Understanding Auto Damage Liability in Personal Driveway Incidents: A Case Study
In the realm of vehicle ownership, unexpected accidents can happen in the most familiar of settings — our own driveways. Recently, I experienced such an incident that highlights important considerations about liability, insurance coverage, and the best course of action.
The Scenario:
I am an individual living with my fiancée and her son in Wayne County, Michigan. My daily driver, a 2017 Ford Expedition, was parked in our driveway when an incident occurred. Her 20-year-old son, operating his ongoing project truck — a vintage 1974 Ford F100 — drove into the driveway. His truck, insured and licensed, was parked uphill from my vehicle. After alighting from his truck, he closed the door, which unexpectedly popped out of park and began rolling backward. It collided with the front corner of my Expedition, causing significant damage.
Details of the Incident:
– The truck had just been parked; the individual was clearly out of the vehicle at the time of the collision.
– My vehicle sustained damages estimated between $12,000 and $14,000, including bumper, headlight, aftermarket wheels, lift kit, and potential suspension component damage.
– The son’s truck only incurred minor scratches.
– Insurance coverage includes Broadened Collision with a $1,000 deductible.
Questions Arising:
This event raises fundamental questions regarding liability and insurance claims:
– Is the son’s action of exiting the vehicle and the resulting damage his responsibility, even if he was outside the truck?
– Should homeowners insurance be involved, or does this fall under auto liability?
– Could this be considered a random act or an act of God, affecting claim eligibility?
Financial Implications:
Considering the costs, it’s vital to evaluate which insurance plan might impact us more in the long term:
– With a comprehensive vehicle value of roughly $12-14K, repairs may exceed the current insurance payout limits.
– The possibility of increased premiums from filing a claim is a concern, especially given our prior homeowner insurance claim for ice dam damage made five years ago.
– If held responsible, this could impact the son’s driving record, adding to his previous at-fault incidents.
Repair Options:
While we could perform temporary repairs to make the vehicle safe and roadworthy, these would not restore it to showroom condition. My intent is to preserve the vehicle’s value, but given current circumstances, it may fall into the “good enough” category rather than pristine.
Personal Reflection
