if the driver of a vehicle in a hit run accident is found at fault, but has no insurance, isnt the registered owner of the vehicle liable for the damage?
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if the driver of a vehicle in a hit run accident is found at fault, but has no insurance, isnt the registered owner of the vehicle liable for the damage?
My Son was driving on a residential street in Marysville, WA. ha came to a stop at an intersection and a truck turned onto the street my Son was stopped at, the suspect failed to complete the turn due to travelling too fast and smashed into my Sons car. The suspect then left the scene but his front license plate had gotten stuck in the front of my Sons car. Suspect not found so would the registered owner be liable for the damages?
Asked on October 24, 2016 under Accident Law, Washington
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
The registered owner of the vehicle that was at fault in the accident is liable whether or not the driver is located/identified. Your son's property damage claim (cost of repairs to his car) should be filed with the registered owner's insurance carrier.
If the registered owner does not have insurance and your son has uninsured motorist coverage on his policy, your son can file an uninsured motorist claim with his insurance company to have the property damage to his car repaired.
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