Legal Options Are Available After You're Hit By A Stolen Vehicle
Posted on: 28 January 2021
Some car thefts end in an auto accident. If you are involved in an accident with another driver, you might discover that the driver doesn't own the vehicle and has stolen it. This will also likely mean that the driver does not have an insurance provider who could settle with you.
The Owner's Insurance Likely Won't Apply
Insurance usually follows a car, and the insurance policy will cover a driver even if they are not listed, as long as they received permission to drive the car. However, since a car thief does not have permission to drive the vehicle, the insurance provider would not cover the vehicle and would not pay for your damages if the other driver was at fault.
When the Driver Leaves the Scene
Oftentimes, the driver of the stolen vehicle will flee the scene because they are trying to evade prosecution. If this is the case, you will want to file a claim with your auto accident insurance provider and also find an auto accident attorney experienced with hit and run accidents.
When You Know Who Was Driving
The driver might choose to not drive away from the scene, or they may be unable to drive away due to the state of the stolen vehicle or may have been apprehended. In this case, you will need to pursue the case in the same manner that you would pursue a case involving an uninsured driver.
You will want to speak with an auto accident attorney regarding whether you should pursue a lawsuit against the driver, or if you should simply file a claim with your insurance provider if you have uninsured motorist coverage. While a criminal is less likely to have the assets necessary to cover your damages, this is not always the case.
What an Auto Accident Attorney Will Do
An auto accident attorney might work with a private investigator to go and investigate the other driver to determine if the driver has any assets you may be able to collect. Then, the attorney can help you throughout the process of filing a lawsuit and collecting assets from the driver.
For example, you may be able to levee the driver's bank account. You may want to garnish the driver's wages but you may not be able to do so since they will likely end up in prison for stealing the car. However, if the driver is released on probation, this may be an option.
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