Understanding Liability and Insurance Implications After a Driveway Collision
Living in Wayne County, Michigan, and managing vehicle ownership can sometimes lead to unexpected incidents, especially when multiple vehicles are involved on your property. Recently, a situation unfolded where two parked vehicles in a residential driveway inadvertently collided, raising questions about liability, insurance coverage, and the best course of action moving forward.
The Incident Overview
In this case, I am a homeowner living with my fiancé and her son. My primary vehicle, a 2017 Ford Expedition, was parked in the driveway when my fiancé’s son, a 20-year-old who drives a 1974 Ford F-100 truck (a work-in-progress project with a valid license and insurance), entered the driveway. His truck was parked uphill from my vehicle. After exiting his truck and closing the door, it unexpectedly shifted out of park and rolled backward, hitting the front corner of my Expedition.
Fortunately, the whole event was captured on security cameras, confirming he had just exited the vehicle. The damage to my Expedition includes a flat tire, bumper damage, and possible harm to aftermarket wheels, a lift kit, and suspension components like the A-arm. Meanwhile, his truck sustained only minor scratches.
Financial Impact and Vehicle Valuation
My Expedition is valued between $12,000 and $14,000 and is fully paid off. Given the extensive damage, especially to critical parts, repairs could easily exceed my insurance deductibles and coverage limits. I carry broadened collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. The damages likely surpass this amount, which complicates the claim process.
Liability Considerations and Insurance Options
One of the pressing questions is whether my fiancé’s son is at fault since he had just exited the vehicle, and it rolled backward without external provocation. Typically, in scenarios where a vehicle moves unintentionally after the driver leaves it, liability can be attributed to negligence—such as failing to set the parking brake properly or leaving the transmission in park.
From an insurance standpoint, both homeowners and auto policies come into play. Since the incident occurred on private property and involved parked vehicles, it’s crucial to determine whether homeowners insurance might cover some damages, or if an auto insurance claim is more appropriate. If liability coverage applies, this could influence how damages are settled and whether the other driver’s insurer may be involved.
Financial Implications
Considering the available coverage, if the damage exceeds coverage limits, I could be personally responsible for the remainder. Additionally, filing a
