Understanding Responsibility and Insurance in Garage Collisions: A Case Study
Navigating vehicle accidents within private property can be complex, especially when multiple parties are involved. Recent events highlight the importance of understanding liability and insurance coverage when two parked vehicles mysteriously collide in your driveway.
Case Overview:
A homeowner in the Detroit suburb of Wayne County found himself facing an unexpected situation involving his parked 2017 Ford Expedition and a family member’s vintage project truck. The homeowner, who is single but living with his fiancée and her son, witnessed an incident where his vehicle sustained damage after another vehicle was parked nearby.
Details of the Incident:
The fiancé’s 20-year-old son, operating a 1974 Ford F100 truck—which he primarily uses for restoration projects—drove into the driveway. His truck was licensed and insured, although still a work in progress. After parking uphill from the Expedition, he exited the vehicle, which was still in gear, with the door closing behind him. Unexpectedly, the truck rolled backward, striking the front corner of the Expedition.
The homeowner’s camera footage confirmed that the young man had fully exited the vehicle. Nonetheless, the truck’s movement caused damage to the Expedition, which includes a flat tire, bumper, headlight, and potentially more extensive damage to aftermarket wheels, tires, lift kit, and suspension components.
Insurance and Liability Considerations:
Questions arise regarding who bears responsibility for the damages: Is it the vehicle owner? Does homeowner’s insurance cover incidents involving parked vehicles? Or is this an unpredictable act of nature?
In this case, the Expedition is valued between $12,000 and $14,000 and is fully paid off. The homeowner maintains comprehensive auto coverage with a $1,000 deductible, which could potentially cover repairs exceeding that amount. Meanwhile, the young man’s vehicle, primarily a project car, has only superficial scratches.
Liability Analysis:
Generally, in scenarios where a driver exits a parked vehicle that then causes damage, liability can be contested. If the vehicle was left in gear, the owner could be deemed partly responsible due to oversight. However, since the driver had just exited and was outside the vehicle, some argue that it is the driver’s responsibility at that moment. Insurance policies—auto or homeowner’s—may provide coverage, but this depends on the specifics of each policy and local laws.
Financial Implications:
One concern is the financial impact of filing claims—especially considering previous at-fault incidents involving the young driver. Suing the homeowner
