Addressing an Unfortunate Incident: When Two Unoccupied Vehicles Collide
Recently, I experienced an unexpected incident that left me grappling with the implications of two unoccupied vehicles colliding in my own driveway. As a resident of Wayne County, Michigan, I find myself questioning the next steps, the responsibility involved, and the potential financial fallout from this situation.
Let me provide a brief overview of what happened. I live with my significant other and her son, who is 20 years old and covered under her insurance policy. My 2017 Expedition was parked securely when the young man decided to back his project vehicle, a 1974 Ford F100 truck, into the driveway. After getting out of the truck and shutting the door, the vehicle unexpectedly slipped out of park and rolled backward, ultimately colliding with the front corner of my Expedition.
Fortunately, we have video footage capturing the sequence of events, clearly showing that he was just stepping out of the vehicle when the incident occurred. The aftermath, however, tells a more complex story. My vehicle sustained a flat tire, damage to the bumper and headlight, and possibly more extensive issues with its wheels and suspension system. In contrast, the F100 only received a minor scratch.
From a financial standpoint, my Expedition’s value falls between $12,000 and $14,000, and I am pleased to say that it is paid off. I hold a Broad Form Collision policy with a deductible of $1,000, and I am bracing for repair costs that will certainly exceed that amount if I decide to restore it properly.
This brings me to the crux of my dilemma: Who bears the blame in this scenario? Is the young driver at fault, given that he was technically outside the vehicle? Should I consider filing a claim through homeowners insurance, or could this be categorized as an act of God? Each option carries its own implications, particularly financially. The possibility of a rate adjustment looms large in my mind, especially as my partner previously filed a costly claim related to ice dam damage on the house.
On a personal level, this incident could also have significant consequences for the young driver. Should this event be marked as an at-fault incident, it would become the third incident on his record since he began driving at 16, with the second occurring earlier this year. The pressure of these accumulated incidents weighs heavily.
While repairing my vehicle for safety is an option, doing so without reaching out to a professional body shop
