Understanding Vehicle Collision Liability on Residential Property: A Case Study
When two parked vehicles collide on private property, questions of liability and insurance coverage often arise. This scenario highlights the complexities faced by vehicle owners and homeowners alike, especially when the incident involves personal vehicles on a residence’s driveway.
Case Overview
Imagine a residential setting where a 2017 Ford Expedition, fully paid off and insured with broad coverage, is parked securely in the driveway of a home in Wayne County, Michigan. Simultaneously, a 20-year-old individual, residing with his mother and her partner, operates a vintage 1974 Ford F100 truck as part of a ongoing restoration project. The truck, registered and insured, was parked uphill from the Expedition.
During a routine exit, the young man steps out of his truck after parking. At that moment, the vehicle unexpectedly shifts out of park and rolls backward, striking the front corner of the Expedition. The incident is captured on nearby security cameras, confirming that he was outside the vehicle at the time of movement. The collision results in significant damage to the Expedition—bent bumper, damaged headlight, cracked fender, and potential harm to aftermarket wheels, tires, and suspension components. Conversely, the vintage truck sustains only superficial scratches.
Insurance Implications and Liability
Given the circumstances, several critical questions emerge:
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Who bears responsibility for the damages—the vehicle owner or the homeowner’s insurance policy?
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Does the act of leaving the vehicle parked outside and the subsequent movement fall under homeowner liability?
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Are there considerations of “acts of God” or accidental circumstances that might exclude liability?
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How do insurance policies respond in such scenarios, especially regarding liability coverage?
In this particular case, since the young man was clearly out of the vehicle when it moved, the incident may be viewed as a result of negligence or an unexpected mechanical malfunction. If the vehicle was properly parked with engaged parking brakes, liability may hinge on the condition of the truck’s parking mechanism. If the vehicle rolled due to mechanical failure, the owner might be held responsible for the damages under their insurance policy, subject to deductibles and coverage limits.
Financial and Practical Considerations
The estimated repair costs for the Expedition range between $12,000 and $14,000, which exceeds the individual’s deductible of $1,000 under comprehensive collision coverage. While the vehicle can potentially be repaired sufficiently to be roadworthy, the owner is contemplating whether to repair it to its previous condition or settle for a less-intensive fix
