What to do if a driver n a stolen vehicle hit my parked car?
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What to do if a driver n a stolen vehicle hit my parked car?
After the accident happened police informed me that it was a stolen vehicle and they need to still find the owner and other details of the car. Again, the accident was no fault of mine, so who has to cover the repair expenses and diminished car value expense. Since the vehicle which causes accident was a stolen one if that company doesn’t take responsibility, how can I get the diminished value and repair cost? Since my policy falls under state law, does the state have a law to pay the diminished value? Or does the law depend on which state the accident has occured?
Asked on December 13, 2012 under Accident Law, Wisconsin
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
1) The criminal who was driving the stolen car would most likely be liable--you could sue him or her for the money. Of course, he or she may not have any assets, money, or (legal) income to pay.
2) The owner of the stolen car would not be liable, since a person is not responsible for the criminal actions of people not under his or her control.
3) The may regulate insurance policies, but is not responsible for paying any damages or losses covered by them.
Sometime, unfortunately, there is no one else available to pay for your losses, even when you yourself are not at fault.
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