Understanding Vehicle Collision Liability and Insurance Options in Your Home Driveway
Handling vehicle accidents that occur on private property can often be a complex and stressful process, especially when insurance coverage questions arise. Recently, a homeowner in Wayne County, Michigan, experienced such an incident involving two parked vehicles in their driveway, prompting important questions about liability, insurance claims, and potential financial impacts.
The Situation:
A 2017 Ford Expedition, owned outright and parked in the driveway, was involved in a minor collision with a 1974 Ford F100 truck driven by the homeowner’s fiancé’s son. The young man, aged 20, had recently exited his vehicle—a work-in-progress project truck—and was standing outside when, unexpectedly, the truck rolled backward, colliding with the Expedition’s front corner.
Despite the vehicle being unoccupied at the time, the truck’s movement caused noticeable damage: the Expedition suffered a flat tire, damage to the bumper and surrounding parts, and potentially harm to aftermarket wheels, tires, lift kit components, and suspension arms. Conversely, the truck’s damage appeared minimal, with only superficial scratches.
Insurance and Liability Considerations:
The homeowner holds broadened collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, and the damage is estimated to exceed this amount. The question at hand is whether the truck driver’s actions—stepping out of the vehicle—constitute fault in this incident and which insurance policy would generally be responsible for covering the damages.
In Michigan, liability often hinges on whether the vehicle’s operator or owner was negligent. Since the truck was not being driven and the young man had fully exited the vehicle before it started rolling, this raises questions about whether liability should fall on him, the vehicle owner (his mother), or whether the incident might be considered an act of God or a homeowner’s insurance claim.
Implications and Next Steps:
If it is determined that the truck driver was negligent—either by leaving a vehicle in gear or failing to secure it properly—his insurance could be liable for repairs, especially since the truck is insured and licensed. However, if liability is ambiguous, or if the vehicle’s movement was deemed an unpreventable incident, the homeowner’s insurance might need to cover the costs, potentially impacting premium rates.
Given the homeowner’s prior experience with a significant roof claim and concerns over potential rate increases, the decision to file through homeowners’ or auto insurance requires careful consideration. Typically, auto insurance is the primary route for vehicle-related damages, but circumstances vary based on specific policies
