Navigating the Aftermath of an Unforeseen Vehicle Collision in Your Driveway

Accidents can happen in the most unexpected places, and one recent incident left me contemplating the best course of action. As a proud vehicle owner and engaged partner, I found myself facing a rather unique dilemma when two unoccupied vehicles collided—right in my own driveway.

Let me set the scene: I was parked at home in my 2017 Expedition, a vehicle I’ve taken great care of and enjoyed without a car payment. My fiancé’s son, a 20-year-old with a burgeoning passion for classic cars, was eager to showcase his project vehicle, a 1974 Ford F100 truck. Fully licensed and insured, the truck was parked with a cautious intent. However, as he stepped out, the unexpected happened—the door closure caused the truck to pop out of gear, sending it rolling downwards toward my Expedition.

The incident unfolded quickly, and fortunately, it was all captured on camera. I could clearly see that he was just outside the truck when the collision occurred. While his vehicle suffered only a minor scratch, my Expedition sustained considerable damage, including a flat tire and significant dents that could amount to several thousand dollars in repairs. Given the value of my vehicle, which is currently paid off and worth between $12,000 and $14,000, I find myself at a crossroads regarding insurance claims.

The questions now weighing on my mind are: Is the young driver liable for this mishap even if he had just exited the vehicle? Should we consider filing a homeowner’s insurance claim, or is this an unfortunate act of nature? The implications of either decision carry weight—especially in light of my fiancé’s previous claim for a roofing issue we faced five years ago. The fear of increased rates from homeowners insurance looms large.

Moreover, there’s the concern about the young man’s driving record. If we were to determine fault against him, this collision would mark his third at-fault incident since he turned 16, adding another layer of complexity to our situation.

One potential route we can pursue is to make temporary repairs to my Expedition, ensuring that it remains safe and roadworthy, even if it doesn’t return to its previous aesthetic glory. However, that still feels like a bittersweet compromise, as I’ve worked hard to keep the vehicle in good condition.

On a personal note, while I strive to support my future stepson and his endeavor to restore his classic truck, it