Understanding Your Vehicle Collision: Insurance and Liability Insights
Dealing with an unexpected accident involving two parked vehicles can be a stressful experience, especially when it happens on your own property. Recently, a situation unfolded where two unoccupied vehicles collided in a residential driveway, raising questions about liability, insurance coverage, and potential financial implications. Here’s an in-depth look at what happened and how to navigate similar circumstances.
The Scenario
In this case, I’m a homeowner living with my fiancée and her son in Wayne County, Michigan, a Detroit suburb. My primary vehicle, a 2017 Ford Expedition, was parked in the driveway. Meanwhile, my fiancée’s son, a 20-year-old with a valid driver’s license and insured under his mother’s policy, arrived in his vintage 1974 Ford F100 pickup truck, a work-in-progress project vehicle.
While parked uphill from my Expedition, he exited the truck, which was securely in the park position. Upon closing his truck’s door, the vehicle unexpectedly shifted out of gear and began to roll backward, striking the front corner of my Expedition. Fortunately, there were witnesses—and camera footage confirming that he had just exited the truck at the time of the incident.
The Damage
My Expedition sustained notable damage: a flat tire, dented bumper, damaged headlight, and possible harm to aftermarket wheels, tires, lift kit, and A-arm components. Estimated repair costs are substantial—likely exceeding $12,000—or more if detailed repairs are performed by professionals. Conversely, the F100 truck only suffered minor scratches.
Insurance and Liability Considerations
Given the circumstances, questions arise:
-
Is the individual who exited the vehicle liable for the collision, even if he was out of the vehicle at the time?
-
Would homeowner’s insurance cover the damages?
-
Is this considered an act of God or a random incident?
In many cases, liability depends on vehicle control and operator negligence. Since your vehicle was unattended and stationary, the fault may hinge on whether the truck was properly secured and whether the driver was handling the vehicle correctly. If the vehicle rolled due to gear shift malfunction or failure to secure it, this could influence liability.
Regarding insurance, your auto policy with broadened collision coverage typically covers damages to your vehicle regardless of fault, subject to the deductible. Since the damage exceeds your deductible of $1,000, a claim might be straightforward, but it may also impact your premiums over time, especially given your driving history and prior at-fault
