is different and often unique factors come into play that will require sophisticated legal analysis. If you aren’t sure what your next step is, an experienced lawyer will be able to guide you through the complexities involved. Give us a call and let us see what we can do to help you in your situation.

Step 4: Know Your Car Insurance Coverage 

According to Spaulding Injury Law, car accident cases involve the cooperation of the vehicle owner, the driver, and the lawyer—someone who will fight for your rights and best interests every step of the way. For this reason, it’s imperative to know your vehicle’s insurance coverage when someone else drove your car and met an accident. Remember that auto insurance coverage generally follows the car and not the driver. Your insurance company or car insurance would likely have to pay the claim if you allow someone else to drive your car and met an accident. So, are you liable when someone drives your car as far as insurance coverage is concerned?

Here are the good-to-know facts about car insurance coverage:

• Amount of Coverage: The amount of compensation or insurance coverage will depend on the coverage stated in your policy. Any claim would hit your insurance record and affect your future auto insurance rates.

• Auto Liability Coverage: It would help pay for another person’s medical bills or any damaged vehicle brought about by the accident. 

• Collision Coverage: This coverage pays for your car repairs with a deductible or the amount you are responsible for paying before insurance coverage kicks in.

• Medical Payments Coverage: This insurance coverage would pay for the medical bills of your car’s injured driver.

• Exceptions: It’s important to understand a few exceptions about how your car insurance works because not all insurance coverage is the same. Don’t assume your car insurance will cover any damage. Some insurance policies don’t cover family members or relatives residing in your home unless their names are included in your policy. 

• Permissive Use: All drivers listed on the car insurance policy or to whom you give permission (indicated in the policy) to drive your car will be covered. However, some states provide a reduced coverage amount when someone else drives your vehicle.

Conclusion

Knowing your policy wording and inclusions is crucial, especially before allowing someone other than you to drive your vehicle. Insurance companies play a tough game when it comes to paying your claim. They will want you to prove whether you permitted the driver to use your vehicle. They will make you jump through hoops. The feat can become complicated quickly, and if you do not know your rights and responsibilities, you may be taken advantage of by the insurance carriers. If you are in need of a lawyer, the law firm you choose should work with the facts and evidence to minimize any fault assigned to the driver. Some firms have more experience in complicated claims than others, so it is essential to do your due diligence when engaging your legal counsel.

Author: Travis Patterson, Managing Partner of Patterson Law Group