After a car accident, it is fairly clear cut that once fault is determined, either your or the other driver’s car insurance company should cover damages. Crashes happen all the time, but what happens when a friend borrowing your vehicle is involved in an accident? Or vice versa: what happens if you get into an accident while driving a friend’s car? There are many factors to think of when this happens. Keep reading to find out how to handle this type of situation.
My Friend Was in a Car Accident When Driving My Car
Many don’t think twice when loaning their vehicle to a friend or family member for a brief period. It’s important to know that your insurance will not cover them. Insurance applies to the car itself. If someone is involved in an accident in your vehicle, your insurance will still apply to the car, but not to the driver.
If the person involved in the accident has their own insurance, the driver’s insurance will represent and defend them, while your insurance will represent and defend you. If your friend has no insurance, your insurance may only defend the driver on the policy (you). There may be a personal financial risk to you. If a lawsuit pins the fault on your friend, you have personal financial responsibility as the vehicle owner. However, if neither you nor your friend is insured, the person injured could sue both you (the vehicle owner) and your friend (the driver).
Generally, an owner who allows another driver access to their vehicle is liable for the driver’s negligence behind the wheel. But, if the vehicle owner did not provide permission, they may not be responsible for the accident.
Does My Car Insurance Cover Other Drivers?
Car insurance will cover other drivers when you permit them to drive your vehicle, but it will only protect you up to the amount of your policy. If a case is not settled within policy limits, you, as the vehicle’s owner, could be responsible for paying large fines that otherwise could have been avoided. You should know your insurance policy’s rules and what it covers before loaning your car to a friend. Likewise, consider asking your friend about their policy before you borrow their car.
What to Do If Someone Else Crashes My Car
It’s essential to act quickly after an accident, whether someone crashed your car or you crashed someone else’s car. However, there may be a lot going through your head, so here are a few things to remember:
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
The best first step is always to contact a car accident lawyer. Not all car accidents are the same, and a lawyer can assist with legal counsel based on your specific situation. If the accident was not the driver’s fault, an attorney might be able to seek compensatory damages.
Document the Accident
Make sure either you or your friend calls the police after the accident. This will create a legal report for the insurance company. If you were in the car, take notes and photos of the scene, damages, and injuries.
Contact the Attorneys at Michigan Legal Center
Have you recently caused a car accident in a vehicle other than your own, or has a friend crashed your car? Consider contacting the attorneys at Michigan Legal Center. A knowledgeable attorney will fight for you. Our attorneys have more than 20 years of experience and are here to help you answer any questions you may have. Call us at 1-800-961-8477 or contact us today to receive your free consultation.