At Maison Law, we are here to represent all victims of car accidents in California involving stolen vehicles. We understand that it can be overwhelming to become involved in an accident with a stolen vehicle, especially when it comes to legal recourse for your damages. To move forward, you can contact a California car accident lawyer who has handled these types of cases in the past.
Liability in a California Car Accident Involving a Stolen Vehicle
It is a nightmare scenario: You are driving along on a highway in California when, suddenly, another driver strikes your vehicle. You find out in the hours after the accident that the other driver was in a stolen vehicle at the time of the crash. How will you afford to pay the bills after one of these horrific accidents?
After a car accident involving a stolen vehicle, you will likely first try to rely heavily on your own auto insurance when it comes to medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. However, what happens when your insurance doesn’t cover everything? The truth is, most drivers in a stolen vehicle will not have insurance of their own or their insurance won’t be able to cover all of your bills. This is why it may be necessary to move forward with a lawsuit against the at-fault party.
Determining liability is not always easy to do. At first glance, you may think that the owner of the stolen vehicle will be to blame. However, it was not their fault that the vehicle was stolen. If they did not give express permission to the party who was driving the vehicle, then they may not be liable in any way for the resulting accident. The thief is almost always the liable party and their insurance will become involved, or a personal injury lawsuit could result.
When a Hit-and-Run Accident Involving a Stolen Vehicle Occurs
When a driver in a stolen vehicle is involved in an accident, they will sometimes attempt to flee the scene so that they can evade liability for a collision. If the thief is later apprehended by police, you can move forward with a normal lawsuit against them for your financial recovery. But what happens if the driver is not found?
When the identity of the at-fault driver cannot be determined, you still have options. You will make a claim against your own car insurance provider if you have uninsured motorist coverage. This can help you cover expenses even when a driver made the careless decision to flee the scene of the wreck.
Injuries Present in Stolen Vehicle Accidents in California
In a car accident involving a stolen vehicle, the driver may have been speeding away from the area and was traveling at speeds much higher than the posted limit. This means that a resulting accident could involve large amounts of force and catastrophic results. Some of the injuries seen in accidents involving stolen vehicles include the following:
- Whiplash and other neck injuries
- Paralysis and other spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Burns or scarring
- Soft tissue damage
- Psychological pain and suffering
The injuries that result from a car accident involving a stolen vehicle can be painful and require expensive treatment. On top of this, they could keep you out of returning to work for some time. If you have sustained injuries in an accident and know that another party is to blame, you should speak with an attorney immediately to protect your legal rights.
What Damages Are Available After a Stolen Vehicle Accident?
If you decide to bring a personal injury claim to recover damages after an accident involving a stolen vehicle, you may find that you are eligible for a variety of damages. These include some of the following:
- Payment for your medical expenses and those in the future
- Lost income and wages you expect in the future
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs and medical equipment-related expenses
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Wrongful death benefits
- Property repairs or replacement damages
Contact a California Car Accident Lawyer Today
Dealing with the insurance company after a California car accident can be stressful. On top of this, there are many laws associated with car accidents that you may not be familiar with. This can leave you in a confusing situation that you are not prepared to face alone.
Luckily, at Maison Law, our compassionate and knowledgeable California car accident lawyers are here to assist you and your family after a car accident. No matter the circumstances of your claim, we want to answer any questions you have and provide you with resources you need to move forward. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free and confidential case consultation.
