Navigating an Unfortunate Accident at Home: A Reflection

When accidents occur, particularly those that happen within the comfort of our own driveways, they can lead to a myriad of questions regarding responsibility, insurance, and the path forward. This is a situation that recently unfolded in my life, and it has been a source of frustration and contemplation.

As a single individual engaged to my significant other, I find myself living with her and her son. Recently, my 2017 Ford Expedition, which has been a reliable vehicle, was parked securely in our driveway. Meanwhile, her son, a 20-year-old driving his 1974 Ford F100 project truck, decided to maneuver in. Though his truck was licensed and insured, the events that transpired next were unexpected.

After parking his truck, he exited and closed the door—only for the vehicle to roll backward and collide with the corner of my Expedition. Fortunately, we were all outside, and the incident was captured on camera, showing that he had just stepped out of the truck.

The aftermath was disappointing. My Expedition sustained a flat tire and damages to the bumper, headlight, and possibly more due to its aftermarket modifications. In contrast, the damage to his project truck was minimal—just a scratch. Given that my vehicle is valued between $12,000 and $14,000 and is fully paid off, the prospect of repairs seemed daunting. I have comprehensive collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible, but the total repair costs would likely exceed that amount significantly.

Now, I’m left pondering a few important questions. Who is at fault in this scenario? Since he was technically out of the vehicle when it rolled, does that absolve him of responsibility? Should I file a claim through homeowners insurance, considering this occurred on our property? Alternatively, could this be classified as a random act or an act of God?

Each option carries its own consequences. Given that we had a costly ice dam claim on the house five years ago, I am hesitant to go through homeowners insurance, fearing another potential rate hike. Furthermore, if this incident counts against him, it would mark his third at-fault incident since turning 16, with two occurring in the current year alone, which could have further implications for him.

While we could undertake some repairs to make the Expedition safe and roadworthy, it wouldn’t reach the standard of what a body shop would provide. Unfortunately, this vehicle was my last bastion of being a “