Navigating Unfortunate Circumstances: A Collision in Our Driveway

Recently, we encountered an unexpected and somewhat frustrating scenario right in our own driveway. As engaging as life’s little dramas can be, this one left us questioning how to move forward with the damages incurred.

I currently live with my fiancé and her son, who recently decided to take his 1974 Ford F100—still a work in progress—down the driveway. The vehicle is completely licensed and insured, which is a relief given the situation that unfolded. He had parked his truck on a slope and stepped out to shut the door. Unfortunately, the truck was not secured in park and began to roll backward, colliding with my parked 2017 Expedition.

We were all present at the time, and the incident was clearly recorded on our security camera, showing that he had just exited the vehicle when it began to move.

The aftermath of this collision has left my Expedition with several damages, including a flat tire, a compromised bumper, a damaged headlight, and potential issues with the suspension due to the aftermarket wheels and lift. On the other hand, the F100 only sustained a minor scratch.

With my vehicle valued at approximately $12,000 to $14,000 and fully paid off, my collision coverage comes with a $1,000 deductible. Given the extent of the damages, I suspect repair costs will exceed this amount. We reside in Wayne County, Michigan—specifically a Detroit suburb—and several questions now loom over us.

Most notably, who is at fault in this situation? Is it fair to put the blame on him, despite him being out of the vehicle? Should we consider filing through homeowners insurance, or is this merely an unfortunate act beyond anyone’s control? We’ve had previous concerns about filing a claim for a recent ice dam incident, as we worry about potential rate increases on our policy.

My fiancé’s son finding himself in this predicament only adds to the complexity. This would be his third at-fault incident since turning 16, and his second this year—certainly not a desirable situation for a young driver.

While we could make some quick fixes to ensure the vehicle is safe for the road, I am disheartened by how this impacts the overall condition of my Expedition. It was in relatively good form, and I had hoped to maintain it in that “nice vehicle” category for a few more years without payments.

In the bigger scheme of things, it’s