Title: Navigating Vehicle Accident Claims: A Personal Experience and Key Considerations
In everyday life, accidents can happen unexpectedly, often raising questions about liability and insurance coverage. Recently, I experienced such a situation involving two parked vehicles in my driveway, which has prompted me to reflect on the complexities of insurance claims and responsibility.
My scenario involves my 2017 Ford Expedition, which was parked in my driveway in Wayne County, Michigan. At the same time, my fiancée’s son—age 20, covered under his mother’s insurance—arrived in his vintage 1974 Ford F100 truck, which is currently a work-in-progress project vehicle. He parked his truck uphill from my vehicle, exited, and closed the door. As he stepped away, the door unexpectedly popped out of park, causing the truck to roll backward and collide with the front corner of my Expedition.
The incident was captured on our security cameras, confirming that he had just exited the vehicle when the rollback occurred. The damage to my vehicle includes a flat tire, bumper damage, and potential issues with aftermarket wheels, lift kit, and suspension components like the A-arm. My truck, on the other hand, sustained only minor scratches.
I carry broadened collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, and insurance estimates suggest repair costs could exceed this amount, given the extent of the damage. The value of my vehicle is approximately $12,000 to $14,000, and it is fully paid off. Considering these factors, I am trying to determine whether the incident qualifies as his fault, even though he was out of the vehicle at the time, and whether it falls under homeowners insurance, auto policy, or a potential act of God.
This situation raises important questions about liability and insurance coverage:
- Who bears the responsibility if the vehicle moves unexpectedly after the occupant exits?
- Is my homeowner’s insurance applicable for the damages caused by another vehicle parked on my property?
- Would the incident be considered an unpreventable act, thus perhaps not covered by standard auto or homeowners policies?
- And importantly, what are the long-term financial implications? My fiancée and I have had prior claims, including a significant ice dam incident five years ago, which makes us cautious about increasing our insurance premiums.
Given my circumstances, repairing my vehicle to a safe, roadworthy condition might be the most practical option, even if it doesn’t restore it to showroom quality. I’ve taken good care of my Expedition, aiming to keep it in
