UNITED STATES—Carjacking is the fastest-growing violent crime in America, and there is nothing an average person can do to avoid the situation altogether. If you’ve ever been involved in a car jack, chances are that you’re curious about who would be responsible. This can be one of the most frustrating situations to find yourself in, significantly if your car or truck is damaged. In this post, we’ll explain which drivers are typically responsible if they get “car jacked” or their car is stolen.
What is My Responsibility if Someone Steals My Car?
If you have just been the victim of a carjacking or your car has been stolen, there are a few things you need to do right away, these include.
- Call the police
- Let your insurance company know about the theft
- Review your theft coverage limits
- Replace your registration and license plates
How Can You Pursue Compensation for a Stolen Vehicle?
If you’ve been the victim of auto theft, there are several ways that you can pursue compensation from the responsible parties. Here is what you need to do.
Get a Copy of the Police Report
The first thing to do after losing your car is to file a police report. This will help law enforcement track down the suspected thief and hold him or her accountable for their actions while also helping you prove ownership of your vehicle in court.
Contact Your Insurance Provider To File a Claim
If the theft occurred within 100 miles of your home, it is likely that your insurance provider will cover any damages or loss of property associated with the theft. You should contact them as soon as possible so they can file a claim on your behalf and begin investigating the incident.
Gather Information on Your Vehicle
It is essential to have as much information as possible about your vehicle. Details like the make and model of the car and its license plate number are critical in helping you recover your vehicle. Additionally, if there is identifying damage on the car, such as dents or scratches, you should take pictures of them so that they can be included in your claim. These details help prove ownership of the car and ensure that it is returned to its rightful owner.
Talk to an Attorney Who Can Help You Make a Claim Against the Responsible Party
If you want to pursue compensation for a stolen vehicle in California, then talk to an attorney who can help you make a claim against the responsible party. The attorney will evaluate all of your damages and determine whether or not they are eligible for reimbursement. If they decide that there is enough evidence to make this type of claim against someone else, then they will file a lawsuit on your behalf. This will allow them to seek damages from whoever stole your vehicle or caused damage to it while it was missing. Here is a good article about compensation if you’re involved in a carjacking accident in Oakland.
Does My Insurance Pay for My High-Jacked Car if Damaged?
Most car insurance policies include coverage for damage to your vehicle if it’s stolen. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance company will pay to replace your car after it’s been stolen and damaged. If you have collision coverage, your insurance company will pay to repair or replace your vehicle if it has been stolen and damaged in an accident.
What Happens if a Family Member or a Friend Takes Your Car Without Permission?
If a family member or friend takes your car without your permission, then you have the right to file a civil lawsuit against them. You may be able to recover damages for any damage done to the vehicle, as well as any legal fees associated with the lawsuit. If you have evidence that your car was in good working order prior to its being taken, such as receipts or pictures showing it was recently serviced, then it will be easier for you to win your case.
In California, it is illegal for anyone to take a vehicle without consent from its owner. In order to avoid being charged with theft by taking, however, the person must also be able to prove that he or she had reasonable belief that the owner had given him or her permission to use the vehicle.
If you lend someone your car and they get into an accident while driving it, you are still responsible for any damages they cause while operating it, even though they were not authorized by law to do so.
Who Is Responsible For The Injuries?
The answer depends on whether you have insurance that covers these types of incidents. If you don’t, then it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to recover any damages from the thief or his insurance company. But if you have comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy — which pays for damage to your car in an accident with another vehicle — then you could be able to make a claim against him.
Why Is It Important To Have a Lawyer When Your Car Is Stolen?
If you have a car stolen in LA, it is important to have an experienced car theft lawyer on your side. The legal process can be complicated, and it is important to have someone who knows the law working for you. Here are some reasons why hiring a lawyer is beneficial when your car is stolen:
- They can help you get your car back quicker
- They can help you file your insurance claims faster
- They know how to file police reports quickly
- They know what evidence is needed to prove you are legally entitled to compensation
When your car is hijacked and then involved in an accident while it is being driven by the hijacker, you may have a valid claim against your driver’s liability insurance. Under California law, your insurance will pay for the medical expenses of any third party injured in the car jack robbery. For example, if a pedestrian is hurt when you are hijacked, your policy will help pay for his or her medical bills.
Photo courtesy via Campbell by Unsplash.
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