What If The Person That Hits You is in a Stolen Car?
![Totaled Car](https://lipsig.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/car_accidents_with_stolen_cars_NYC.jpg)
If you were hurt in a crash caused by a driver operating a stolen car, you may be eligible to seek compensation from your own no-fault auto insurance coverage and hold the owner of the stolen car liable for your damages. In New York, a car owner can be held responsible for accidents involving their car even if they were not driving it.
What Are My Options for Recovering Compensation in a Stolen Car Accident?
All vehicle owners in New York must carry and maintain the following insurance policies:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – This no-fault coverage covers the following losses resulting from car accidents regardless of fault:
- All necessary and reasonable medical treatment and rehabilitation expenses related to the crash
- 80% of lost income, up to $2,000 max monthly for three years from the accident date
- $25 daily for up to one year from the accident date for covering other necessary and reasonable expenses due to the accident
- Liability Coverage – This covers damages you or anyone who drives your car with your permission caused to other people or their property.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage – This covers injuries you, your passengers, or your family might sustain in an accident with a hit-and-run driver or uninsured driver. It can also cover you if you get into an accident with a driver in a stolen car.
You can file a claim against your own PIP coverage and uninsured motorist coverage to seek compensation for your losses. In addition, you can seek compensation from the stolen car owner’s insurance provider for damages that are not covered by your PIP or uninsured motorist coverage.
Proving Liability in a Stolen Car Accident
In car accident claims, the burden of proof always lies with the injured victims. This means you must show that the stolen car’s owner could’ve prevented the car’s theft before the crash occurred. All vehicle owners have a legal duty to report the theft of their vehicles to the proper authorities, which means that if an owner failed to report the theft on time, you may have a stronger chance of pursuing compensation from the car owner.
It’s also crucial to keep in mind that other factors must also be considered when proving liability for stolen car accidents. So, it’s crucial that you discuss your specific situation with a Brooklyn car accident attorney who can help you better understand your case and what you may be up against.
Get In Touch With a Brooklyn Car Accident Attorney Today
Victims of stolen car accidents usually face various challenges when trying to pursue compensation for their injuries and accident-related losses. Fortunately, our Brooklyn car accident attorney is ready to fight on your behalf to secure the compensation you deserve if you got hurt in a crash due to another’s negligence.
To learn more about your case and options for compensation, please contact Lipsig, Shapey, Manus & Moverman today. You can arrange your free case evaluation with our Brooklyn car accident attorney by calling 347-822-3937 or filling out our online contact form.