What happens if your car was stolen and was later in an accident?
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What happens if your car was stolen and was later in an accident?
My vehicle got stolen, although I had a club on the steering wheel and everything. The person got
into an accident with another vehicle. Now I know the other vehicle has right to file an insurance claim, however can they sue me personally even though I was not in the car nor did the person driving my vehicle had permission? According to the insurance company, the other party knows the vehicle was stolen because the tags were popped off and the people ran. When the police arrived they had to get information from the vehicle’s VIN.
Asked on January 6, 2017 under Accident Law, Maryland
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Legally, if the car was stolen, you are *not* liable for any accidents the criminal got into, since you were not "at fault" in any way--the criminal did not have your permission to drive the car, so you are not responsible for what he/she did. That doesn't mean the other side may not try to sue you, but if you can prove theft--which it seems you can--you'd have a good defense.
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